The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-criterion group decision-making (MCGDM) method by combining the regret theory and the Choquet integral under 2-tuple linguistic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-criterion group decision-making (MCGDM) method by combining the regret theory and the Choquet integral under 2-tuple linguistic environment and apply the proposed method to deal with the supplier selection problem.
Design/methodology/approach
When making a decision, the decision-maker is more willing to choose the alternative(s) which is preferred by the experts so as to avoid the regret. At the same time, the correlative relationships among the criterion set can be sufficiently described by the fuzzy measures, later the evaluations of a group of criteria can be aggregated by means of the Choquet integral. Hence, the authors cope with the MCGDM problems by combining the regret theory and the Choquet integral, where the fuzzy measures of criteria are partly known or completely unknown and the evaluations are expressed by 2-tuples. The vertical and the horizontal regret-rejoice functions are defined at first. Then, a model aiming to determine the missing fuzzy measures is constructed. Based on which, an MCGDM method is proposed. The proposed method is applied to tackle a practical decision-making problem to verify its feasibility and the effectiveness.
Findings
The vertical and the horizontal regret-rejoice functions are defined. The relationships of the fuzzy measures are expressed by the sets. A model is built for determining the fuzzy measures. Based on which, an MCGDM method is proposed. The results show that the proposed method can solve the MCGDM problems within the context of 2-tuple, where the decision-maker avoids the regret and the criteria are correlative.
Originality/value
The paper proposes an MCGDM method by combining the regret theory and the Choquet integral, which is suitable for dealing with a variety of decision-making problems.
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Minggong Zhang, Xiaolong Xue, Ting Luo, Mengmeng Li and Xiaoling Tang
This study aims to establish an evaluation method for cross-regional major infrastructure project (CRMIP) supportability. The focus is to identify evaluation indicators from a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish an evaluation method for cross-regional major infrastructure project (CRMIP) supportability. The focus is to identify evaluation indicators from a complexity perspective and develop an evaluation model using qualitative and quantitative methods. Case studies are carried out to verify the reliability of the evaluation model, thereby providing theoretical and practical guidance for CRMIP operations and maintenance (O&M).
Design/methodology/approach
Guided by the idea of complexity management, the evaluation indicators of CRMIP supportability are determined through literature analysis, actual O&M experience and expert interviews. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, consisting of sequential relationship analysis, entropy weighting, game theory and cloud model, is developed to determine the indicator weights. Finally, the evaluation model is used to evaluate the supportability of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB), which tests the rationality of the model and reveals its supportability level.
Findings
The results demonstrate that CRMIPs' supportability is influenced by 6 guideline-level and 18 indicator-level indicators, and the priority of the influencing factors includes “organization,” “technology,” “system,” “human resources,” “material system,” and “funding.” As for specific indicators, “organizational objectives,” “organizational structure and synergy mechanism,” and “technical systems and procedures” are critical to CRMIPs' O&M supportability. The results also indicate that the supportability level of the HZMB falls between good and excellent.
Originality/value
Under the guidance of complexity management thinking, this study proposes a supportability evaluation framework based on the combined weights of game theory and the cloud model. This study provides a valuable reference and scientific judgment for the health and safety of CRMIPs' O&M.
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Ammar Moohialdin, Fiona Lamari, Marc Miska and Bambang Trigunarsyah
Hot and humid climates (HHCs) are potential environmental hazards that directly affect construction workers' health and safety (HS) and negatively impact workers' productivity…
Abstract
Purpose
Hot and humid climates (HHCs) are potential environmental hazards that directly affect construction workers' health and safety (HS) and negatively impact workers' productivity. Extensive research efforts have addressed the effects of HHCs. However, these efforts have been inconsistent in their approach for selecting factors influencing workers in such conditions. There are also increasing concerns about the drop-off in research interest to follow through intrusive and non-real-time measurements. This review aims to identify the major research gaps in measurements applied in previous research with careful attention paid to the factors that influence the intrusiveness and selection of the applied data collection methods.
Design/methodology/approach
This research integrates a manual subjective discussion with a thematic analysis of Leximancer software and an elaborating chronological, geographical and methodological review that yielded 701 articles and 76 peer-reviewed most related articles.
Findings
The literature included the physiological parameters as influencing factors and useful indicators for HHC effects and identified site activity intensity as the most influencing work-related factor. In total, three main gaps were identified: (1) the role of substantial individual and work-related factors; (2) managerial interventions and the application of the right time against the right symptoms, sample size and measurement intervals and (3) applied methods of data collection; particularly, the intrusiveness of the utilised sensors.
