Wanli Song, Hongliang Li, Jintao Ma, Zhichao Hu and Pei Shi
This paper aims to develop a new magnetorheological polishing (MRP) device with roller and investigate the polishing mechanism of MRP fluids using this new device.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a new magnetorheological polishing (MRP) device with roller and investigate the polishing mechanism of MRP fluids using this new device.
Design/methodology/approach
The principle of MRP process with roller is discussed, and then the structure of the polishing device is designed in detail. The polishing experiments of K9 glass are carried out using MRP device with roller.
Findings
A series of tests are performed to evaluate the effect of the excitation gaps, working gap and polishing time on the polishing characteristics, and the optimized polishing parameters can be obtained. The surface roughness Ra of the sample is reduced from 359 to 38 nm under optimized polishing parameters.
Originality/value
MRP method with roller is proposed in this paper, and the MRP device with roller can reduce the surface roughness Ra significantly. After being polished, the circular ring-shaped polishing belt disappears on the workpiece surface, which means it has great potential for polishing.
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The sublime in scent refers to the use of language and description that excites thoughts and emotions beyond ordinary olfactory experience, and I would like to borrow this…
Abstract
Purpose
The sublime in scent refers to the use of language and description that excites thoughts and emotions beyond ordinary olfactory experience, and I would like to borrow this literary concept to explore the recent development of incense traditions in Japan and China from a sociocultural perspective. In order to understand how olfactory characters of incense have been verbally expressed, we can start by looking into the sublime in scent through the articulation of relevant subtle approaches since ancient times.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explains how the description of scent experienced by individuals has been associated with thoughts and history and why the sublime in scent is more complicated than the aroma people can tell. The data collected for this research is mostly based on observations by participating in various events and conversations with different people.
Findings
In Japan and China, the use of incense has a long history, and relevant scent cultures have been developed not only for offerings in religious practices, but also as a kind of scent appreciation together with a poetic presentation. Again, it is important and significant to discern several interactions of incense traditions in these two countries, since the transformations became obvious in the last two decades, while Japanese Kodo participated more in international exchange, and the Chinese people's view of intangible cultural heritage has become more important in their daily social practices.
Originality/value
As a way of showing how the study of scent can enhance ethnographic writing and the understanding of changes in the appreciation of incense, this paper hopes to contribute to the study of art and tradition.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and genealogical resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the historical evolution and value of Chinese genealogical records, with the focus on researching the Islamic Chinese names used by the people living in Guilin. The highlight of this paper includes the analysis and evolution of the Islamic Chinese names commonly adopted by the local people in Guilin. It concludes with the recommendations on emphasizing and making the best use of genealogical records to enhance the research value of Chinese overseas studies.
Findings
The paper covers the history of Islam and describes how the religion was introduced into China, as well as Muslims' ethnicity and identity. It also places focus on the importance of building a research collection in Asian history and Chinese genealogy.
Research limitations/implications
This research study has a strong subject focus on Chinese genealogy, Asian history, and Islamic Chinese surnames. It is a narrow field that few researchers have delved into.
Practical implications
The results of this study will assist students, researchers, and the general public in tracing the origin of their surnames and developing their interest in the social and historical value of Chinese local history and genealogies.
Social implications
The study of Chinese surnames is, by itself, a particular field for researching the social and political implications of contemporary Chinese society during the time the family members lived.
Originality/value
Very little research has been done in the area of Chinese local history and genealogy. The paper would be of value to researchers such as historians, sociologists, ethnologists and archaeologists, as well as students and anyone interested in researching a surname origin, its history and evolution.
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Jianchang Fan, Zhun Li, Fei Ye, Yuhui Li and Nana Wan
This study aims to focus on the optimal green R&D of a capital-constrained supply chain under different channel power structures as well as the impact of capital constraint…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the optimal green R&D of a capital-constrained supply chain under different channel power structures as well as the impact of capital constraint, financing cost, channel power structure and cost-reducing efficiency on green R&D and supply chain profitability.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-echelon supply chain is considered. The upstream firm engages in green R&D but has capital constraints that can be overcome by external financing. Green R&D is beneficial to reduce production costs and increase consumer demand. Based on whether or not the upstream firm is capital constrained and dominates the supply chain, four models are developed.
Findings
Capital constraints significantly lower green R&D and supply chain profitability. Transferring leadership from the upstream to the downstream firms leads to higher green R&D levels and downstream firm profitability, whereas the upstream firm's profitability is increased (decreased) if green R&D investment efficiency is high (low) enough. Greater financing costs reduce green R&D and downstream firm profitability; however, the upstream firm's profitability under the model in which it functions as the follower increases if the initial capital is sufficient. More importantly, empirical analysis based on practice data is used to verify the theoretical results reported above.
