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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2022

Jingen Zhou, Shu-Ling (Peggy) Chen and Wenming (Wendy) Shi

The cruise industry has witnessed steady growth, with passenger volume increasing from 17.8 million in 2009 to 30 million in 2019. In the context of global competition and an…

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Abstract

Purpose

The cruise industry has witnessed steady growth, with passenger volume increasing from 17.8 million in 2009 to 30 million in 2019. In the context of global competition and an uncertain business environment, competition in business has changed dramatically from battles of “firm versus firm” to “supply chain versus supply chain”. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to understand the cruise industry from a chain perspective, which has not drawn widespread research attention.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper brings together the insights, opinions, concepts and frameworks from a literature review of different disciplines (maritime shipping, tourism management, logistics management, operations management and supply chain management) and analysis results from 22 semi-structured interviews to make an early attempt to conceptualise the cruise supply chain (CSC).

Findings

The cruise supply chain is elaborated on the process, the role of each entity and its characteristics by comparing with the maritime supply chain and tourism supply chain. Based on the understanding of the CSC, two specific characteristics of the Chinese CSC are examined, which need further investigation.

Originality/value

The CSC is articulated with detailed processes and characteristics based on the literature review and empirical study. The findings of this paper not only advance the knowledge of the supply chain in the cruise industry but also highlight the importance of further research on the CSC.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

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Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

Xueqin Wang, Yiik Diew Wong, Wenming Shi and Kum Fai Yuen

Omni-channel shopping affords consumers a variety of delivery options to receive products based on their preferred times and locations. By considering consumers' contributions…

840

Abstract

Purpose

Omni-channel shopping affords consumers a variety of delivery options to receive products based on their preferred times and locations. By considering consumers' contributions (physical, social and attentive efforts) in co-creating delivery services, this study investigates their preferences for parcel delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based questionnaire survey is conducted for data collection in Singapore (n = 483). Furthermore, a multinomial logistic regression is performed to assess consumers' choice mode of delivery among five alternatives, that is attended home delivery, unattended home delivery, automated self-collection locker, attended pickup point and click-and-collect.

Findings

Compared to attended home delivery, consumers who choose the alternatives are found to be more willing to contribute physical effort but less interested in responding attentively to informational updates. Efforts required for social interactions discourage consumers from choosing attended deliveries, prompting unattended alternatives (e.g. home delivery and self-collection) as more attractive choices. Additionally, socio-demographic factors and product value also influence consumers' preferences.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by integrating the theoretical concept of consumer logistics into omni-channel studies, providing a new approach to examining consumers' channel behaviour. With detailed profiling that links product value and consumers' socio-demographics to their choice mode of delivery, the authors create practical insight into the optimal design of omni-channel distribution systems that best harness consumers' voluntary contributions.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2022

Xu Chen, Yingliang Wu, Junfeng Liao, Wenming Zuo and Rujie Zhong

The incentive cost of enterprises increases significantly with the rapid growth of the social commerce (SC) market. In this context, enterprises need to develop the optimal…

149

Abstract

Purpose

The incentive cost of enterprises increases significantly with the rapid growth of the social commerce (SC) market. In this context, enterprises need to develop the optimal strategy to improve incentive effectiveness and reduce cost. Different types of consumers’ responses to incentives bring different values to enterprises. Hence, this paper proposes the social commerce value network (SCVN) to help enterprises study the contributions of different types of consumers to the network.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the graphical evaluation and review technique (GERT), the authors construct the social commerce value GERT (i.e. SCV-GERT) network and design three progressive experiments for estimating the value contributions of “network stage”, “consumer type”, and “resource type” to the SCVN under the same incentives. The authors initialize the SCV-GERT model with consumer data in SC and distinguish the most valuable consumers by adjusting the incentive parameters.

Findings

The results show that the SCV-GERT model can well describe the value flow of SCVN. The incentive on forwarding consumers brings the greatest value gain to the SCVN, and social trust contributes the most to forwarding consumers.