Practical implications
The focus of researchers and practitioners should be in applying nonintrusive, innovative and real-time methods that can provide crew-level measurements. In particular, methods that can represent the actual effects of allocated tasks are aligned with real-time weather measurements, so proactive HHC-related preventions can be enforced on time.
Originality/value
This review contributes to the field of construction workers' safety in HHCs and enables researchers and practitioners to identify the most influential individual and work-related factors in HHCs. This review also proposes a framework for future research with suggestions to cover the highlighted research gaps and contributes to a critical research area in the construction industry.
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Didas S. Lello, Yongchun Huang and Jonathan M. Kansheba
Agenda for knowledge creation within inter-project alliances and inter-firm supply chain networks has been extensively debated. However, the existing knowledge networks within…
Abstract
Purpose
Agenda for knowledge creation within inter-project alliances and inter-firm supply chain networks has been extensively debated. However, the existing knowledge networks within consultant-supplier interfaces in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry seem to be vague, loose, incidental and insignificant. This study examines factors affecting knowledge networking intention (KNI) within construction service supply chain (CSSC) networks.
Design/methodology/approach
Data analysis was conducted on a quantitative survey of 161 consulting professional service firms in Tanzania, employing stepwise regression modelling as the statistical technique.
Findings
The results indicate that three types of knowledge inertia (KI) exert varying effects on KNI. While both procedural (PI) and learning inertia (LI) negatively impact KNI, experience inertia (EI) has no impact on KNI. In addition, knowledge governance (KG) mechanisms are found to strongly strengthen and leverage the negative effects of PI and LI on KNI and the positive link between EI and KNI within outbound and heterogeneous CSSC actors, with formal KG having greater leverage than informal KG.
Practical implications
The study offers guidance on how managers of PBOs should strategically orchestrate knowledge governance mechanisms within CSSC networks to leverage KI behaviours.
Originality/value
Current literature on KNI, KI and KG within CSSC networks offers a limited understanding of how KI behaviours influence KNI of project-based organizations (PBOs) in tapping vibrant outbound peripheral knowledge. The research presents two major original contributions. First, the empirical evidence contributes to deepening the current understanding of how heterogeneous external knowledge within consultant-supplier interactions is negatively influenced by KI. Lastly, the study suggests formal and informal knowledge governance strategies for managers on how to counteract KI forces, thus extending the theoretical debate on KNI, KI and KG literature.
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Nidhi Singh and Surender Kumar
The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature of the studies that have examined several theoretical perspectives on corporate social performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature of the studies that have examined several theoretical perspectives on corporate social performance (CSP) and identify possible future research questions based on various theoretical viewpoints.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used systematic literature review analysis on a sample of 667 studies published in top A* and A category journals listed in the Australian Business Dean Council list. The present study derived articles between 1975 and 2023 from the SCOPUS database by using relevant keywords to identify research activities in CSP.
Findings
The findings suggest that many studies on CSP have been undertaken globally. But there is a lack of studies on various theoretical perspectives, including peer uncertainty evaluation, buyer–supplier sustainability links, the role of primary stakeholders (especially consumers, employees, suppliers and secondary stakeholders), the use of technology, firm-related heterogeneities, and the role of demographic and socio-economic factors. Future research areas are recommended.
Research limitations/implications
The study investigates existing research gaps to identify possible future research questions and frameworks that can be explored to advance the research on CSP.
Practical implications
The research also provides implications for firms in terms of understanding diverse theoretical perspectives to develop strategies to improve a firm’s social performance.
Originality/value
The findings are derived from a systematic review of the literature in top-category studies that examined existing theories and frameworks in the CSP domain. This highlights the importance of other understudied complementary theories, such as complexity theory, spillover theory, critical mass theory, slack theory and so on, and related variables that can improve a firm’s social performance. Evaluation of existing theoretical perspectives is not included in other review studies.
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Mega construction projects (MCPs), characterized by their vast scale, numerous stakeholders and complex management, often face significant uncertainties and challenges. While…
Abstract
Purpose
Mega construction projects (MCPs), characterized by their vast scale, numerous stakeholders and complex management, often face significant uncertainties and challenges. While existing research has explored the complexity of MCPs, it predominantly focuses on qualitative analysis and lacks systematic quantitative measurement methods. Therefore, this study aims to construct a complexity measurement model for MCPs using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and grey relational analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
This study first constructs a complexity measurement framework through a systematic literature review, covering six dimensions of technical complexity, organizational complexity, goal complexity, environmental complexity, cultural complexity and information complexity and comprising 30 influencing factors. Secondly, a fuzzy evaluation matrix for complexity is constructed using a generalized bell-shaped membership function to effectively handle the fuzziness and uncertainty in the assessment. Subsequently, grey relational analysis is used to calculate the relational degree of each complexity factor, identifying their weights in the overall complexity. Finally, the weighted comprehensive evaluation results of project complexity are derived by combining the fuzzy evaluation results with the grey relational degrees.
