Jian‐Shen Chen, Mei‐Ching Chen, Wen‐Ju Liao and Tsung‐Hsien Chen
The solvency of insurance companies is closely related to the policyholders, and consequently regulators in Taiwan pay considerable attention to this area. Several studies have…
Abstract
Purpose
The solvency of insurance companies is closely related to the policyholders, and consequently regulators in Taiwan pay considerable attention to this area. Several studies have demonstrated a close correlation among capital structure, operational risk and profitability. This study seeks to provide evidence regarding the influence of capital structure and operational risk on profitability of the life insurance industry in Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling, which involves factor‐analysis and path‐analysis, is used to justify the relationship among capital structure, operational risk and profitability. Adding the macroeconomic latent variable to the model as a control variable demonstrates that the macroeconomic latent variable positively influences capital structure, operational risk and profitability.
Findings
The study leads to four key findings. First, according to the empirical result, the research model has excellent goodness‐of‐fit. That is to say, using multiple financial indices suitably measures the specific financial factors. Second, the capital structure exerts a negative and significant effect on operational risk. Third, there is no reciprocal relationship but a one‐way effect between capital structure and operational risk. Fourth, the operational risk exerts a negative and significant effect on profitability.
Practical implications
The empirical result shows the profitability decreased with the higher equity ratio. Hence, the regulatory organizations must urge insurance companies to effectively diversify their investments and employ risk avoidance strategies. Effective use of hedging and diversifying will help to divide risk and create financial revenue.
Originality/value
The study proposes that the government should loosen investment restrictions and develop other instruments to assist risk‐based capital in checking the financial condition of insurance companies.
Details
Keywords
Ying-Chung Chen, Tsung-Hsien Yang and Siu-Tong Choi
This paper aims to study a dynamic analysis of a double-helical geared rotor system with oil-film bearing.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study a dynamic analysis of a double-helical geared rotor system with oil-film bearing.
Design/methodology/approach
A finite element model of a double-helical geared rotor system with oil-film bearing is developed, in which a rigid mass is used to represent the gear and the Timoshenko beam finite element represents the shaft; the equations of motion are obtained by applying Lagrange’s equation. Natural frequencies, Campbell diagram, lateral responses, axial responses, bearing stiffness coefficients, bearing damping coefficients and bearing force are investigated.
Findings
Natural frequencies and Campbell diagram of a double-helical geared rotor system with oil-film bearing are investigated. An increased helical angle enhanced the axial response of the system and reduced its lateral response. The distance between the node and bearing affected the lateral response magnitude on the node. The farther away the gear pair was from the central part of the shaft, the higher the system’s resonance frequency became. The different gear pair position has a significant influence on the bearing stiffness coefficient and bearing force, but it just has a little effect on the bearing damping coefficient.
Practical implications
The model of a double-helical geared rotor system with oil-film bearing is established in this paper. The dynamic characteristics of a double-helical geared rotor system with oil-film bearing are investigated. The numerical results of this study can be used as a reference for subsequent personnel research.
Originality/value
Although the dynamics characteristics of geared rotor bearing system have been reported in some literature, the dynamic analysis of a double-helical geared rotor-bearing system is still rarely investigated. This paper showed some novel results that lateral and axial response results are obtained by the different helical angle and different gear positions. In the future, it makes valuable contributions for further development of dynamic analysis of a double-helical geared rotor-bearing system.
Details
Keywords
Chien Min Chen, Hong Tau Lee, Sheu Hua Chen and Tsung Hsien Tsai
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions and satisfaction between police officers and citizens on Kinmen Island (of Taiwan), using an analytical framework that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions and satisfaction between police officers and citizens on Kinmen Island (of Taiwan), using an analytical framework that combines five primary dimensions and 25 corresponding determinants.
Design/methodology/approach
It considers recent developments in the application of performance measures and management to public and, particularly, police services. It goes on to assess comparative rural police performance which suggests that the application of targets could ultimately serve to provide the overall satisfaction with police services.
Findings
The findings of the study suggest that perceptions and satisfaction of both citizens and police staff may result in the success of the policing management, and that police managers have to satisfy their citizens with a high level of service quality based on different localities.
Practical implications
From managerial perspectives, police managers should consider both the service quality and customer satisfaction constructs as determinants of behavioural intentions, based on the fact that satisfaction can be a strategic key to maintain long term relationship with citizens as it is found of significant impact on the intentional behaviour.
Originality/value
This research adds empirical support to this vein of literature and has identified the five main dimensions and the 25 sub-dimensions as important constructs for police service quality.
