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Article
Publication date: 10 October 2016

Tian Xie, Ya-nan Shi and Jing Zhou

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of materialism on employee engagement in China. Mediating role of employees’ autonomy need satisfaction in workplace was…

800

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of materialism on employee engagement in China. Mediating role of employees’ autonomy need satisfaction in workplace was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 217 employees from various companies located across 19 provinces and towns in China. These participants completed three self-report scales, including materialistic values, employee engagement and autonomy need satisfaction at work. Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze data.

Findings

Results revealed that as hypothesized, autonomy need satisfaction at work fully mediated the effects of materialism on employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by identifying the measure of materialism that is not robust at an organizational and national level. Similarly, lack of existing literature including use of cross-sectional research design around materialism also added to the limitations of this study. Limitations aside, the current study suggests that increasing materialism within Chinese organizations is likely to exert potentially significant adverse effects on employee engagement and, hence, the overall quality of work.

Originality/value

The current study has empirically discovered a possible relationship between materialism and employee engagement, which is rarely examined in previous studies. In addition, the study also proposes a psychological mechanism through which materialistic values can influence employee engagement. The findings are practically important to human resource management practices in China and theoretically important for the exploration of antecedents of employee engagement.

Details

Journal of Chinese Human Resource Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8005

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2020

Frank Tian Xie, Naveen Donthu and Wesley J. Johnston

This paper aims to present a new framework that describes the relationship among market entry order and timing, the advantages accruing to first-movers and late-movers, entry…

1802

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new framework that describes the relationship among market entry order and timing, the advantages accruing to first-movers and late-movers, entry timing premium (ETP), marketing strategy and enduring market performance of the firms. The framework, empirically tested using data from 241 business executives, expands extant research into new territory beyond first- and late-mover advantages in an attempt to reconcile a few streams of research in the area and provides an entry related, strategic assessment tool (ETP) for the managers. Contribution to marketing strategy theory and managerial implications are also presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included informants in a firm’s strategic business unit who were the most familiar with a new product’s commercial launch, market condition at launch, competitor offerings, marketing activities and capabilities and eventual integration into or withdrawal from the product’s portfolio. Therefore, for the survey, the study targeted chief executive officers, vice presidents of marketing or sales, product or sales managers, general managers and regional managers. Both preference bias (Narus, 1984) and survivor biases among the respondents were addressed.

Findings

The research result of this study reveals two very significant aspects of marketing and marketing strategies. First, the importance of financial, pricing and cost strategies further attests to the fiercely competitive nature of the global market today and the tendency for firms to commoditize most products and services. An effective financial and pricing strategy, coupled with a higher level of ETP, is capable of leading a firm to initial market success in the product-market in which it competes. Both ETP (a positional advantage and resource of the firm) and financial and pricing strategies (a deliberate strategic decision of the management) are important to achieve this goal.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in several ways. The effects of entry order and timing on market performance could be dependent on the types of industries and types of product categories involved. However, as the hypotheses were well supported, the “industry specific” factors would provide “fine-tuning” in the future study. Second, the nature of the product (goods or services) may also present varying effects on the relationship studied (for differences between manufacturing and service firms in pioneering advantages, see Song et al., 1999). Services’ intangible nature, difficulty in protecting property rights, high involvement of boundary-spanning employees and customers, high reliance on delivery and quality, and ease of imitation may alter the proposed relationships in the model and the moderating effects. Third, although this study used a “retrospective” protocol approach in the data collection by encouraging respondents to recall market, product and business information, this study is not longitudinal. Lack of longitudinal data in any study involving strategic planning, strategy execution and the long-term effects is no doubt a weakness. In addition, due to peculiarity and complexity with regard to regulation and other aspects in pharmaceutical and other industries, the theory might be limited to a certain extent.

Practical implications

In all, the integrated framework contributes to the understanding of the intricate issues surrounding first-mover advantage, late-mover advantage, entry order and timing and the role of marketing strategy. The framework provides practitioners guidance as to when to enter a product-market to gain advantageous positions and how to maintain that advantage. Firms that use a deliberate late-mover strategy could also benefit from the research finding in mapping out their strategic courses of action.

