Kaijun Yang, Tingting Duan, Jiaojiao Feng and Arunodaya Raj Mishra
The “Internet of Things (IoT)” is a platform for involving smart devices via the Internet at a worldwide scale. It supports the “supply chain (SC)” and “information and…
Abstract
Purpose
The “Internet of Things (IoT)” is a platform for involving smart devices via the Internet at a worldwide scale. It supports the “supply chain (SC)” and “information and communication technology (ICT)” infrastructure to be well integrated into an organization and externally with customers and suppliers. The “sustainable supply chain (SSC)” is currently unavoidable if a company seeks to satisfy the aggressive change in its customers' requirements. Numerous studies have confirmed that manufacturing firms have to accelerate the shift of their focus toward sustainability and the implementation of novel technologies, such as IoT, to accomplish their organizational goals most effectively. Although the literature consists of many theoretical approaches to IoT and numerous studies that have extremely concentrated upon the IoT technology and its potential applications, it lacks research with a focus on the challenges that arise when applying IoT to the “sustainable supply chain management (SSCM)”.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study proposes an integrated framework using the “Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC)” and “VlseKriterijumska optimizcija I kaompromisno resenje in Serbian (VIKOR)” models and employs to evaluate the IoT challenges to implement the SSCM. For estimating the criteria weights, the CRITIC tool is utilized. The organization's prioritization is obtained by the VIKOR procedure, which delivers simple mathematical procedures with precise and consistent outcomes.
Findings
To exhibit the practicality of the introduced model, a case study is taken to evaluate the IoT challenges to implement the SSCM within the “q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets (q-ROFSs)” environment. Moreover, the authors exhibit a sensitivity investigation over given parameter values, examining the stability of developed approach. Finally, the authors draw attention to a comparison between developed q-ROF-CRITIC-VIKOR decision-making approach with an existing q-ROF-TOPSIS method to show its superiority and potency.
Originality/value
The outcome of the study lies in observing the top benefits of individual businesses, and their entire SSCs can be found by implementing IoT. This paper investigates the most important challenges that individual firms and entire SSCs might while applying IoT. It provides a deep insight regarding the effects of IoT upon SSCM and the issues every firm need to contemplate when it is to apply IoT solutions.
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Ziming Zeng, Shouqiang Sun, Tingting Li, Jie Yin and Yueyan Shen
The purpose of this paper is to build a mobile visual search service system for the protection of Dunhuang cultural heritage in the smart library. A novel mobile visual search…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to build a mobile visual search service system for the protection of Dunhuang cultural heritage in the smart library. A novel mobile visual search model for Dunhuang murals is proposed to help users acquire rich knowledge and services conveniently.
Design/methodology/approach
First, local and global features of images are extracted, and the visual dictionary is generated by the k-means clustering. Second, the mobile visual search model based on the bag-of-words (BOW) and multiple semantic associations is constructed. Third, the mobile visual search service system of the smart library is designed in the cloud environment. Furthermore, Dunhuang mural images are collected to verify this model.
Findings
The findings reveal that the BOW_SIFT_HSV_MSA model has better search performance for Dunhuang mural images when the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and the hue, saturation and value (HSV) are used to extract local and global features of the images. Compared with different methods, this model is the most effective way to search images with the semantic association in the topic, time and space dimensions.
Research limitations/implications
Dunhuang mural image set is a part of the vast resources stored in the smart library, and the fine-grained semantic labels could be applied to meet diverse search needs.
Originality/value
The mobile visual search service system is constructed to provide users with Dunhuang cultural services in the smart library. A novel mobile visual search model based on BOW and multiple semantic associations is proposed. This study can also provide references for the protection and utilization of other cultural heritages.
