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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 5 May 2020

Jingxiao Zhang, Hui Li, Vera Li, Bo Xia and Martin Skitmore

Service-oriented innovation economies are becoming the new trend for the construction industry. Benchmarking the quality management level of developed countries and improving…

Abstract

Purpose

Service-oriented innovation economies are becoming the new trend for the construction industry. Benchmarking the quality management level of developed countries and improving quality management are also becoming necessities for promoting innovation in the economy. The purpose of this study is to analyse the internal relationships between the five enablers of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence model, based on a market-oriented strategy, to serve as a framework for managing and improving quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the different market environment and culture, this study refines the strategy enabler based on Zebal and Goodwin's (2011) Developing Country Market Orientation Scale, and builds a market-oriented EFQM Excellence model. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyse the results of a questionnaire survey of 683 China construction industry top enterprises to explore the internal relationships between the model's five enablers.

Findings

(1) “Leadership” has a positive influence on “Market-Oriented Strategy”, “People” and “Partnerships and Resources”; (2) “Market-Oriented Strategy” has positive influence on “Partnerships and Resources”; (3) “People” has a low influence on “Processes, Products and Services”; (4) “Partnerships and Resources” has a medium influence on “Processes, Products and Services” and (5) the relationships between “Market-Oriented Strategy” and “People”, “Partnerships and Resources” are not significant.

Originality/value

This study refines the strategy enabler of the original EFQM Excellence model with Zebal and Goodwin's (2011) Developing Country Market Orientation Scale. It also develops a market-oriented EFQM Excellence model that is suitable for developing countries, and it tests the implicit relationships of its five new enablers in an innovation environment where cultural differences exist.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2019

Bo Xiong, Sidney Newton, Vera Li, Martin Skitmore and Bo Xia

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to address the overfitting and collinearity problems that frequently occur in predictive cost estimating models for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to address the overfitting and collinearity problems that frequently occur in predictive cost estimating models for construction practice. A case study, modeling the cost of preliminaries is proposed to test the robustness of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid approach is developed based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and principal component regression (PCR). Cost information for a sample of 204 UK school building projects is collected involving elemental items, contingencies (risk) and the contractors’ preliminaries. An application to estimate the cost of preliminaries for construction projects demonstrates the method and tests its effectiveness in comparison with such competing models as: alternative regression models, three artificial neural network data mining techniques, case-based reasoning and support vector machines.

Findings

The experimental results show that the AIC–PCR approach provides a good predictive accuracy compared with the alternatives used, and is a promising alternative to avoid overfitting and collinearity.

Originality/value

This is the first time an approach integrating the AIC and PCR has been developed to offer an improvement on existing methods for estimating construction project Preliminaries. The hybrid approach not only reduces the risk of overfitting and collinearity, but also results in better predictability compared with the commonly used stepwise regression.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 October 2024

Zezhou Wu, Shuhui Zhang, Hong Xue and Vera Li

A series of policies have been formulated to promote off-site construction (OSC) development. However, the effectiveness of these policies has yet to be fully explored. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

A series of policies have been formulated to promote off-site construction (OSC) development. However, the effectiveness of these policies has yet to be fully explored. This study aims to explore the practical policy configurational conditions for achieving a high level of OSC development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on policy configurational conditions and the OSC development level were collected from 28 provinces/municipalities in China using text mining. A mixed-method approach was used to conduct data analysis involving text analysis and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Text analysis was used to identify current policies with frequencies as independent variables and obtain the proportion of OSC projects in new construction projects as the dependent variable. QCA is employed to analyze the necessary and sufficient conditions of policy conditions for the high-level development of OSC by exploring the complex causal relationships between policy configurational conditions and the OSC development level.

Findings

Nine policies are obtained from the current policy framework for promoting OSC development using text analysis: industry supports, land policies, presale policies, reputation rewards, regulation controls, tax incentives, floor area rewards, financial subsidies, and loan subsidies. Four policy configurational conditions are identified that can achieve a high development level of OSC: three incentive-driven policy conditions with industry supports, presale policies, tax incentives, and floor area rewards as the core conditions, and one compulsory-driven policy conditions with land policies, financial supports, and loan supports as the core conditions using fuzzy set QCA. Moreover, our study found that a single policy cannot achieve a high level of OSC development as a necessary condition, and the policy configurational conditions that lead to high and nonhigh levels of OSC development are asymmetrical.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not test the policy’s dynamic effects on the OSC development. A longitudinal study will be conducted to further identify the impact of policy on OSC implementation.

