Pan Liu, Xiaoyan Cui, Ziran Zhang, Wenwen Zhou and Yue Long
The purpose of this paper is to solve new pricing issues faced by low-carbon companies in the Yellow River Basin, which is caused by the change of key pricing factors in the mixed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to solve new pricing issues faced by low-carbon companies in the Yellow River Basin, which is caused by the change of key pricing factors in the mixed appliance background of Big Data and blockchain, such as product quality and carbon-emission reduction CER level (hereafter, CER level).
Design/methodology/approach
We choose a low-carbon supply chain with a low-carbon manufacturer and a retailer as our research object. Then, we propose that using the ineffective effect of the CER level and the quality and safety level to reflect the relationships among the CER level, the quality and safety level and the market demand is more suitable in the new environment. Based on these, we revise the demand equation. Afterwards, by using Stackelberg game, four cost-sharing situations and their pricing rules are analyzed.
Findings
Results indicated that in the four cost-sharing situations, the change trends and the magnitudes of the best retail prices were not affected by the changes of the inputs of the demand information and the traceability services costs (hereafter, DITS costs), the proportion about retailer's DITS costs undertaken by the manufacturer, the ineffective effect coefficient of the CER level and the quality and safety level and the cost optimization coefficient. However, the cost-sharing situations could affect the change magnitudes of the best revenues.
Originality/value
This paper has two main contributions. First, this paper proposes a demand function that is more suitable for the mixed appliance background of Big Data and blockchain. Secondly, this paper improves the cost-sharing model and finds that demand information sharing and traceability service sharing have different impacts on key pricing factors of low-carbon product. In addition, this research provides a theoretical reference for low-carbon supply chain members to formulate pricing strategies in the new background.
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Wenwen Zhou, Ting Sun, Huey Hng, Wenjing Zhang, Yang Zhao, Hua Zhang, Jan Ma and Qingyu Yan
Three types of PbTe samples, e.g. nanoparticles, nanowires and bulk ingots, have been prepared. The investigation of the Seebeck coefficient of PbTe nanoparticles and nanowires…
Abstract
Three types of PbTe samples, e.g. nanoparticles, nanowires and bulk ingots, have been prepared. The investigation of the Seebeck coefficient of PbTe nanoparticles and nanowires clearly shows the sign change in the temperature range of 575~650 K, which is not observed for bulk ingots. Unfortunately, this temperature range is within the proposed operation temperature range for thermoelectric devices using PbTe and hence, such a change will affect their proper performance. The observed sign change of Seebeck coefficient is not simply caused by the composition variation at high temperature. It is mainly attributed to the extrinsic-to-intrinsic-semiconductor transition for PbTe nanocrystals due to the competing factors between quantum size effect increasing band gap and self-purification process decreasing their charge carrier concentration, which shift the transition point of nanocrystals to lower range as compare to that of bulk samples. Thus, such phenomenon should be considered carefully in the design of thermoelectric devices using semiconductor nanocrystals, which have attracted much attention recently.
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Dong Zhou and Wenwen Wang
This paper aims to conduct research to examine the impact of Internet adoption on the productivity of firms in non-urban China.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to conduct research to examine the impact of Internet adoption on the productivity of firms in non-urban China.
Design/methodology/approach
The study investigates the impact of Internet adoption on firms' productivity in non-urban China. More specifically, the authors conduct a comprehensive and rigorous study while addressing concerns related to firm-level endogeneity by utilizing firm-level panel data. Information on firms in non-urban areas is collected from China's Annual Surveys of Industrial Firm data. For robustness, the authors implement the instrumental variables approach and propensity score matching estimations to strengthen the evidence for suggestive causal inference. Furthermore, the authors also examine the mechanisms and group heterogeneity.