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Qingqing Li, Ziming Zeng, Shouqiang Sun and Tingting Li
Aspect category-based sentiment analysis (ACSA) has been widely used in consumer preference mining and marketing strategy formulation. However, existing studies ignore the…
Abstract
Purpose
Aspect category-based sentiment analysis (ACSA) has been widely used in consumer preference mining and marketing strategy formulation. However, existing studies ignore the variability in features and the intrinsic correlation among diverse aspect categories in ACSA tasks. To address these problems, this paper aims to propose a novel integrated framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The integrated framework consists of three modules: text feature extraction and fusion, adaptive feature selection and category-aware decision fusion. First, text features from global and local views are extracted and fused to comprehensively capture the potential information in the different dimensions of the review text. Then, an adaptive feature selection strategy is devised for each aspect category to determine the optimal feature set. Finally, considering the intrinsic associations between aspect categories, a category-aware decision fusion strategy is constructed to enhance the performance of ACSA tasks.
Findings
Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the integrated framework can effectively detect aspect categories and their corresponding sentiment polarities from review texts, achieving a macroaveraged F1 score (Fmacro) of 72.38% and a weighted F1 score (F1) of 79.39%, with absolute gains of 2.93% to 27.36% and 4.35% to 20.36%, respectively, compared to the baselines.
Originality/value
This framework can simultaneously detect aspect categories and corresponding sentiment polarities from review texts, thereby assisting e-commerce enterprises in gaining insights into consumer preferences, prioritizing product improvements, and adjusting marketing strategies.
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Tingting Liu, Yehui Li, Xing Li and Lanfen Wu
High-tech enterprises, as the national innovation powerhouses, have garnered considerable interest, particularly regarding their technological innovation capabilities…
Abstract
Purpose
High-tech enterprises, as the national innovation powerhouses, have garnered considerable interest, particularly regarding their technological innovation capabilities. Nevertheless, prevalent research tends to spotlight the impact of individual factors on innovative behavior, with only a fraction adopting a comprehensive viewpoint, scrutinizing the causal amalgamations of precursor conditions influencing the overall innovation proficiency of high-tech enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employs a hybrid approach integrating necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the combinatorial effects of antecedent factors on high-tech enterprises' innovation output. Our analysis draws upon data from 46 listed Chinese high-tech enterprises. To promote technological innovation within high-tech enterprises, we introduce a novel perspective that emphasizes technological innovation networks, grounded in a network agents-structure-environment framework. These antecedents are government subsidy, tax benefits, customer concentration, purchase concentration rate, market-oriented index and innovation environment.
Findings
The findings delineate four configurational pathways leading to high innovative output and three pathways resulting in low production.
Originality/value
This study thereby enriches the body of knowledge around technological innovation and provides actionable policy recommendations.
Details
Keywords
Haifeng Huang, Xiaoyang Wu, Tingting Wang, Yongbin Sun and Qiang Fu
This paper aims to study the application of reinforcement learning (RL) in the control of an output-constrained flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV) with system uncertainty.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the application of reinforcement learning (RL) in the control of an output-constrained flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV) with system uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
A six-degrees-of-freedom hummingbird model is used without consideration of the inertial effects of the wings. A RL algorithm based on actor–critic framework is applied, which consists of an actor network with unknown policy gradient and a critic network with unknown value function. Considering the good performance of neural network (NN) in fitting nonlinearity and its optimum characteristics, an actor–critic NN optimization algorithm is designed, in which the actor and critic NNs are used to generate a policy and approximate the cost functions, respectively. In addition, to ensure the safe and stable flight of the FWMAV, a barrier Lyapunov function is used to make the flight states constrained in predefined regions. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of the system is analyzed, and finally, the feasibility of RL in the control of a FWMAV is verified through simulation.
Findings
The proposed RL control scheme works well in ensuring the trajectory tracking of the FWMAV in the presence of output constraint and system uncertainty.
Originality/value
A novel RL algorithm based on actor–critic framework is applied to the control of a FWMAV with system uncertainty. For the stable and safe flight of the FWMAV, the output constraint problem is considered and solved by barrier Lyapunov function-based control.
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Tingting Lin and Riitta Hekkala
The governance of information technology outsourcing (ITO) has been identified as an essential determinant for ITO success. Prior studies have shed light on effective governance…
Abstract
Purpose
The governance of information technology outsourcing (ITO) has been identified as an essential determinant for ITO success. Prior studies have shed light on effective governance structures in different organizational contexts. This study aims to advance this prior knowledge by exploring how interpersonal networks, as an important aspect of such context, reflect and influence ITO governance.