Practical implications

Under the guidance of the results, platforms and enterprises in SC can select the optimal type of consumers who bring the maximum network value so as to improve the effectiveness of incentive strategy and reduce marketing costs. A four-level incentive system should be established according to the ranking of the corresponding value gains: forwarding consumers > agent consumers > commenting consumers > potential consumers. Enterprises also need to find ways to improve the social resource investments of consumers participating in SC.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the incentive problem in SC grounded in the SCVN and uses the GERT method to construct the SCV-GERT model, which is the first attempt to introduce GERT into the SC context. This study also makes up for the lack of comparative research on different types of consumers in SC and can provide support for enterprises’ customer relationship management and marketing decisions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Chengxiong Lin and Wenming Wu

This paper aims to introduce a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument for clinical detection applications.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument for clinical detection applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The PCR instrument can make rapid, sensitive, low-cost and quantitative molecular diagnosis compared with the current routine test flow from the pipette, series reagent to RT-PCR by manual manipulation. By integrating the multichannel automatic pipetting module, heat amplification module and real-time fluorescence detection module for the first time, the custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection PCR instrument can achieve sample collection, subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and result presentation.

Findings

The multichannel automatic pipetting module was assembled with an accuracy of 0.4% (2 microliters) for accuracy measurement. Besides, the accuracy and sensitivity of nucleic acid using integrated low-cost nucleic acid detection PCR instruments were checked with COV-2019 virus (staining method) and African swine fever virus (probe method) under different concentrations.

Practical implications

Because of its high cost, complex system and bulky laboratory settings, including sample subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and finally result in presentation, the current nucleic acid detection system is not suitable for field operation and disease diagnosis in remote areas. The group independently designed and assembled an integrated low-cost multichannel nucleic acid detection PCR instrument, including a multichannel automatic pipetting module, a heat amplification module and a real-time fluorescence detection module.

Originality/value

The above equipment showed better reliability compared with commercial qPCR. These results can lay the foundation for functional, fast and low-cost PCR equipment for trace measurements.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Li Si, Wenming Xing, Xiaozhe Zhuang, Xiaoqin Hua and Limei Zhou

This paper aims to find the current situation of research data services by academic libraries and summarize some strategies for university libraries to reference. Recent years…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to find the current situation of research data services by academic libraries and summarize some strategies for university libraries to reference. Recent years have seen an increasing number of university libraries extended their traditional roles and provided research data services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper selected 87 libraries of the top 100 universities listed in the World’s Best Universities released by the USA News in October 2012 as samples and conducted a Web site investigation to check if there were any research data services provided. In addition, it made an interview with the Wuhan University Library’s Research Data Service Workgroup to understand the procedure, difficulties and experiences of their research data service. Based on the survey and interview, it analyzed the current status and difficulties of research data services in university libraries and proposed some strategies for others to reference.

Findings

Of the 87 university libraries investigated, 50 libraries have offered research data services. Most of the services can be divided into six aspects: research data introduction, data management guideline, data curation and storage service, data management training, data management reference and resource recommendation. Among these services, research data introduction is the most frequently provided (47.13 per cent), followed by data curation and storage services (43.68 per cent), data management guideline (42.53 per cent), data management reference (41.38 per cent), resource recommendation (41.38 per cent) and data management training (24.14 per cent). The difficulties met by research data service of Chinese academic libraries are also concluded.

Originality/value

Through Web site investigation and interview with the Wuhan University Library’s Research Data Service, this paper presented an overall picture of research data services in university libraries and identified the difficulties and experiences of research data services of the Wuhan University Library. Based on some successful examples, it put forward some strategies for university libraries to reference. This study is very useful for academic libraries to promote their research data services.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

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Book part
Publication date: 16 October 2018

Yang Zhang

Institutional actors are critical allies for grassroots movements, but few studies have examined their effects and variations within the non-democratic context. This chapter…

Abstract

Institutional actors are critical allies for grassroots movements, but few studies have examined their effects and variations within the non-democratic context. This chapter argues that while institutional allies are heavily constrained and unlikely to give open endorsement to grassroot activists, some institutional activists indirectly facilitate movement mobilization and favorable outcomes in the process of advancing their own political agendas. Drawing upon in-depth interviews conducted in 2008 and 2012, I illustrate this argument by examining the Anti-PX Movement – a landmark grassroots environmental movement against a chemical plant – in Xiamen, China. I find that the environmental institutional actors were constrained and divided, yet some still fostered opportunities for movement mobilization and in turn exploited the opportunity created by the protesters to pursue their policy interests, thus facilitating positive movement outcomes. As long as the claims are not politically subversive to the authoritarian rule, this type of tacit and tactical interaction between institutional activists within the state and grassroot activists on the street is conducive to promoting progressive policy changes.

