Hui-Wen Deng and Kwok Wah Cheung
The National People’s Congress (NPC) of People’s Republic of China, the highest organ of state power, is popularly seen as a rubber-stamp entity. However, it has been…
Abstract
Purpose
The National People’s Congress (NPC) of People’s Republic of China, the highest organ of state power, is popularly seen as a rubber-stamp entity. However, it has been substantially evolving its roles to accommodate the governance discourses within China’s political system over the decades. This study aims to explore the changes of governance discourse of the NPC within China’s political system through which to offer a thorough understanding of the NPC’s evolving substantial role in current China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study deploys a historical approach to explore the changes of governance discourse of the NPC that has seen a growing importance in China’s political agenda, as argued by this study.
Findings
The authors find that the NPC has been substantially evolving its role within China’s political system in which the Chinese Communist Party has created different governance discourses. Besides, the NPC and its Standing Committee have asserted its authority as a substantial actor within China’s political system. The NPC is no longer functioned as a rubber-stamp institution, though it is still popularized as a rubber stamp by many scholars.
Research limitations/implications
This study is a historical elaboration on the development of NPC under three governance discourses. It might be, to some extent, relatively descriptive in nature.
Originality/value
This study, therefore, sheds some light on a revisit on the governance discourses in current China.
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Yingxiang Zhao, Junde Guo, Xiaoni Yan, Shan Du, Min Gong, Biao Sun, Junwen Shi and Wen Deng
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction and wear mechanisms in copper-based self-lubricating composites with MoS2 as the lubricating phase, which provides a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction and wear mechanisms in copper-based self-lubricating composites with MoS2 as the lubricating phase, which provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research on high-performance copper-based self-lubricating materials.
Design/methodology/approach
Friction tests were performed at a speed of 100 r/min, a load of 10 N, a friction radius of 5 mm and a sliding speed of 30 min. Friction experiments were carried out at RT-500°C. The phase composition of the samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction of Cu Ka radiation, and the microstructure, morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Reactants and valences formed during the wear process were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Findings
The addition of MoS2 can effectively improve friction-reducing and anti-wear action of the matrix, which is beneficial to form a lubricating film on the sliding track. After analyzing different changing mechanism of the sliding tracks, the oxides and sulfides of MoS2, MoO2, Cu2O, CuO and Ni(OH)2 were detected to form a synergetic lubricating film on the sliding track, which is responsible for the excellent tribological properties from room to elevated temperature.
Research limitations/implications
For self-lubrication Cu–Sn–Ni–MoS2 material in engineering field, there are still few available references on high-temperature application.
Practical implications
This paper provides a theoretical basis for the following research on copper-based self-lubricating materials with high performance.
Originality/value
With this statement, the authors hereby certify that the manuscript is the results of their own effort and ability. They have indicated all quotes, citations and references. Furthermore, the authors have not submitted any essay, paper or thesis with similar content elsewhere. No conflict of interest exits in the submission of this manuscript.
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Hui-Wen Vivian Tang and Mu-Shang Yin
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the application of optimal globalization grey relational analysis (GGRA) as a workable decision-making tool to prioritize emotional…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the application of optimal globalization grey relational analysis (GGRA) as a workable decision-making tool to prioritize emotional intelligence (EI) training needs of specific groups of academic leaders.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involved administrating the emotional skills assessment process to 50 academic leaders in the USA and 50 in Taiwan. Optimal GGRA was utilized to prioritize EI training needs of the two distinct groups of academic leaders.
Findings
Results of the optimal GGRA suggest that context-specific EI interventions focusing on enhancing weak areas of emotional competency are made possible through optimal globalization grey analysis.
Practical implications
Optimal GGRA is introduced as a valid decision-making technique for planning effective EI interventions. The results have implications for designing training courses targeting on enhancing weak areas of emotional competency.
Originality/value
The utility of optimal GGRA as a decision-making tool to prioritizing training needs for the two cultural groups of academic leaders in the study aims at going beyond the narrow psychometric perspectives of measurements on leadership potentials and reaching out to practical approaches to leadership development and training.
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Yen-Ching Chang, Chun-Ming Chang, Liang-Hwa Chen and Tung-Jung Chan
Assessing image quality is a difficult task. Different demands need distinct criteria, so it is not realistic to decide which contrast enhancement method is better only through…
Abstract
Purpose
Assessing image quality is a difficult task. Different demands need distinct criteria, so it is not realistic to decide which contrast enhancement method is better only through one criterion. The main purpose is to propose an efficient scheme to effectively evaluate image quality. Furthermore, the idea can be applied in other fields.