Design/methodology/approach
A single case study was conducted from a vendor’s perspective in an ITO dyad. Social network analysis was leveraged to reveal the interpersonal networks, with whole-network analysis on 24 team members in an ITO vendor company. In addition, open-ended interviews with six selected team members were utilized to identify the perceived governance structure.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest certain features of interpersonal networks, i.e. network density and cross-network comparison, can reflect governance structure in multiple aspects. Meanwhile, the authors also argue that interpersonal networks can influence the form of governance structure.
Research limitations/implications
As a single case study, the context of the research site cannot be ignored in the inference of findings. To increase the confidence for further generalization, future empirical studies are needed especially in contrasting sites, such as ITO relations based on network governance.
Originality/value
This study associates intra-organizational characteristics of the vendor to the inter-organizational governance structure of the ITO relationship. It also provides an innovative methodology for both researchers and practitioners to assess ITO governance structure.
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Jay Kandampully, Tingting (Christina) Zhang and Anil Bilgihan
This article aims to provide a summary review of what is already known about customer loyalty and identifies some emerging issues that play an important role in it. As a result of…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to provide a summary review of what is already known about customer loyalty and identifies some emerging issues that play an important role in it. As a result of dramatic changes in the marketplace and in consumers’ connections with the hospitality industry, researchers and practitioners are keen to understand the factors that underpin customer loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
By synthesizing extant customer loyalty literature, this article seeks further understanding of loyalty and offers priorities for ongoing loyalty research.
Findings
Using conceptual models, this study provides a framework designed to extend the understanding of customer loyalty and the impact of the evolving role of engaged customers.
Practical implications
Companies are advised to create emotionally engaged, loyal brand ambassadors by focusing on emerging areas, such as customer engagement, brand citizenship behaviors, mass personalization, employee engagement, brand ambassadors (both employees and customers), co-creation of value, co-design, co-consumption and rapport between customers and employees.
Originality/value
This article crafts a conceptual framework for customer loyalty and identifies those factors that influence its development in the service industry with a special focus on the hospitality industry.
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Rupa Banerjee, Tingting Zhang and Aliya Amarshi
This study aims to empirically investigate and extend the diversity-meritocracy paradox outlined by Konrad et al. (2021) using skilled immigrants in Canada as a case study…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically investigate and extend the diversity-meritocracy paradox outlined by Konrad et al. (2021) using skilled immigrants in Canada as a case study. Despite their significance in knowledge-based economies, immigrant voices are often marginalized in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) literature and management research. By focusing on skilled immigrants, who embody both diversity and meritocratic principles, this research addresses this gap. Through semi-structured interviews, we examine whether diversity and meritocracy are perceived as contradictory or complementary for skilled immigrants. Our findings not only contribute to theoretical understanding but also offer practical insights into the complexities of diversity and meritocracy in contemporary organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes qualitative, semi-structured, interviews and focus groups to gather data from both employers and skilled immigrants. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke (2006), is employed to analyze the data. Participants include skilled immigrants and human resource (HR) professionals/managers. Data are collected through interviews and focus groups conducted between December 2018 and February 2020 in person and via video-conferencing.
Findings
This study unveils a discrepancy in perceptions between employers and skilled immigrants on DEI in Canada’s labor market. While employers prioritize meritocracy, emphasizing Canadian qualifications and experience, immigrants feel undervalued, encountering barriers due to cultural differences. Employers focus on past work experience over credentials, using behavioral interviews and proficiency tests for assessment. However, immigrants often perceive the selection process as opaque, and encounter explicit preferences for Canadian education and experience, which they view as discriminatory. Challenges in onboarding, training and workplace culture further exacerbate their experiences. These findings highlight the nuanced dynamics between meritocracy and diversity, underscoring the need for systemic change.
