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1 – 10 of 14A manufacturer with complex end-products can play the “hub firm” role in its supplier network and manage the relationship among its suppliers, but it mostly does not know how to…
Abstract
Purpose
A manufacturer with complex end-products can play the “hub firm” role in its supplier network and manage the relationship among its suppliers, but it mostly does not know how to manage suppliers’ coopetitive relationship for improving its innovation. This study aims to investigate the influence of horizontal supplier–supplier (S-S) competition and cooperation in the supplier network on the quantity and quality of manufacturer’s innovation, to unravel the manufacturers’ coopetitive strategic sourcing.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducts negative binomial regression using the data from 130 listed Japanese manufacturers and their first-tier supplier networks as the analysis unit.
Findings
The results indicate that both S-S competition and cooperation have inverted U-shaped effects on manufacturers’ innovation. As to the interplay of S-S competition and cooperation in driving manufacturers’ innovation, the one weakens the other’s inverted U-shaped role. It also shows that simultaneously maintaining moderate cooperation and competition among suppliers is a good choice for manufacturer innovation, and when there is high S-S competition, motivating high cooperation among suppliers is also a way to enhance manufacturers’ innovation. All of the effects are more significant and robust on the innovation quality than the innovation quantity.
Originality/value
This study contributes to linking the dyadic analysis of vertical relationships to the network analysis of horizontal S-S relations and exploring the under-researched interplay between competition and cooperation in driving the ego firm’s innovation. It provides insights to manufacturers’ policymakers on how to strategically manage their supplier networks and S-S coopetition to improve their innovation performance.
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Miao Yu, Xinnan Wang, Xiaotian Yang and Lu Sun
Value creation in engineering projects has received considerable research attention. However, buyers’ expectations regarding project value do not always translate into the actions…
Abstract
Purpose
Value creation in engineering projects has received considerable research attention. However, buyers’ expectations regarding project value do not always translate into the actions of project team members (actors). Drawing upon resource orchestration theory to explore the micro-foundations of project value creation (PVC), we investigate how suppliers organize project team members to create project value that meets buyers’ expectations.
Design/methodology/approach
We adopted two instructive engineering projects as comparative cases to analyze patterns in actor interactions in PVC.
Findings
The results reveal “social interaction-based value creation” and “structural interaction-based value creation,” which explain the PVC process from the collective-level buyer’s expectations and supplier’s value orientation, to individual-level actor interactions (mobilizing, connecting, and networking), knowledge orchestration activities (structuring, bundling, and leveraging), and finally the value creation process (identifying, configuring, and generating) in project teams to generate collective-level project benefits and values.
Originality/value
We propose a macro-approach to micro-foundations, with a focus on the buyer-expected PVC process on the supplier side. Furthermore, we explain how suppliers organize individual actions and orchestrate the individual knowledge through two patterns of individual-level actor interactions for collective-level PVC.
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Fangwei Zhu, Linzhuo Wang, Miao Yu and Xiaotian Yang
A growing number of studies have become focused on managing conflict more effectively and comprehensively in the construction industry. However, little research has aimed to…
Abstract
Purpose
A growing number of studies have become focused on managing conflict more effectively and comprehensively in the construction industry. However, little research has aimed to operationalize all the facets related to the quality of conflict management that are necessary in governing conflict management. The purpose of this article is to propose a new model measuring the quality of conflict management in a construction project context that is not only inclusive but also practical.
Design/methodology/approach
To address this research gap, the authors used the measurement theory to investigate a series of studies, and then, developed a scale to operationalize the concept of quality of conflict management in a project context.
Findings
The findings show five dimensions to the quality of conflict management: satisfactory resolution outcome, integrated resolution process, conflict prevention, fairness perception, and post-conflict effect.
Originality/value
The research findings contribute to conflict management theory by providing the conceptualization and operationalization of conflict management quality. Practitioners will benefit from this article by understanding effective and efficient ways of managing conflicts in construction projects.
