Shuqin Bao, Wenwen An, Aihuan Wang and Shunjun Luo
Effectuation, which articulates the process of entrepreneurial action based on nonpredictive control logic, is receiving extensive scholarly attention. What drives the effectual…
Abstract
Purpose
Effectuation, which articulates the process of entrepreneurial action based on nonpredictive control logic, is receiving extensive scholarly attention. What drives the effectual entrepreneurship is featured with high complexity. However, existing studies ignored the complex driving forces underlying entrepreneurial decision-making. Building on a configurational perspective, the purpose of this study was to examine the combinative effects of environmental uncertainty and entrepreneurs’ means on effectual entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on 54 entrepreneurs who are launching new ventures in China, this study adopts a fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to investigate two sets of antecedent conditions and how they form different combinations for a highly effectual entrepreneurship.
Findings
Our findings disclose four highly effectual entrepreneurship paths involving novice–specialist effectual entrepreneurship in a highly uncertain environment, socialite–specialist effectual entrepreneurship in a highly uncertain environment, pure-specialist effectual entrepreneurship and resourceful effectual entrepreneurship, and one path of barefoot noneffectual entrepreneurship in a highly uncertain environment, which reveals the complex nature of environmental uncertainty and entrepreneurs’ means in driving entrepreneurs to adopt effectuation.
Originality/value
Our study makes the following contributions. First, by taking a configurational perspective, we are able to obtain an elaborate view of the combined effects of environmental uncertainty and entrepreneurs’ means on effectual entrepreneurship. Second, we expand prior thinking on the relationship between environmental uncertainty and effectuation. Third, our study offers a more delicate understanding of entrepreneurs’ means in driving effectuation by splitting means into three separate factors.
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Wenwen An, Yuehua Xu and Jianqi Zhang
Previous studies have produced inconsistent findings regarding the effects of resource constraints on corporate illegal behavior. This study aims to explore how entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies have produced inconsistent findings regarding the effects of resource constraints on corporate illegal behavior. This study aims to explore how entrepreneurial firms can overcome the difficulties generated by resource constraints.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on insights from general strain theory and focusing on listed entrepreneurial firms, this study proposes that failure to obtain enough resources through listing generates strain in the managers of listed entrepreneurial firms, driving them to resort to corporate financial fraud as a solution. Nevertheless, such relationships between resource constraints and the likelihood of corporate financial fraud can be weakened by innovation capability, because innovation capability can generate more confidence in their managers and relieve their strains, thereby dissuading them from engaging in corporate financial fraud.
Findings
According to our empirical results, both financial and human resource constraints are positively related to the likelihood of corporate financial fraud in listed entrepreneurial firms, but such effects can be mitigated by innovation capability.
Practical implications
This study provides practical implications for both regulators and managers by indicating that although entrepreneurial firms with resource constraints are more likely to commit financial fraud, innovation capability could be a strategic approach to enhance managers’ confidence and relieve the strain.
Originality/value
Our study contributes to the literature by enriching our understanding of the consequences of resource constraints in entrepreneurial firms and highlighting the strategic importance of innovation capability in mitigating such effects.
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Mário Franco, Heiko Haase and Margarida Rodrigues
This study aims to determine whether inter-organisational communication, based on four communicational dimensions (willingness, behaviour, commitment and quality), influences the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine whether inter-organisational communication, based on four communicational dimensions (willingness, behaviour, commitment and quality), influences the performance of strategic alliances.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this objective, from a relational perspective, a qualitative approach was adopted, resorting to five small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)/cases in Portugal. Interviews with the key informants of these SMEs and documentary analysis were used to collect data.
Findings
Based on the cases analysed, the results show that communication is fundamental, valued and implemented in the SMEs studied. However, this is informal communication, reflecting the cooperation established and not based on contracts. In these SMEs, communication is the basis for understanding the alliance’s objectives and their fulfilment, which creates satisfaction in the partners and the alliance’s success. Communication also allows an alliance to be maintained and develop continuously, creating bonds between the partners.
Practical implications
Without that communication, alliance performance will not be possible. The study is relevant as it indicates management practices in strategic alliances based on inter-organisational communication, aiming for good performance. Therefore, it contributes to advancing knowledge about strategic alliances through the innovative link with inter-organisational communication and its applicability.
Originality/value
This study is new and innovative because it contributes to the literature in the area of strategic management, as it presents phenomena to do with inter-organisational communication and its relation with strategic alliances in SMEs, as well as advancing knowledge about the relational perspective. In addition, the application and development of inter-organisational communication, in all its communicational dimensions, are the basis for maintaining alliances over time and their performance.