Details

Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-895-2

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Book part
Publication date: 2 December 2024

Sedat Baştuğ, Fevzi Bİtİktaş, Kazim Yenİ, Enes Emİnoglu and Kee-Hung Lai

This study explores technology trends and challenges in the liner shipping industry through the lens of blockchain technology, addressing gaps in the literature with a…

Abstract

This study explores technology trends and challenges in the liner shipping industry through the lens of blockchain technology, addressing gaps in the literature with a comprehensive analysis. By examining blockchain applications in shipping and port contexts, the research fills a significant void, covering trend identification, legal considerations, and implementation challenges. This study extends to examining links between current blockchain projects, revealing trends and challenges in technology applications. The conclusion synthesizes implications and future trajectories of this transformative technology within the broader context of Industry 4.0, positioning this research at the forefront of advancements in maritime technology and supply chain management (SCM).

Details

Impact of Industry 4.0 on Supply Chain Sustainability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-778-9

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Article
Publication date: 25 April 2008

John Chi‐kin Lee, Daoyong Ding and Huan Song

The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent developments in school developmental supervisory evaluation in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai in the Chinese Mainland.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent developments in school developmental supervisory evaluation in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai in the Chinese Mainland.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research approach is qualitative, using documentary analysis and interviews of an inspector, principals and teachers from two primary schools.

Findings

There were perceived positive and negative impacts of school supervision and evaluation.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the implications for fostering a shared school‐government community of school supervision and evaluation, promoting a dynamic approach for addressing contextual differences as well as achieving better coherence among educational reform, supervision and evaluation policies.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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Article
Publication date: 2 January 2020

Haixu Yang, Feng Zhu, Haibiao Wang, Liang Yu and Ming Shi

The purpose of this paper is to describe the structure of nonlinear dampers and the dynamic equations, and nonlinear realization principles and optimize the parameters of…

107

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the structure of nonlinear dampers and the dynamic equations, and nonlinear realization principles and optimize the parameters of nonlinear dampers. Using the finite element method to analyze the seismic performance of the frame structure with shock absorber.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear shock absorber was installed in a six-storey reinforced concrete frame structure to study its seismic performance. The main structure was designed according to the eight degree seismic fortification intensity, and the time history dynamic analysis was carried out by Abaqus finite element software. EL-Centro, Taft and Wenchuan seismic record were selected to analyze the seismic response of the structure under different magnitudes and different acceleration peaks.

Findings

Through the principle study and parameter analysis of the nonlinear shock absorber, combined with the finite element simulation results, the shock absorption performance and shock absorption effect of the nonlinear energy sink (NES) nonlinear shock absorber are given as follows: first, the damping of the NES shock absorber is satisfied, and the linear spring stiffness and nonlinear stiffness of the shock absorber are based on the relationship k1=kn×kl2, so that the spring design length is fixed, and the linear stiffness of the shock absorber can be obtained. The nonlinear shock absorber has the characteristics of high rigidity and frequency bandwidth, so that the frequency is infinitely close to the frequency of the main structure, and when the mass of the shock absorber satisfies between 0.056 and 1, a good shock absorption effect can be obtained, and the reinforced concrete with the shock absorber is obtained. The frame structure can effectively reduce the seismic response, increase the natural vibration period of the structure and reduce the damage loss of the structure. Second, the spacer and each additional shock absorber have a small difference in shock absorption effect. After the shock absorber parameters are accurately calculated, the number of installations does not affect the shock absorption effect of the structure. Therefore, the shock absorber is properly constructed and accurately calculated. Parameters can reduce costs.

Originality/value

New shock absorbers reduce earthquake-induced damage to buildings.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 7 April 2022

Maoliang Bu, Steven Rotchadl and Mengmeng Bu

This paper aims to conduct a comparative study between the historical development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in both the USA and China. It is motivated by the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a comparative study between the historical development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in both the USA and China. It is motivated by the phenomenon that CSR is developing in two different directions (global vs local).

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative study on sustainability-linked compensation illustrates how CSR in the USA is driven by firm-level economic decisions, in which the manifestations of CSR are usually those which prove to be the most profitable financially. Moreover, a case analysis on the green bond market in China contrarily illustrates how CSR in China is usually based more on alignment with top-down, state-led initiatives in which the state directs the ways in which CSR is manifested.

Findings

This paper reveals that despite globalizing trends are attempting to unify definitions of CSR, they inevitably become localized to fit the societal needs in which they are located.

Originality/value

By understanding how CSR development in these two countries has changed over time, this paper shows that future developments in CSR will likely be influenced more by local practices than by converging global forces.

Details

critical perspectives on international business, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-2043

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