Practical implications
This study reveals how upstream firms in supply chains decide green R&D decisions in situations with capital constraints, providing managers and governments with an understanding of the impact of capital constraint, channel power structure, financing cost and cost-reducing efficiency on supply chain green R&D and profitability.
Originality/value
The major contributions are the exploration of supply chain green R&D by taking into consideration channel power structures and cost-reducing efficiency and the validation of theoretical results using practice data.
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Ting Wang, Jianlin Wu, Jibao Gu and Lingyu Hu
Firms often encounter complicated external relationships and conflicts in inbound and outbound open innovation (OI). Conflict management significantly affects innovation results…
Abstract
Purpose
Firms often encounter complicated external relationships and conflicts in inbound and outbound open innovation (OI). Conflict management significantly affects innovation results. Guided by resource dependence theory (RDT), this study aims to examine the moderating effects of conflict management styles in the relationship between OI and organizational performance (OP).
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on manufacturing and service firms in China, with the respondents composed of senior managers. Using hierarchical regression analysis, data from 270 firm samples are used to empirically test the hypotheses.
Findings
Inbound and outbound OI openness positively affects OP. Cooperative conflict management positively moderates the relationship between inbound OI openness and OP, whereas it negatively moderates the impact of outbound OI openness on OP. By contrast, competitive conflict management positively moderates the relationship between outbound OI openness on OP.
Research limitations/implications
Guided by RDT, this study explores the relationship between OI and OP and the moderating role of conflict management styles. However, it does not measure the level of resource dependence, which is among the future research directions for further validating the results of this study.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to investigate the impact of OI on OP in different conflict management styles. Findings suggest that choosing a suitable conflict management style may strengthen the positive effects of OI on OP.
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Hisham Idrees, Jin Xu and Ny Avotra Andrianarivo Andriandafiarisoa Ralison
The current study aims to ascertain how green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) affects green innovation performance (GIP) through the mediating mechanism of the knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study aims to ascertain how green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) affects green innovation performance (GIP) through the mediating mechanism of the knowledge creation process (KCP) and whether or not these associations can be strengthened or hampered by the moderating impacts of resources orchestration capabilities (ROC).
Design/methodology/approach
The research used data from managers at various levels in 154 manufacturing enterprises in Pakistan to evaluate the relationships among the constructs using hierarchical regression analysis and moderated mediation approach.
Findings
The study indicates that GEO substantially impacts firms' GIP. GEO and GIP's relationship is partially mediated by two KCP dimensions: knowledge integration (KI) and knowledge exchange (KE). Furthermore, ROC amplifies not only the effects of GEO on KE but also the effects of KE on GIP. The moderated mediation results demonstrate that KE has a greater mediating influence on GEO and GIP when ROC is higher.
Research limitations/implications
To better understand GEO's advantages and significance, future studies should look into the possible moderating mechanisms of environmental, organizational culture/green capability in the association between GEO, KCP and GIP.
Practical implications
The research helps expand the field of green entrepreneurship and GIP literature by providing a deeper knowledge of GEO and offering insight into how to boost GI in manufacturing firms.
Originality/value
This research helps fill in knowledge gaps in the field by delving further into the mechanisms by which GEO promotes GIP, both directly and indirectly, via the mediating role of KCP and the moderating impacts of ROC.
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Yubing Yu, Haohui Li, Jiawei Xu, Min Zhang, Xiuru Zhang, Justin Zuopeng Zhang and Ye Wu
This study aims to examine the joint effect of internal quality integration and product innovation on financial performance by considering the mediating roles of incremental and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the joint effect of internal quality integration and product innovation on financial performance by considering the mediating roles of incremental and radical product innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework was developed using the organizational capability view. Based on empirical survey data collected from 209 Chinese manufacturing firms, this research uses structural equation modeling and the bootstrapping method to test hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that internal quality integration positively impacts incremental and radical product innovation and financial performance. Further, incremental product innovation can promote radical product innovation. Both incremental and radical product innovation partially mediate the relationship between internal quality integration and financial performance.
Practical implications
The findings provide practical guidance for manufacturing companies to engage in quality integration and product innovation. Managers should encourage the internal functional departments to coordinate quality integration while promoting incremental and radical product innovation to occupy a larger market and achieve higher performance.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature in two ways. First, this study expands the theoretical research framework of the joint effects of quality integration and product innovation on financial performance. Second, through testing the mediating role of product innovation, this study provides empirical evidence for the intermediate role of internal quality integration for improving financial performance.