Findings
Evidence indicate that the adoption of Internet technology positively impacts the total factor productivity (TFP) of firms in non-urban areas. According to the heterogeneity analysis, the marginal effect of Internet adoption is more significant and pronounced for labor-intensive, private and small-scale manufacturing firms. Moreover, additional evidence suggest that Internet adoption is beneficial for non-urban firms in expanding their business and enlarging their market. It has also been found that the positive effect of Internet adoption on firms' TFP is amplified by expanding public infrastructure.
Originality/value
The current study supports that the informatization strategy benefits non-urban firms and promotes rural revitalization. The findings suggest the possibility of firms borrowing market size from the closest cities and supporting the ongoing policies of investing in broadband infrastructure to narrow the urban-rural digital gap in China.
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Yu Zhou, Wenwen Zhao and Xueqing Fan
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether, how and when new venture creation progress (NVCP) affects work-to-family conflict (WFC) by introducing coping behavior strategies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether, how and when new venture creation progress (NVCP) affects work-to-family conflict (WFC) by introducing coping behavior strategies as mediators, entrepreneurs’ prior experience and family involvement in business as moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
This study performs multivariate regression analysis based on a sample of 260 nascent entrepreneurs from the Chinese Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics.
Findings
This study reveals that an entrepreneur’s WFC tends to increase along with the growth of the new venture. Specifically, NVCP impels entrepreneurs to adopt reactive role behavior strategy and meet both entrepreneurial and family demands; meanwhile, NVCP propels entrepreneurs to adopt prioritizing entrepreneurship behavior strategy for the increasing work demands, thus leading to more WFC; the mediation effect of prioritizing entrepreneurship behaviors is stronger than that of reactive role behaviors, which leads to an overall positive main effect. Moreover, the preceding mediating paths are moderated by entrepreneurs’ prior experience and family involvement.
Research limitations/implications
First, the authors have investigated how NVCP influenced WFC. However, the authors did not extend the research to the possible effect of WFC on entrepreneurial performance. Second, in the work-family-conflict literature, unmarried and those without children are often excluded since their private life demands differ significantly from parents’ demands. Although the authors control for marital status in the model, the number of children is still left uncontrolled. Furthermore, the authors only used the first two waves of data, leading to a potential selection bias. In addition, the Chinese context may have influenced the generalizability of the results in a complex manner.
Practical implications
This paper indicates that reactive role behavior strategy will decrease WFC, while prioritizing entrepreneurship behavior strategy will increase WFC. Therefore, the authors suggest entrepreneurs adopt more reactive strategy to reduce WFC. Besides, both prior experience and family involvement strengthen the relationship between NVCP and prioritizing entrepreneurship behavior strategy, thereby leading to more WFC. Therefore, entrepreneurs with prior experience and family involvement should pay more attention to their roles in family. Furthermore, entrepreneurs with family involvement can try to segment the entrepreneurship-family boundary psychologically. For example, entrepreneurs can avoid business talking with families but show concerns for them at rest time.
Social implications
WFC has been found negatively related to individual health and well-being. And entrepreneurs experienced even more WFC than employees in established organizations. Therefore, it is of great importance to focus on the topic of reducing entrepreneurs’ WFC. This research indicates that entrepreneurs can experience less WFC by choosing reactive role behavior strategy. Prior experience and family involvement can induce them to be more attached to new venture creation. This research provides practical suggestions and reminders for entrepreneurs.
Originality/value
This mediated moderation model elaborates whether, how and when NVCP affects WFC, thereby contributing to the knowledge of entrepreneurship-family interface and enlightening nascent entrepreneurs about balancing their start-up responsibilities with their family life.
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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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Jun Zou, Chenglong Zhou, Wenwen Li, Jae-bok Lee and Sughun Chang
The electromagnetic field radiated from a lightning channel is the excitation for analyzing the field-to-transmission line coupling problem. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
The electromagnetic field radiated from a lightning channel is the excitation for analyzing the field-to-transmission line coupling problem. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel efficient approach to evaluate the horizontal electric field of the lightning channel expressed by the generalized Sommerfeld integral.