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Md Rajibul Hasan, Assem Abdunurova, Wenwen Wang, Jiawei Zheng and S.M. Riad Shams
The purpose of this study is to gather insights into digital consumer behaviour related to Chinese restaurents by examining visual contents on Tripadvisor platform.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gather insights into digital consumer behaviour related to Chinese restaurents by examining visual contents on Tripadvisor platform.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the deep learning approach, this research assessed consumer-posted online content of dining experiences by implementing image analysis and clustering. Text mining using word cloud analysis revealed the most frequently repeated keywords.
Findings
First, 4,000 photos of nine Chinese restaurants posted on Tripadvisor’s website were analyzed using image recognition via Inception V3 and Google’s deep learning network; this revealed 12 hierarchical image clusters. Then, an open-questionnaire survey of 125 Chinese respondents investigated consumers’ information needs before visiting a restaurant and after purchasing behavior (motives to share).
Practical implications
This study contributes to culinary marketing development by introducing a new analysis methodology and demonstrating its application by exploring a wide range of keywords and visual images published on the internet.
Originality/value
This research extends and contributes to the literature regarding visual user-generated content in culinary tourism.
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Mohammad Mohsen Peiravi, Javad Alinejad, D.D. Ganji and Soroush Maddah
The purpose of this study is investigating the effect of using multi-phase nanofluids, Rayleigh number and baffle arrangement simultaneously on the heat transfer rate and Predict…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is investigating the effect of using multi-phase nanofluids, Rayleigh number and baffle arrangement simultaneously on the heat transfer rate and Predict the optimal arrangement type of baffles in the differentiation of Rayleigh number in a 3D enclosure.
Design/methodology/approach
Simulations were performed on the base of the L25 Taguchi orthogonal array, and each test was conducted under different height and baffle arrangement. The multi-phase thermal lattice Boltzmann based on the D3Q19 method was used for modeling fluid flow and temperature fields.
Findings
Streamlines, isotherms, nanofluid volume fraction distribution and Nusselt number along the wall surface for 104 < Ra < 108 have been demonstrated. Signal-to-noise ratios have been analyzed to predict optimal conditions of maximize and minimize the heat transfer rate. The results show that by choosing the appropriate height and arrangement of the baffles, the average Nusselt number can be changed by more than 57 per cent.
Originality/value
The value of this paper is surveying three-dimensional and two-phase simulation for nanofluid. Also using the Taguchi method for Predicting the optimal arrangement type of baffles in a multi-part enclosure. Finally statistical analysis of the results by using of two maximum and minimum target Function heat transfer rates.
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John A Parnell, Zhang Long and Don Lester
The purpose of this paper is to investigate linkages among competitive strategy, strategic capabilities, environmental uncertainty, and organizational performance in small and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate linkages among competitive strategy, strategic capabilities, environmental uncertainty, and organizational performance in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in China and the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
In China, a survey was administered to managers of SMEs in Shanghai and Guangzhou. In the USA, a survey was administered to managers of SMEs in three major cities. Competitive strategy, capabilities, uncertainty, and performance were measured by previously validated scales.
Findings
Findings support the integrity Miles and Snow generic strategic typology. Performance satisfaction was significantly lower in firms employing a reactor strategy as opposed to those employing prospector, defender, or analyzer strategies. Additional support was found for the concept of strategic clarity, as businesses reporting moderate strategic clarity had lower levels of satisfaction with performance than those reporting either a single strategy or a combination emphasis on three equal strategies.
Practical implications
Chinese SMEs tend to prefer cost-based approaches to their local markets. A differentiation market approach is challenging in most local Chinese economies due to the low wages of most jobs in an economy that is still largely centrally planned. In the USA, more disposable income leads to more market opportunities. While this situation is gradually changing in China, it is not at a point where SMEs feel comfortable pursuing totally differentiated strategies.
Originality/value
Several distinctions in competitive strategy, capabilities, and environmental uncertainty between China and the USA are recognized by analysis. Analyzers and defenders in Chinese SMEs tend to follow industry prospectors with lower prices and/or superior service. They might change strategies after gaining a foothold in the market. Performance for SMEs with low strategic clarity often depends on established guanxi with governmental agencies or stated-owned enterprises, a situation very different from that in the USA.
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The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved differential evolution algorithm (DEA) suitable for motor’s model identification.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved differential evolution algorithm (DEA) suitable for motor’s model identification.
Design/methodology/approach
The mutation operation of the standard DEA is improved, and the adaptive coefficient is designed to adjust the optimization process.
Findings
The application of motor model identification shows that the proposed improved DEA is more robust, with higher modeling accuracy and efficiency, and is more suitable for motor identification modeling applications. Compared with the ultrasonic motor model established by using particle swarm algorithm, the model established in this paper has higher precision.
Originality/value
This paper explores an improved DEA suitable for motor identification modeling. The algorithm can not only obtain the optimal solution but also effectively reduce the iterative generations and time required in the process of optimization identification.