Originality/value
Despite employers’ claims of valuing diversity, our findings reveal a preference for “Canadian-ness” over immigrants' international expertise, perpetuating systemic barriers. Employers prioritize meritocracy but often conflate it with cultural conformity, hindering immigrant integration. Our analysis underscores the disconnection between organizational rhetoric and practices, urging a reconceptualization of diversity and inclusion policies. To foster truly inclusive workplaces, both surface-level and deep-level diversity must be considered. Policy interventions and enhanced intercultural competence are essential for leveraging the talents of skilled immigrants and promoting equitable employment practices.
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Chen-Kuo Pai, Haoran Chen, Ivan Ka Wai Lai and Tingting Li
Smart tourism is undergoing a trend of rapid development. The quality of service in smart tourism forms the basis of tourists’ evaluations, it needs to be investigated. However…
Abstract
Purpose
Smart tourism is undergoing a trend of rapid development. The quality of service in smart tourism forms the basis of tourists’ evaluations, it needs to be investigated. However, as high-quality smart tourism technologies (STTs) can enhance the overall tourist experience and increase tourist satisfaction, and there is no standard service quality evaluation system for STTs. Therefore, this study aims to explore how the quality of STTs is evaluated from the tourist’s perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors develop a measurement scale for smart tourism technology quality (STTQUAL) based on qualitative interviews, the Delphi method and a survey conducted in three cities that use smart tourism: Macau, Chengdu and Hangzhou.
Findings
The STTQUAL scale encompasses 37 measurement items in 7 dimensions: functionality, security, informativity, reliability, responsiveness, convenience and empathy. These dimensions encompass both technical and nontechnical aspects of service.
Research limitations/implications
This study enriches the smart tourism research literature, provides a reference for future research and helps relevant stakeholders understand tourists’ views on STTQUAL. Recommendations are provided to governments, the tourism industry and system developers for how to proceed in future development.
Originality/value
This is a mixed-methods study that fulfills established logical research criteria and proposes a scale for evaluating STTQUAL. The scale is validated through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.
研究目的
智慧旅游正经历快速发展的趋势, 其服务质量构成了游客评价的基础, 因此需要进行深入研究。然而, 由于高质量的智慧旅游技术(STTs)可以提升游客的整体体验并提高满意度,目前尚未有针对智慧旅游技术STTs的标准服务质量评价体系。因此,本研究旨在探讨如何从游客的角度理解STTs质量的评价方式。
研究方法
本研究基于定性访谈、德尔菲法以及在澳门、成都和杭州三座智慧旅游城市进行的问卷调查, 开发了一套智慧旅游技术质量(STTQUAL)测量量表。
研究发现
STTQUAL量表涵盖了7个维度的37项测量指标, 包括功能性、安全性、信息性、可靠性、响应性、便利性和同理心。这些维度综合了服务的技术和非技术方面。
研究意义
本研究丰富了智慧旅游研究文献, 为未来研究提供了参考, 并帮助相关利益相关者理解游客对STTQUAL的看法。研究为政府、旅游业和系统开发者在未来发展中的行动提供了建议。
研究创新
本研究采用混合研究方法, 符合既定的逻辑研究标准, 并提出了一套用于评估STTQUAL的量表。通过探索性因子分析和验证性因子分析对量表进行了验证。
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Zhong Li, Xiaojia Yang, Jing Liu, Zhiyong Liu, Xiaogang Li and Yan Tingting
The purpose of this paper is to determine the failure reasons and failure mechanism of the commercially pure titanium air conditioning condenser.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the failure reasons and failure mechanism of the commercially pure titanium air conditioning condenser.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, chemical analysis, metallographic observation, visual examination and scanning electron microscope examination, corrosion products analysis and working conditions analysis were adopted for determining the reasons for the failure of the condenser.
Findings
The results indicated that TA2 titanium pipe perforation failure is caused by the synergistic effect of crevice corrosion and deposit corrosion. The corrosion processes can be divided into three steps.
Originality/value
This research is an originality study on the failure case of a commercially pure titanium air conditioning condenser. This study makes up for the shortage of titanium alloy failure cases and also gives the result of the failure reason and failure mechanism for titanium, which has an engineering significance.