Design/methodology/approach
To objectively and quantitatively assess image quality, the authors integrate four criteria into one composite criterion and use it to evaluate seven existing contrast enhancement methods. The mechanism of integration is through a newly proposed way of computing a grey relational grade (GRGd), called the consistent grey relational grade (CGRGd).
Findings
In this paper, the authors propose the CGRGd, which is more efficient and consistent than other existing GRGds. When applied to image quality evaluation, the proposed CGRGd can effectively choose the best method than others. The results also indicate that the proposed CGRGd combined with appropriate criteria can be widely used in the field of multiple criteria.
Originality/value
The proposed CGRGd is a new approach to the problem of multi-criteria evaluation, and its application to the evaluation of image quality is a novel idea. For readers interested in the field of multi-criteria decision-making, the CGRGd provides an efficient and effective alternative.
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Changfei Nie, Wen Luo, Zhi Chen and Yuan Feng
Based on strategic choice theory, this study examines the impact and mechanisms of intellectual property demonstration city (IPDC) policy in China on corporate ESG performance.
Abstract
Purpose
Based on strategic choice theory, this study examines the impact and mechanisms of intellectual property demonstration city (IPDC) policy in China on corporate ESG performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses China’s A-share listed companies’ data from 2009 to 2019 and conducts a difference-in-differences (DID) to explore the causal relationship between IPDC policy and corporate ESG performance.
Findings
Baseline regression results indicate that the IPDC policy can significantly improve corporate ESG performance. Mechanism tests reveal that the IPDC policy expands firm green technology innovation, enhances firm human capital investment and increases government innovation subsidies, thereby promoting corporate ESG performance. Moderating effect results show that the promotion impact on corporate ESG performance of the IPDC policy is diminished by government fiscal pressure. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that the IPDC policy has a stronger impact on corporate ESG performance in key cities, firms in high-tech industries, firms with a higher reliance on intellectual property protection (IPP) and state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Originality/value
The findings enrich the theoretical research on the influencing factors of corporate ESG performance and provide practical references to strengthen IPP and implement a more thorough intellectual property development strategy.
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The purpose of this paper is to propose novel civil aircraft cost parameters’ selection method and novel cost estimation approach for civil aircraft so as to effectively simulate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose novel civil aircraft cost parameters’ selection method and novel cost estimation approach for civil aircraft so as to effectively simulate or forecast civil aircraft cost under poor information and small sample.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on existent cost estimation indexes, this paper summarized civil aircraft research and manufacturing cost impact index system and adopted grey relational model to select most important impact factors. Consider civil aircrafts’ cost information could not be easily collected, the author must estimate their costs with limited sample and poor information. A combination model of GM (0, N) model and BP neural network algorithm is proposed. Both advantages of simulation of BP neural network algorithm and poor information generation of GM (0, N) were effectively combined. Then steps of combined model were given out. Finally, nine types of aircrafts were used to test the validity of proposed model. As comparing with the traditional multiple linear regression model and simple GM (0, N) model, results indicated that proposed model can do the work better.
Findings
Grey relational model can be applied for parameters’ selection and combined GM (0, N) model and BP neural network algorithm can estimate aircraft’s cost as well. Results show that novel combined model could get high forecasting accuracy.
Practical implications
Cost estimation is key problem in production management of civil aircraft. Effective cost management could promote competitiveness of aircraft manufacturing company. Proposed combined model can be applied for civil aircraft cost estimation. Similarly, it could be applied for other complex equipment cost estimation.
Originality/value
The paper succeeds in proposing grey relational model for cost parameters’ selection and constructing a combination model of GM (0, N) model and BP neural network algorithm. Algorithm of the proposed model was discussed and steps were given out.
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Ayşegül Gürsoy and Gökçe Sinem Erbuğa
Introduction: The global financial crisis has affected the financial markets and has had social consequences in addition to economic ones. The concept of ‘sustainability’ concerns…
Abstract
Introduction: The global financial crisis has affected the financial markets and has had social consequences in addition to economic ones. The concept of ‘sustainability’ concerns firms reaching their main corporate goals. So, to maximise corporate financial performance (FINP), firms pay attention to non-financial data, such as elements of governance, social, and environmental concerns (henceforth referred to as ESG). Therefore, non-financial information provided by EGS factors measured by the ESG score has a crucial role in incorporating strategy and firm performance.
Purpose: This chapter looks at how ESG scores affect the performance of firms. The term ‘ESG’ describes how corporate operations include ESG principles. The ESG score is a novel way to gauge a company’s sustainability.