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Zuofei Yang and Hassan Babapour
Nowadays, businesses globally are scrambling to keep up with the latest trend of adopting Information Technology (IT) tools like electronic customer relationship management…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, businesses globally are scrambling to keep up with the latest trend of adopting Information Technology (IT) tools like electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM). The study aims to examine and describe the impact of information availability, system security and quality on consumer satisfaction and E-CRM efficacy in shopping websites.
Design/methodology/approach
Communication in the period of the fourth industrial revolution was performed face to face and via the use of technological communication tools. The growth of information and communication technology (ICT) has compelled businesses to embrace E-CRM to strengthen client relationships and boost profitability, loyalty and satisfaction. E-CRM is implemented to establish communication with customers. So the major goal of the investigation is to look at the function of influencing variables in E-CRM system efficiency in online buying. The present study's statistical population is limitless. The sample size for structural equations is determined to be 384, utilizing the sample measurement technique. A research framework is developed with four hypotheses resulting from previous research to measure the sample. SMART PLS software is used to assess the suggested model and the data received from the questionnaire.
Findings
According to the findings, availability of information, information quality and security influence user satisfaction. Therefore, considering the dimensions could be a great step in the improvement of the E-CRM effectiveness. The outcomes also showed that online shopping sites should help customers observe the accordance between the received services and their needs' features.
Research limitations/implications
Despite many efforts to complete the article, the low sample size is one of the limitations of this article. Also, the study has only been evaluated in one country, so generalization of results should be made with caution.
Practical implications
The E-CRM process is a continuous learning process where information about the customer is transformed into a customer relationship. Also, customer satisfaction is the core concern of any system, and such systems must assess customer satisfaction levels by incorporating a procedure. Many research findings show that development managers try to enhance the quality of the relationship with development managers' customers. The study recommends that both designers and managers focus on security, system quality and access to information to boost customer satisfaction.
Originality/value
The research discusses and identifies the key factors that must be considered while providing the solutions of E-CRM. The study helps managers to accelerate E-CRM systems. Also, the paper supports the field of the managers-orientated perspective in E-CRM.
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Wan Li and Liang Wang
The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of what drives firms’ choice between exploration alliances and exploitation alliances by examining the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of what drives firms’ choice between exploration alliances and exploitation alliances by examining the role of organizational slack and its interaction with market uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study is conducted based on 1,614 alliances formed by 581 US biotechnology firms, and the hypotheses are tested using a zero-inflated multilevel Poisson model.
Findings
The results indicate that firms’ strategic choice to pursue exploration or exploitation alliances is a reflection of organizational intention and adaptation to environmental turbulence. More specifically, firms with more financial slack tend to form more exploration alliances and fewer exploitation alliances. However, under high market uncertainty, firms with financial slack tend to establish more exploitative partnerships and avoid exploration collaborations.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on exploration–exploitation alliances, which tends to fall short of providing an understanding of why organizations pursue such alliances. By identifying the impact of organizational slack and its interaction with market uncertainty, this study shows that organizations are able to respond to environmental change, and those with capabilities are likely to craft their strategic choice configurations based on their own characteristics.
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Zhongju Liao, Chao Huang, Yubing Yu, Shufeng (Simon) Xiao, Justin Zuopeng Zhang, Abhishek Behl, Vijay Pereira and Alessio Ishizaka
This study aims to investigate the causal relationships within an experimental culture of improvisation capability and firm performance, following the logic of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the causal relationships within an experimental culture of improvisation capability and firm performance, following the logic of “culture-capability-performance” and building on informal institution theory and dynamic capability theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was mainly collected via on-site questionnaires from firm managers, and 196 valid questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the relationship among experimental culture, improvisation capability and firms’ performance.
Findings
Trust and support had a positive impact on firm spontaneity, while the effect of action promotion and error tolerance was not significant. Action promotion, trust and support demonstrate substantial positive effects on the creativity of a firm. Both dimensions of improvisation capability positively and significantly influence a firm’s performance.
Research limitations/implications
The research respondents were firm managers. Cross-sectional data were used to analyze the model, which may cause common method variance. The research context was limited to China, and the generalizability of the results needs to be considered.
Practical implications
Firms can cultivate a culture of trust and support to enhance their spontaneity and improvisation capability. They can encourage cross-departmental communication, empower employees with autonomy in decision-making, provide appropriate resource support for employees’ decisions and use praise and reward incentives to spur further innovation achievements.
Originality/value
This study addresses the gaps in a firm’s improvisation capability within a Chinese market context by theoretically and empirically examining the role of experimental culture and assessing the relationship among each of the dimensions of improvisation capability in relation to firm performance identified in this study.