Design/methodology/approach
The asymptotic integral is extracted from the original one, which actually makes the Sommerfeld integral tail reach its convergence very quickly. To handle the sharp variance around k0, a closed-form integral, which is obtained by replacing the original kernel with an approximated function, is presented in detail. The numerical examples validated the proposed approach in the both frequency and time domain.
Findings
The approach proposed in this paper has been validated by the comparison with results in other papers. The agreement among these results reaches very well, and the approach proposed in this paper is more efficient and easy to implement, especially for the calculation of the tail integral part.
Originality/value
In accordance with the numerical experiments, the proposed approach can be served as a qualified candidate in terms of computational efficiency to evaluate the electromagnetic field generated by the lightning channel.
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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.
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Yong Liu, Xiaoying Wang and Wenwen Ren
This paper attempts to analyze the relationship between the complementarity degrees of imperfect complementary products and sales strategies and give appropriate sales strategies…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper attempts to analyze the relationship between the complementarity degrees of imperfect complementary products and sales strategies and give appropriate sales strategies for a two-stage supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
With respect to two-stage supply chain consisting of two manufacturers who produce imperfect complementary products and one retailer who sells the products, aiming at bundling sales strategy, the authors define complementarity elasticity of products and use it to measure the degree of complementary between two products. Based on Stackelberg game and cooperation, the authors analyze the relationship between the complementarity degrees of imperfect complementary products and appropriate sales strategies.
Findings
As the impact of complementarity degree on sales strategy decision-making is better, the authors can pinpoint out which sales decision-making is optimal and which bundling sales strategy is the best for a two-stage supply chain. Considering that the degree of complementarity has a significant impact on the product sales strategy, the authors can point out which sales decision-making is optimal, that is, which bundled sales strategy is the optimal in the secondary supply chain of selling complementary products.
Practical implications
An innovative bundling can expand the sales of existing products and new products. It helps a retailer transcend and defeat competitors by reducing marketing expenses while increasing profits. Proper use of bundling can improve consumers utility and create an overall positive effect for both the enterprises and consumer.
Originality/value
The research can help some retailers to make many appropriate bundling sales strategies.
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Yong Liu, Wenwen Ren, Qian Xu and Zhiyang Liu
This paper aims to deal with the coordination problem of the supply chain through cost sharing of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and government subsidy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to deal with the coordination problem of the supply chain through cost sharing of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and government subsidy.
Design/methodology/approach
With respect to the coordination problem of the supply chain with CSR, this paper constructs a three-stage game model consisting of a dominant retailer, n suppliers and government. From the perspective of cost sharing and government subsidies, this paper discussed the decentralized and centralized decision-making, respectively. On this basis, this paper designed a coordination mechanism considering both cost sharing and government subsidies and explore the impact of cost sharing rate and government subsidy rate on CSR efforts, members’ profits and social welfare.
Findings
CSR can improve the profits of supply chain members and the overall performance of the supply chain. Then the profits of supply chain nodal enterprises will be affected by the fulfillment level of CSR of their partners. Furthermore, excessive CSR will erode the supply chain profits and cause resource waste. High CSR costs often make retailers low CSR effort level, while a high CSR cost sharing rate can reduce the profits of suppliers and the supply chain. In addition, excessive government subsidies will lead to the decline of social welfare. Excessive government subsidies will cause the dependence of enterprises and affect their operating efficiency.
Practical implications
The proposed coordination mechanism can effectively do with the coordination problem of the supply chain.
Originality/value
The proposed coordination mechanism considering cost sharing and government subsidies simultaneously can effectively deal with conflict problems and guarantee the supply chain members and the supply chain to maximize their profits and social welfare.
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Recounts that in‐depth structured interviews were held with 17 masters students (studying Business Management or Marketing Management), including students from China, Taiwan, Hong…
Abstract
Recounts that in‐depth structured interviews were held with 17 masters students (studying Business Management or Marketing Management), including students from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Additionally, three interviews were carried out in Taiwan with managers which provided a limited amount of extra evidence.