Originality/value

This study believes that the halo effect surrounding first-mover advantage may have obscured the visions of some researchers and managers, and the pursuit of a silver bullet has led to frenzied interests in becoming a “first-mover” or a deliberate “late-mover”. The theoretical framework, which is substantiated by empirical testing, invalidates the long-held claim that entry of a particular kind (first-movers or late-movers) yields any unique competitive advantage. It is a firms’ careful selection of marketing strategies and careful execution of the strategies through effective operational tactics that would lead to enduring competitive advantage, under an adequate level of ETP.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 36 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

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Book part
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Ziwen Gao, Steven F. Lehrer, Tian Xie and Xinyu Zhang

Motivated by empirical features that characterize cryptocurrency volatility data, the authors develop a forecasting strategy that can account for both model uncertainty and…

Abstract

Motivated by empirical features that characterize cryptocurrency volatility data, the authors develop a forecasting strategy that can account for both model uncertainty and heteroskedasticity of unknown form. The theoretical investigation establishes the asymptotic optimality of the proposed heteroskedastic model averaging heterogeneous autoregressive (H-MAHAR) estimator under mild conditions. The authors additionally examine the convergence rate of the estimated weights of the proposed H-MAHAR estimator. This analysis sheds new light on the asymptotic properties of the least squares model averaging estimator under alternative complicated data generating processes (DGPs). To examine the performance of the H-MAHAR estimator, the authors conduct an out-of-sample forecasting application involving 22 different cryptocurrency assets. The results emphasize the importance of accounting for both model uncertainty and heteroskedasticity in practice.

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Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Xiuwei Shi, Wujian Ding, Chunjie Xu, Fangwei Xie and Zuzhi Tian

In the process of conveying the solid–liquid two-phase medium of the centrifugal slurry pump, the wear of the flow-passing parts is an important problem affecting its life and…

193

Abstract

Purpose

In the process of conveying the solid–liquid two-phase medium of the centrifugal slurry pump, the wear of the flow-passing parts is an important problem affecting its life and safe operation. Therefore, a numerical investigation on the wear characteristics of the centrifugal slurry pump under different particle conditions was conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

A solid-liquid two-phase model based on CFD-DEM coupling is established and used to analyze the flow field and the wear characteristics of the flow-passing parts with different particle densities, volume fractions and sizes.

Findings

Particle conditions will affect the pump flow field. To analyze the pump wear characteristics, the wear distribution, wear value and cumulative force laws of flow-passing parts under different particle conditions are obtained. In each flow-passing part, with the increase of particle density, volume fraction and size, the wear area is concentrated and the wear depth increases. Under different particle conditions, the wear is mainly on the volute chamber and the blade pressure surface, and the tangential cumulative force of flow-passing parts is much larger than the normal cumulative force.

Originality/value

An accurate model and a coupled simulation method for predicting the wear of the slurry pump are obtained, and the wear characteristic law can provide a reference for the design of the slurry pump to reduce friction.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Min Tian, Ying Cao, Naiming Xie and Sifeng Liu

The purpose of this paper is to construct a novel GM(0, N) model based on grey number sequences and to solve the problem of cost forecasting of commercial aircraft which puzzled…

430

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a novel GM(0, N) model based on grey number sequences and to solve the problem of cost forecasting of commercial aircraft which puzzled managers, especially the factors of cost with uncertain information.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the definition of traditional GM(0, N) model, the paper considers the limited information and knowledge, and the algorithm of grey numbers with greyness and kernel was designed. A novel GM(0, N) model based on grey number sequences, named the IN‐GM(0, N) model, is proposed according to the definition of the grey numbers algorithm. The steps of the proposed model are then given. Finally, a case of domestic commercial aircrafts is developed as an example, based on information gathering and model calculating.

Findings

The results of this research indicate that the IN‐GM(0,N) model is effective in cost calculating, providing reliable technical support for cost estimation of large‐scale complex equipment including commercial aircraft.

Practical implications

Cost forecasting of commercial aircraft can be solved effectively and the model can also be utilized to predicate other products.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in constructing a novel grey forecasting model. This work contributes significantly to improving grey forecasting theory and to undoubtedly propose more novel grey forecasting models.