Practical implications

It provides policymakers with four practical policy configurational conditions to promote OSC development and guides policymakers to optimize effective policies considering the interaction effects of effective policies such as industry supports, presale policies, tax incentives, and floor area rewards instead of their net effects.

Originality/value

It contributes to the existing literature concerning the effects of policy on emerging technology (i.e. OSC) promotion by elucidating configurative effects rather than net effects. Meanwhile, it enriches the research on the antecedent conditions that affect the implementation of other emerging technologies in the architecture engineering and construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 February 2023

Xueling Li and Ting Yu

This paper aims to examine the effects of two types of improvisational strategic orientation on new venture performance: defensive improvisation and creative improvisation…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of two types of improvisational strategic orientation on new venture performance: defensive improvisation and creative improvisation. Moreover, this study investigates the role of entrepreneurial bricolage in mediating the transition from various types of improvisational strategic orientation to new venture performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is designed as quantitative research, employing a structural equation model and bootstrap analysis to empirically test the survey data of 249 new ventures gathered to investigate the true relationship between variables in this paper.

Findings

The findings of this study show that (1) both defensive and creative improvisation positively affect the performance of new ventures, with defensive improvisation having a stronger positive effect; (2) both internal and external bricolage positively affect new venture performance, and play varying degrees of intermediary roles in the influence that defensive and creative improvisation has on the performance of start-ups.

Research limitations/implications

The following limitations apply to this study: First, this paper collects data using a cross-sectional research design, which cannot reveal dynamic changes in the research variables. Second, this study only opens the “black box” of the role of improvisational strategic orientation on new venture performance from the perspective of entrepreneurial bricolage, and the research conclusion may be biased. Finally, the external factors' contingency effect on the relationship between variables is ignored.

Originality/value

This study develops a theoretical research model of improvisational strategic orientation, entrepreneurial bricolage and new venture performance, and provides a thorough examination of the internal mechanisms of various types of improvisational strategic orientation on new venture performance. The research findings not only contribute to the advancement of research on improvisational strategic orientation in the context of entrepreneurship but also assist entrepreneurs in developing a correct understanding of improvisational strategic orientation.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

François-Xavier Delmonteil and Marie-Ève Rancourt

The devastating impact of catastrophic disasters on terrestrial infrastructure requires the adoption of alternative technology solutions among humanitarian organizations. The…

1899

Abstract

Purpose

The devastating impact of catastrophic disasters on terrestrial infrastructure requires the adoption of alternative technology solutions among humanitarian organizations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of the most commonly used satellite technologies in relief logistics: imagery and mapping, portable global positioning system (GPS) positioning devices, telecommunications, and GPS vehicle tracking.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines both the benefits and limitations of satellite technologies in light of the existing literature and through a complementary questionnaire survey with field workers involved in humanitarian operations in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Findings

The results show that the use of satellite technologies can facilitate most of the key logistics challenges encountered by relief actors. However, they also highlight important barriers within humanitarian organizations such as the lack of skilled workers and high costs, underlining the need for long-term training, resource investments, and cooperation between users and technology providers.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings remain valid only in the context of catastrophic disaster responses, which lead to similar destructions, logistical problems, and needs for satellite technologies.

Practical implications

This paper shows how satellite technologies can support humanitarian professionals in the field. It also provides policy recommendations that can facilitate the use of these technologies.

Originality/value

The applications of satellite technologies within humanitarian supply chains are not well-defined in the literature. This paper is the first to be dedicated to analyze the role of the main satellite technologies used in a relief logistics setting.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2013

Heng Li, Zhigang Jin, Vera Li, Guiwen Liu and R.M. Skitmore

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new type of entry mode decision‐making model for construction enterprises involved in international business.

3484

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new type of entry mode decision‐making model for construction enterprises involved in international business.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid method combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) is used to aid entry mode decisions. The AHP is used to decompose the entry mode problem into several dimensions and determine the weight of each criterion. In addition, PROMETHEE method is used to rank candidate entry modes and carry out sensitivity analyses.

Findings

The proposed decision‐making method is demonstrated to be a suitable approach to resolve the entry mode selection decision problem.