Findings
To validate the model’s effectiveness, the 2020 Xi’an Silk Road International Conference Center construction project is used as a case study. The results indicate that the overall complexity level of the project is moderate, with goal complexity being the highest, followed by organizational complexity, environmental complexity, technical complexity, cultural complexity and informational complexity. The empirical analysis demonstrates that the model can accurately reflect the variations across different dimensions of MCP complexity and can be effectively applied in real-world projects.
Originality/value
This study systematically integrates research on MCPs complexity, establishing a multidimensional complexity measurement framework that addresses the limitations of previous studies focusing on partial dimensions. Moreover, the proposed quantitative measurement model combines fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and grey relational analysis, enhancing the accuracy and objectivity of complexity measurement while minimizing subjective bias. Lastly, the model has broad applicability and can be used in MCPs across different countries and regions, providing a scientific and effective basis for identifying and managing MCP complexity.
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Ming Qin, Cheryl Joy Wachenheim, Zhigang Wang and Shi Zheng
The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting use of microcredit among farmers in Northern China.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting use of microcredit among farmers in Northern China.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage Heckman model is used to estimate the effect of farmer and family characteristics and loan and lending environment on likelihood of farmer participation in microcredit and the value of loans taken. Data from 342 first-hand observations in Northern China were used.
Findings
Social capital, production cost, non-labor family members, income, guarantee group membership, village head loan guarantee, and messenger use were found to increase use of microcredit. The same factors were found to affect the value of loans among participating farmers except a guarantor requirement for the loan replaces membership in a guarantee group.
Practical implications
Results support that there is demand for microcredit among farmers and that they are willing to take steps to obtain it including seeking membership in a household guarantee group. Identification of faced constraints facilitates understanding of supply-side efforts with potential to decrease financial exclusion with a focus on external-to-market intervention.
Originality/value
Pivotal findings are the importance of guarantee group membership for loan approval and that this requirement hinders farmers’ ability to obtain credit. Three alternatives are suggested to overcome this constraint including excluding low-risk borrowers from a group guarantee requirement; charging higher interest rates on high risk loans not supported by a guarantee; and development of insurance options to replace the guarantee.
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Yongzhi Du, Yi Xiang and Hongfei Ruan
The purpose of this study is to examine how the childhood trauma experiences of CEOs influence firms’ internationalization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how the childhood trauma experiences of CEOs influence firms’ internationalization.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used a difference-in-difference method with constructing a treatment group whose chief executive officer (CEO) experienced the great famine in China between the ages of 7 and 11, and a control group whose CEO was born within three years after 1961.
Findings
The study reveals a significant inverse correlation between CEOs’ childhood trauma experiences and firm internationalization. However, this correlation is weaker in the case of state-owned enterprises and firms led by CEOs with overseas work experience.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to extend the theoretical framework to elucidate firms’ internationalization by introducing childhood trauma theory into the field of international business literature. Second, the authors link the literature on the effect of CEO explicit traits and psychological traits on firm internationalization by exploring how CEOs’ childhood trauma experience shapes their risk aversion, which, in turn, influences firm internationalization. Third, the authors address the call for examining the interplay of CEO life experiences by scrutinizing the moderating effect of CEO overseas work experience on the association between CEOs’ childhood trauma exposure and firm internationalization.
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The inclusion of esports as an official event in the Hangzhou Asian Games is an important step towards the institutionalisation of esports. The significance of this event marks…
Abstract
The inclusion of esports as an official event in the Hangzhou Asian Games is an important step towards the institutionalisation of esports. The significance of this event marks that Asia once again takes a lead in the global esportisation. This chapter investigates a series of history events in the inclusion process of esports into the comprehensive Games in Asia using process sociology and actor network theory (ANT). This study will analyse the type characteristics of esports events in Hangzhou Asian Games, whilst examining how key stakeholders' interact and balance in the network composed of international sports organisations, host of the event, emerging esports organisations and esports game companies. The chapter also examines the functions of global game industrial economic geography, local cultural politics, esports geopolitics and Olympic values in esports sportization, aiming to reveal the implications of esports inclusion in the Asian Games on the debate of whether esports meets the criteria to be classified as a ‘sport’ and its enlightenment of digital strategy to the inclusion esports in the Olympics.