Details
Keywords
Tsung-Hsien Kuo and Han-Kuang Tien
The content of training (art-based method) and instructional strategies (blended learning) can improve business school students' creativity and attempts to determine how training…
Abstract
Purpose
The content of training (art-based method) and instructional strategies (blended learning) can improve business school students' creativity and attempts to determine how training can be maintained using longitudinal tracking. The study aims to answer (1) whether the incorporation of art-based methods enhances the creativity of students compared to traditional face-to-face (F2F) teaching, and (2) whether such creative training and blended teaching methods have a higher transfer of training.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a two-stage design (1) it adopted a 2 × 2 (with or without art-based methods * blended teaching or F2F teaching) between-subject design of experiments with 221 participants and (2) a one-year follow-up study was conducted (participants who were employed for 6 months to one year after graduation) with 187 participants and their directors.
Findings
The results showed that the inclusion of art-based methods in the creative training of students strengthens creative ability of the students; there were no significant differences between blended and traditional learning. The authors examined the effect of transferring creative training through a questionnaire analysis of participants and employers of the participants. Self-regulated and self-directed learning positively influence motivation to transfer, which positively influences creative performance.
Originality/value
The higher the level of self-regulated and self-directed learning of students, the more effective the transfer of creative training is over time.
Details
Keywords
Chin‐Yen Lin and Tsung‐Hsien Kuo
This paper seeks to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among human resource management (HRM), organizational learning (OL), knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among human resource management (HRM), organizational learning (OL), knowledge management capability (KMC) and organizational performance (OP) and to demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of HRM on OP from the perspectives of KMC and OL.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study is conducted in financial training centers in Taiwan and the collected survey data are used to test the relationships among the four dimensions expressed in the proposed structural equation model.
Findings
The results show that HRM has a direct and significant impact on OL and KMC. HRM influences OP indirectly through OL and KMC. In addition, OL and KMC have direct and significant influences on OP.
Research limitations/implications
Only data from Taiwan were collected. Therefore, the results may not be easily generalized to other areas or countries, but are useful for managers' reference, especially for those whose circumstances are similar to those in Taiwan.
Practical implications
The conceptual structural equation model provides useful information for managers to enhance OP through the adoption of appropriate HRM, OL and KMC policies.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates how HRM indirectly impacts OP and illustrates the paths of influence through either OL or KMC.
Details
Keywords
Rakesh Mishra and Sheeba Kapil
This paper aims to explore the relationship of promoter ownership and board structure with firm performance for Indian companies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship of promoter ownership and board structure with firm performance for Indian companies.
Design/methodology/approach
Corporate governance structures of 391 Indian companies out of CRISIL NSE Index (CNX) 500 companies listed on national stock exchange (NSE) have been studied for their impact on performance of companies. Panel data regression methodology has been used on data for five financial years from 2010 to 2014 for the selected companies. Performance measures considered are market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) and accounting-based measure (return on assets [ROA]).
Findings
The empirical findings indicate that market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) is more impacted by corporate governance than accounting-based measure. There is significant positive association between promoter ownership and firm performance. It is also indicated that the relationship between promoter ownership and firm performance is different at different levels of promoter ownership. Board size is found to be positively related to ROA; however, board independence is not found to be related to any of the performance measures.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations of the study are in terms of data methodology and possible omission of some variables. It is felt that endogeneity and reverse causality might be better addressed using simultaneous equation methodology.
Originality/value
The paper adds to the emerging body of literature on corporate governance performance relationship in Indian context using a reasonably wider and newer data set.
Details
Keywords
Lee Shin‐Ping and Chuang Tsung‐Hsien
The main purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants and interrelations between corporate ownership structure and corporate performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants and interrelations between corporate ownership structure and corporate performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The ownership of institutional investors are classified into government institutional ownership, financial institutional ownership, securities investment trust funds ownership, incorporated companies ownership, and other institutional ownership, so as to facilitate a detailed study. Ten‐year (1994‐2003) panel data of 569 Taiwanese listed companies are examined. Furthermore, this study applies the F‐test, LM‐test and Hausman test to determine the best statistical method (ordinary least squares method, fix effects model or random effects method).
Findings
The results show an inverse “U‐shaped” relationship between insider ownership and corporate performance. Government institutional ownership and incorporated companies ownership are found to have a significant negative correlation with corporate performance. However, securities investment trust funds and corporate performance are positively correlated.
Practical implications
These findings provide Taiwanese listed companies with a insights on how to improve their corporate control mechanisms. These results can also serve as a useful reference for companies and the academics concerning future competitive strategies and decision making.