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To accelerate the development of low-carbon industry in Zhaoqing City, transform the mode of economic growth, and promote industrial transformation and upgrading, the SWOT…
Abstract
To accelerate the development of low-carbon industry in Zhaoqing City, transform the mode of economic growth, and promote industrial transformation and upgrading, the SWOT analysis method was applied. From the four aspects of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the feasibility of developing a low-carbon economy in Zhaoqing was systematically analyzed. From the adjustment of industrial structure, the optimization of energy structure, the promotion of low-carbon tourism, the development of circular economy, and the enhancement of carbon sink capacity, the development path of low-carbon economy was explored. Based on the above analysis, a low carbon development plan was prepared. From the implementation of low-carbon development strategy, the choice of low-carbon economy pilot, and the low-carbon economic security system, the implementation steps of Zhaoqing's low-carbon economy were discussed in detail. The results showed that the low-carbon economy concept provided some ideas for Zhaoqing's economic development. Therefore, Zhaoqing is still in its infancy. The city's transportation system is not perfect. To develop a low-carbon economy, governments, enterprises, and individuals need to participate actively.
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Wenwen Xi, Dermot Hayes and Sergio Horacio Lence
The purpose of this paper is to study the variance risk premium in corn and soybean markets, where the variance risk premium is defined as the difference between the historical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the variance risk premium in corn and soybean markets, where the variance risk premium is defined as the difference between the historical realized variance and the corresponding risk-neutral expected variance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors compute variance risk premiums using historical derivatives data. The authors use regression analysis and time series econometrics methods, including EGARCH and the Kalman filter, to analyze variance risk premiums.
Findings
There are moderate commonalities in variance within the agricultural sector, but fairly weak commonalities between the agricultural and the equity sectors. Corn and soybean variance risk premia in dollar terms are time-varying and correlated with the risk-neutral expected variance. In contrast, agricultural commodity variance risk premia in log return terms are more likely to be constant and less correlated with the log risk-neutral expected variance. Variance and price (return) risk premia in agricultural markets are weakly correlated, and the correlation depends on the sign of the returns in the underlying commodity.
Practical implications
Commodity variance (i.e. volatility) risk cannot be hedged using futures markets. The results have practical implications for US crop insurance programs because the implied volatilities from the relevant options markets are used to estimate the price volatility factors used to generate premia for revenue insurance products such as “Revenue Protection” and “Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion.” The variance risk premia found implies that revenue insurance premia are overpriced.
Originality/value
The empirical results suggest that the implied volatilities in corn and soybean futures market overestimate true expected volatility by approximately 15 percent. This has implications for derivative products, such as revenue insurance, that use these implied volatilities to calculate fair premia.
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Wenwen Zhao and Zhe Zhang
Innovative capabilities are essential for the survival and development of an organization. Previous studies have found a positive relationship between CEO transformational…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovative capabilities are essential for the survival and development of an organization. Previous studies have found a positive relationship between CEO transformational leadership (CEOTFL) and firm innovation. However, limited studies have endeavored to investigate the relationship between CEOTFL and firm innovation through the cognition and attitudes of the ordinary employees, despite their significant role in corporate innovation. Existing TFL literature has predominantly concentrated on “the close relationships” between leaders and their immediate subordinates, leaving the remote influence of CEOTFL on ordinary employees under-researched. Therefore, the current study aims to explain the relationship between CEOTFL and firm innovation from a micro-level perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Multilevel and multi-sourced data from 1,627 employees across 145 firms was used to test the hypotheses in this study.
Findings
The results indicate that CEOTFL can enhance firm innovation by enhancing the collective task self-efficacy of regular employees. Moreover, this effect is not observed when employees are exposed to a low level of work–life balance practices.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that CEOs can perform increased TFL to promote firm innovation. It is recommended that CEOs demonstrate their TFL not only to their direct subordinates but also to regular employees using various methods, such as participating in corporate activities with employees, delivering public speeches and sending emails to employees. Meanwhile, the HRM system should consistently align with the CEO’s leadership approach within the organization.
Social implications
This study strengthens the importance of ordinary employees and their contribution to firm innovation.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the literature on the micro-foundations of the relationship between CEOTFL and firm innovation by considering ordinary employee reactions as a mediator. Furthermore, this study enriches the CEOTFL literature by investigating the distant influence of CEOTFL on rank-and-file employees through the lens of social cognitive theory. Additionally, the authors expand cue consistency theory to the realms of CEO leadership and HRM literature by integrating CEOTFL and work–life balance practices into a unified model. The findings reveal the importance of coordination between CEO leadership and HRM systems within an organization. The inclusion of Chinese sample data in this study augments the cultural diversity of the sample within the CEOTFL literature.