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2023

Tao Wang, Shaoliang Wu, Hengqiong Jia, Zhao Wei, Haiyan Li, Piyan Shao, Shanqing Peng and Yi Shi

The construction of cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar can obviously disturb the slab status after the fine adjustment. To decrease or eliminate the influence of CA mortar…

239

Abstract

Purpose

The construction of cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar can obviously disturb the slab status after the fine adjustment. To decrease or eliminate the influence of CA mortar grouting on track slab geometry status, the effects of grouting funnel, slab pressing method, mortar expansion ratio, seepage ratio and grouting area on China Railway Track System Type (CRTS I) track slab geometry status were discussed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined with engineering practice, this paper studied the expansion law of filling layer mortar, the liquid level height of the filling funnel, the pressure plate device and the amount of exudation water and systematically analyzed the influence of filling layer mortar construction on the state of track slab. Relevant precautions and countermeasures were put forward.

Findings

The results showed that the track slab floating values of four corners were different with the CA mortar grouting and the track slab corner near CA mortar grouting hole had the maximum floating values. The anti-floating effect of “7” shaped slab pressing device was more efficient than fixed-joint angle iron, and the slab floating value could be further decreased by increasing the amount of “7” shaped slab pressing devices. After CA mortar grouting, the track slab floating pattern had a close correlation with the expansion rate and water seepage rate of CA mortar over time and the expansion and water seepage rate of the mortar were faster when the temperature was high. Furthermore, the use of strip CA mortar filling under the rail bearing platform on both sides could effectively reduce the float under the track slab, and it could also save mortar consumption and reduce costs.

Originality/value

This study plays an important role in controlling the floating values, CA mortar dosage and the building cost of projects by grouting CA mortar at two flanks of filling space. The research results have guiding significance for the design and construction of China's CRTS I, CRTS II and CRTS III track slab.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2004

Frank Tian Xie and Wesley J. Johnston

An extensive, integrated review of literature precedes a new typology of alliances based on participating firms’ relative position in the supply chain (scale or link) and the…

5382

Abstract

An extensive, integrated review of literature precedes a new typology of alliances based on participating firms’ relative position in the supply chain (scale or link) and the nature of their cooperation (equity or non‐equity). This typology helps to distinguish among a bewildering array of alliances and to explicate alliance motivations and performance on impact of e‐business technological innovations. Theoretical and managerial implications follow.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 May 2023

Yin Ying Cai, Jin Xie and Lynn Huntsinger

Faced with the challenges of rural population decline, combined with the widespread expansion of homesteads in rural areas, local Chinese governments hope to strictly control and…

61722

Abstract

Purpose

Faced with the challenges of rural population decline, combined with the widespread expansion of homesteads in rural areas, local Chinese governments hope to strictly control and minimize rural housing land. Accurately decomposing the process of rural housing expansion and revealing its driving factors will be helpful for land-use regulation by the government.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an unusually rich dataset of rural housing registration from Pudong New Area in Shanghai is employed. The study aimed to decompose the fragmented accumulation process and its expansion determinants on rural housing assets. The dataset covers all samples of rural households and housing plots at 72 surveyed villages in six towns.

Findings

Housing offers profitable capital and earning assets to villagers at the urban fringe, so they have a powerful incentive to build and expand more. The results of this analysis showed that the expansion of rural housing is largely due to the haphazard construction of auxiliary rooms by villagers, especially on plots of arable land that are adjacent to their houses that have been stealthily converted into auxiliary rooms and sheds. Low costs and weak penalties have led to an increase in rent-seeking expansions to rural houses. Houses with the smaller initial areas, families with more laborers and household heads, and the proximity of villages to downtown with convenient living services were the main driving factors for expanding houses. A concerted effort is needed to control the disorganized and unlicensed expansion of housing. This effort should include formulating areas for free use by villagers, high taxes on overused areas, serious penalties for unlicensed housing expansion and effective land-use planning.

Research limitations/implications

An understanding of the expansion status and control measures related to rural houses in Shanghai provides an important reference that can help to guide the formulation of rural housing policies, and the sustainable development of cities worldwide. Of course, this study cannot generalize about housing distribution and expansion status worldwide based on the study area in China, because China's land tenure policies are unique. But land registry data exists that makes research like this feasible. There is a need to carefully examine the detailed housing distribution in each country before it can be decided on how best to address the disorderly increase in rural housing stock, and promote the reduction of rural residential expansion.