Originality/value
This study further incorporates the ratio of mortgaged/pledged shares of directors and supervisors and different institutional ownership to analyze how the mechanisms of corporate governance function in Taiwan's industries, and whether these mechanisms can effectively lower agency problems to enhance corporate performance.
Details
Keywords
Virtual communities of practice (VCoP) are seen as effective means to facilitate knowledge building among professionals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
Virtual communities of practice (VCoP) are seen as effective means to facilitate knowledge building among professionals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between system quality, attitude toward incentives and knowledge sharing in a VCoP. Additionally, individual and collective effect of system quality and attitude toward incentives on knowledge sharing are also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an empirical study that targets a major community of practice in human resource management (n=366), utilizing a survey questionnaire distributed on the internet as the data collection instrument to test the relationship among the three dimensions.
Findings
The results indicated that: system quality and attitude toward incentives individually have demonstrated a significant effect on knowledge sharing behavior in a VCoP. Collectively, only factors within the attitude toward incentive dimension have demonstrated significant influences on the community participants' knowledge sharing behavior.
Practical implications
This study provides managers of VCoP with valuable information which aids in improving community members' knowledge sharing. That is, a successful VCoP is an online environment which provides a variety of social exchange opportunities for the members to interact, as well as challenging topics or tasks enabling the members to practice or gain professional knowledge and skills.
Social implications
Regardless of the fact that knowledge sharing processes are becoming increasingly complex and diverse, providing various kinds of incentive is still crucial in eliciting people's engagement in knowledge sharing. Only reinforcing social exchanges and providing opportunities of self‐growth will enhance knowledge sharing behavior.
Originality/value
Knowledge sharing is a complex process. Literature indicated that some factors, such as motivation, attitudes, and individual preferences, are considered double‐edged factors to knowledge sharing among individuals. The present study adds value by examining the individual and collective effects of these factors (i.e. the members' perceived VCoP system quality and attitude toward incentives) on knowledge sharing.
Details
Keywords
Li‐An Ho, Tsung‐Hsien Kuo and Binshan Lin
This study aims to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among e‐learning system quality, e‐learning readiness, e‐learners' competency as…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among e‐learning system quality, e‐learning readiness, e‐learners' competency as well as learning outcomes, and to demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of e‐learning system quality and e‐learning readiness on learning outcomes from the perspectives of e‐learners' competency.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed to 379 full‐time employees from ten technological companies in Taiwan who have had e‐learning experience (n=379). Data were analyzed by employing structural equation modeling.
Findings
Results reveal that both e‐learning system quality and e‐learning readiness have a direct and significant impact on e‐learners' competency. However, e‐learning system quality and e‐learning readiness influence learning outcomes indirectly through e‐learners' competency. In addition, e‐learners' competency has direct and positive significant influence on learning outcomes.
Practical implications
Based on these findings, organizations in Taiwan that would like to implement e‐learning with their employees should focus on improving individuals' online learning skills such as self‐direction, meta‐cognitive, and collaborative skills.
Originality/value
The findings created an understanding of what attributes of external and internal factors influence the outcome of e‐learning in high tech companies. In terms of research contributions, the study extends previous researches by identifying the mediating effect of e‐learning competency on the relationship between e‐learning system quality, e‐learning readiness and learning outcome. Organizations that would like to adopt e‐learning to improve employees' knowledge and skills will be able to apply strategies based on the findings from the research.
Details
Keywords
Li‐An Ho, Tsung‐Hsien Kuo and Binshan Lin
The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual structural equation model to, first, investigate the relationships among knowledge management (KM) system quality, employees'…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual structural equation model to, first, investigate the relationships among knowledge management (KM) system quality, employees' self‐perceived social identification, trust at workplace as well as online knowledge sharing behaviors, and, second, demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of social identification and trust at workplace on online knowledge sharing from the perspective of KM system quality.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed to 437 full‐time employees (n=437) from three technology companies in Taiwan. These companies have had years of experience in implementing KM systems. Data were analyzed by employing structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results show that: social identification and trust at workplace have a mediating effect on online knowledge sharing within organizations; trust at workplace is the stronger mediator than social identification; social identification has a positive and significant impact on trust at workplace; and there is significant correlation between KM system quality and social identification as well as trust.
Practical implications
Based on these findings, organizations in Taiwan that aim to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of KM systems should find ways to enhance employees' self‐awareness on social identification and trust in the workplace.
Originality/value
The conceptual model provides useful information for managers to enhance knowledge sharing through the formation of social identification and promotion of trust at workplaces.