Methodology: ESG practices are a current phenomenon that has taken the attention of researchers in the last decades. Besides the amount of research conducted, researchers still need consensus regarding its impact. This chapter implements a systematic literature review to compile the research on ESG performance (ESGP) and how it affects business performance.
Findings: Businesses can incorporate sustainability practices into their operations with the help of ESG reports. ESG reports and scores provide non-financial information, which is crucial for businesses to achieve sustainability in their activities and attract more investors. The chapter contributes to the literature by creating value through a comprehensive and theoretical literature review.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to investigate both the positive and negative effects of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior. By applying the unified theory on contingencies of self-worth, the study aimed to integrate these effects into a single framework, thereby confirming the presence of the double-edged sword effect of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted among enterprises across China, involving 246 employees. Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to test the moderating hypotheses. Additionally, the mediating effects and the moderated mediation effects were further explored using the bootstrapping method.
Findings
The results indicated that workplace loneliness positively influenced innovative behavior through the desire to prove ability, with the promotion regulatory focus enhancing this relationship. Conversely, workplace loneliness negatively influenced innovative behavior through self-handicapping, with the prevention regulatory focus intensifying this relationship.
Practical implications
The findings revealed that workplace loneliness exerts a double-edged effect on innovative behavior. Lonely employees can enhance their sense of self-worth by engaging in domain switching, thereby alleviating feelings of loneliness.
Originality/value
The research confirmed a novel perspective: workplace loneliness can promote innovative behavior by influencing employees’ desire to prove ability. It also revealed the double-edged sword effect of workplace loneliness on innovative behavior. Based on these findings, employees experiencing loneliness can enhance their self-worth and alleviate feelings of loneliness through domain switching.
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Dunying Deng, Yunfan Liao, Meichao Lin, Xiaxuan Xiong and Yonggang Tong
The purpose of this paper is to develop advanced materials with outstanding mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation performance for their potential application in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop advanced materials with outstanding mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation performance for their potential application in high-temperature structural components.
Design/methodology/approach
The alloy ingots with high-purity Co, Cr, Ni, Al and Y metals (= 99.9 Wt.%) were prepared in a vacuum arc melting furnace under an argon atmosphere.
Findings
This study investigated the impact of the Y content on the microstructure and oxidation behavior of CoCrNiAl medium entropy alloys at 1,200°C. All alloys exhibit a combination of ß and γ phases, with CoCrNiAlY 0.11revealing the presence of obvious sub-micron γ phase precipitates within the ß phase. The oxidation behavior of CoCrNiAlYx (x = 0.05, 0.08, 0.11) at 1,200°C demonstrates the formation of a dense oxide scale on the alloy surface. The surface with aluminum oxide accompanied by yttrium oxide exhibits improved adhesion between the matrix and oxide scale. The CoCrNiAlY0.11 alloy, with a decreased oxidation rate of 7.8 × 10–6 mg2 cm−4s−1, displays the best oxidation resistance among these alloys with varying Y content.
Originality/value
The study examines the optimal content of Y in the CoCrNiAl medium alloy and its superior oxidation behavior at 1,200°C.
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Xu Chu, Yuntao Bai and Baoying Zhu
Digital transformation (DX) is advancing in the post-pandemic era, yet regional disparities remain pronounced. This uneven distribution may be attributed to cities’ doing business…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital transformation (DX) is advancing in the post-pandemic era, yet regional disparities remain pronounced. This uneven distribution may be attributed to cities’ doing business environment. As the doing business environment comprises various components, we aim to explore how these components interact to affect local firms' DX, thereby identifying which configurations of the doing business environment contribute to firms' DX.
Design/methodology/approach
The doing business environment in our study contains seven components: public services, government, legal, innovation, market, human resources and financial services environments. We adopt a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach to determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for firms' high-level DX. The sample consists of enterprises listed on the China Science and Technology Innovation Board.
Findings
Firstly, a single doing business environment component is unnecessary for firms to produce a high- or non-high-level DX. Secondly, four configurations of the doing business environment explain firms' high-level DX of three general types: doing business environment configurations (1) dominated by the cost hypothesis, (2) synergised by the cost and resource hypotheses and (3) dominated by the resource hypothesis. Thirdly, the configurational paths generating firms’ high- or non-high-level DX are asymmetric and only one doing business environment configuration will lead to firms' non-high-level DX.
Originality/value
This study presents a ground-breaking exploration of the mechanisms driving firms' DX in terms of the city-level doing business environment and its dual functions. Additionally, we elucidate the reasons for the uneven regional distribution of DX development.