Originality/value

First, the process of rural housing expansion by using an unique dataset which covers ten thousands of samples is revealed. Second, the results have policy implications for reducing the amount of idle and inefficiently rural homestead. The focus is on rural housing growth and its driving factors in Shanghai, and the villagers' motivations for housing expansion are explored.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 March 2024

Tao Wang, Shaoliang Wu, Hengqiong Jia, Shanqing Peng, Haiyan Li, Piyan Shao, Zhao Wei and Yi Shi

During the construction process of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I type filling layer, the nonwoven fabric bags have been used as grouting templates for cement asphalt…

202

Abstract

Purpose

During the construction process of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I type filling layer, the nonwoven fabric bags have been used as grouting templates for cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar. The porous structure of nonwoven fabrics endowed the templates with breathability and water permeability. The standard requires that the volume expansion rate of CA mortar must be controlled within 1%–3%, which can generate expansion pressure to ensure that the cavities under track slabs are filled fully. However, the expansion pressure caused some of the water to seep out from the periphery of the filling bag, and it would affect the actual mix proportion of CA mortar. The differences in physical and mechanical properties between the CA mortar under track slabs and the CA mortar formed in the laboratory were studied in this paper. The relevant results could provide important methods for the research of filling layer materials for CRTS I type and other types of ballastless tracks in China.

Design/methodology/approach

During the inspection of filling layer, the samples of CA mortar from different working conditions and raw materials were taken by uncovering the track slabs and drilling cores. The physical and mechanical properties of CA mortar under the filling layer of the slab were systematically analyzed by testing the electrical flux, compressive strength and density of mortar in different parts of the filling layer.

Findings

In this paper, the electric flux, the physical properties and mechanical properties of different parts of CA mortar under the track slab were investigated. The results showed that the density, electric flux and compressive strength of CA mortar were affected by the composition of raw materials for dry powders and different parts of the filling layer. In addition, the electrical flux of CA mortar gradually decreased within 90 days’ age. The electrical flux of samples with the thickness of 54 mm was lower than 500 C. Therefore, the impermeability and durability of CA mortar could be improved by increasing the thickness of filling layer. Besides, the results showed that the compressive strength of CA mortar increased, while the density and electric flux decreased gradually, with the prolongation of hardening time.

Originality/value

During 90 days' age, the electrical flux of the CA mortar gradually decreased with the increase of specimen thickness and the electrical flux of the specimens with the thickness of 54 mm was lower than 500 C. The impermeability and durability of the CA mortar could be improved by increasing the thickness of filling layer. The proposed method can provide reference for the further development and improvement of CRTS I and CRTS II type ballastless track in China.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 2 December 2024

Naísy da Silva Morais, Manuela Lacerda Paiva Sampaio, Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão Caiado and Renan Silva Santos

The advent of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), characterised by rapid technological advancement, presents a transformative opportunity for companies to adapt and innovate in all aspects of…

Abstract

The advent of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), characterised by rapid technological advancement, presents a transformative opportunity for companies to adapt and innovate in all aspects of life. However, I4.0 also ushers in challenges related to resource scarcity, waste generation, pollution and sustainability concerns, particularly in operations and supply chain management (OSCM). Despite the growing importance of I4.0 for supply chain sustainability, more research must be conducted on the processes required to foster sustainable innovation through these technologies. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the role of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in evaluating the factors that affect sustainable digitalisation within OSCM. The research analyses how MCDM methods can facilitate sustainable digitalisation in OSCM, the primary MCDM methods used for sustainable digitalisation in OSCM and the key indicators for measuring sustainable digitalisation in OSCM. Therefore, this study offers a unique contribution by exploring the uncharted territory of MCDM methods in the context of I4.0 and sustainability within OSCM, shedding light on essential indicators for this critical transformation, and equipping managers with the knowledge needed to steer their organisations towards a sustainable digital future.

Details

Impact of Industry 4.0 on Supply Chain Sustainability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-778-9

Keywords

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