Practical implications

The research provides practitioners with a more systematic decision framework and a more precise decision method.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the further development of entry strategies for international construction markets. It not only introduces a new decision‐making model for entry mode decision making, but also provides a conceptual framework with five determinants for a construction company entry mode selection based on the unique properties of the construction industry.

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Ji Li, Ying Zhang, Silu Chen, Wanxing Jiang, Shanshan Wen and Yanghong Hu

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between demographic diversity on boards and employer/employee relationship (EER) and to test the moderating effect of…

1645

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between demographic diversity on boards and employer/employee relationship (EER) and to test the moderating effect of contextual factors such as a firm’s financial situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes data from over 1,000 publicly listed US firms and uses hierarchical regression.

Findings

Demographic diversity on boards of a given firm, such as ethnic diversity and gender diversity, should have positive effects on EER, which can be considered as an important dimension of overall human resource management performance in a given firm. Contextual factors such as a firm’s financial situation should moderate the relationship between demographic diversity on boards and the EER.

Originality/value

First, this research contributes to the current literature by showing that EER can be influenced by demographic diversity on boards, which further helps to highlight the beneficial effect of demographic diversity in top management team. Second, this study uncovers the moderating role of some contextual factors such as a firm’ financial situation. Third, this study also contributes to the corporate governance literature by studying the link between demographic diversity on boards and EER.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 28 July 2020

The popular shift coincides with growing China scepticism within legislatures, which has already had a major impact on policy towards Chinese telecoms firm Huawei in the United…

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2024

Rahul Priyadarshi and Srikanta Routroy

This paper aims to advocate for small-scale entrepreneurship with commercial cultivation to earn better profits at the farmer level. This paper explores potential value chain…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to advocate for small-scale entrepreneurship with commercial cultivation to earn better profits at the farmer level. This paper explores potential value chain configurations of vertical coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

The aloe vera supply chain was examined for the study where aloe vera juice is the product. The various configurations are complete vertical coordination, semi-vertical coordination and non-vertical coordination. These were analysed to find feasibility and market prospects based on parameters. The cyclic view of supply chains, comparative analysis and fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process algorithm are presented.

Findings

The semi-vertically coordinated supply chain is indicated as the optimum setup to initiate value chains. The entrepreneurs in this configuration will be able to sell semi-finished produce to a brand that will process and distribute the final product. This B2B setup will help the farmer to earn better revenues in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Effective marketing with improved execution and innovation will boost the food processing industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses an established methodology to distinguish among alternatives based on underlying factors. The study is based on data collected from stakeholders. The study reflects the most accurate picture of real-world scenarios at the farm and market level in the Indian context.

Practical implications

This study’s learnings will help understand the organisational approach to serve demand by designing unique business configurations. Adapting the fundamental model with technological intervention will improve supply chain performance and sustainability. The most modern approaches in agri-business, such as subscription models, vertical farming, corporate entrepreneurship and technological intervention, will be covered in future work.

Social implications

This study will help stakeholders, including the government, decide whether to introduce training skills, subsidy policies, business expansion ideas and feasibility studies.

Originality/value

The study highlights the strategic role of developing the B2B platform to support customer values and customer ecosystem with better product availability.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Chen Yang, Lu Zhang, Xuehang Ling, Xin Qin and Mingyue Li

Digital product and service innovations (DPSI) has attracted widespread attention from both management scholars and practitioners. Previous studies have documented that…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital product and service innovations (DPSI) has attracted widespread attention from both management scholars and practitioners. Previous studies have documented that information technology (IT) capability and digital orientation positively influence DPSI performance. However, the question of whether and how digitalization capability can facilitate DPSI performance remains unresolved. This paper fills these gaps by investigating the mediating role of improvisation capability and the moderating role of technological turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used two-wave data from 240 matched digital transformation department leaders and senior managers from Chinese firms and examined the hypotheses deploying hierarchical regression and bootstrapping.

Findings

Our analyses reveal positive, significant links between digitalization capability and improvisation capability and between improvisation capability and DPSI performance. The findings further show that the effect of digitalization capability on DPSI performance is partially mediated by improvisation capability and that technological turbulence strengthens the indirect relationship between digitalization capability and DPSI performance through improvisation capability.

Originality/value

Integrating resource-based view, this research provides evidence that the extent to which improvisation capability mediates the relationship between digitalization capability and DPSI performance depends on technological turbulence. It provides a new direction for digitalization capability and DPSI performance.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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