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Shiyu Feng, Chenchen Wang, Xiaotian Peng, Yan Yan, Yang Deng and Jun Chen
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the PRD geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio, on the discharge and force characteristics of pressure…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the PRD geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio, on the discharge and force characteristics of pressure relief process under various plenum compartment pressures and Mach numbers.
Design/methodology/approach
Under various plenum compartment pressures and Mach numbers, the effect of the area and aspect ratio on the discharge and force characteristics of the PRD are numerically investigated via a three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations solver based on structured grid technology.
Findings
When the aspect ratio remains constant, the discharge coefficient CD, thrust coefficient CT and moment coefficient CM are not affected by the PRD. When the area is constant, the aspect ratio dramatically impacts the discharge and force characteristics because the aspect ratio increases, the discharge coefficient CD of the PRD decreases, and the thrust coefficient CT and the moment coefficient CM both increase. When the aspect ratio is 2, the discharge coefficient CD decreases by 14.7 per cent, the thrust coefficient CT increases by 10-15 per cent, and the moment coefficient CM increases by 10-23 per cent compared with when the aspect ratio is 1.
Practical implications
This study provides detailed data and conclusions for nacelle PRD researchers and actual engineering applications.
Originality/value
On the basis of considering the influence of operating conditions on the discharge and force characteristics of the nacelle PRD, the impact of geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio on the discharge and force characteristics is comprehensively considered.
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Xiaotian Xia and Ju Han
The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the wear of cylindrical needle bearings in rotary vector reducers under temperature rise and identify the influencing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the wear of cylindrical needle bearings in rotary vector reducers under temperature rise and identify the influencing factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the dynamic characteristics of the RV-20E reducer, the time-varying contact force of the cylindrical needle bearing and the entrainment speed of the inner and outer raceways were calculated. A mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication model of the needle bearing, considering friction and temperature rise, was established using a dynamic rough tooth surface model. The model solved for the oil film thickness, contact stress and wear conditions of the bearing raceway contact area. The effects of the number of rolling needles, the diameter of rolling needles and surface strength on the wear characteristics were analyzed.
Findings
The results of this study show that the oil film thickness, oil film pressure and surface scratches of cylindrical needle bearings exhibit an uneven, patchy distribution under the combined effects of friction and temperature rise. When the radius of the rolling needle is less than 1.44 mm, inner ring wear is less than outer ring wear. Conversely, when the radius exceeds 1.44 mm, inner ring wear is greater. The optimal rolling needle radius is 1.6 mm. Increasing the number of rolling needles and enhancing the yield strength of the contact surface significantly extend bearing life.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable recommendations for optimizing bearing structural parameters and material characteristics in the design of rotary vector reducers.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0242/
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Igor Laine, Sami Saarenketo and Xiaotian Zhang
This chapter investigates the role of authentic leadership in international entrepreneurship. The authors examine how the four pillars of authentic leadership – self-awareness…
Abstract
This chapter investigates the role of authentic leadership in international entrepreneurship. The authors examine how the four pillars of authentic leadership – self-awareness, relational transparency, internalised moral perspective and balanced processing of information – can promote effective collaboration for cross-border social value creation in entrepreneurial ventures. Questions that the authors address are: How do we define ‘international’ entrepreneurship from the perspective of authentic leadership? Are new or different leadership qualities required for the ‘international’ dimension? What are international leadership values or/and qualities and how does the international context change what competencies are needed? The authors call for research to examine how leadership can be depersonalised and become collective rather than an individual trait.
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Sarah Lee, Vafa Saboorideilami, Xiaotian Zhang and Yung-Jae Lee
The case study draws on structured interviews with Rob Chase, Founder and CEO of NewGen Surgical, as well as secondary data sources to analyze the effectiveness of these solutions…
Abstract
Research methodology
The case study draws on structured interviews with Rob Chase, Founder and CEO of NewGen Surgical, as well as secondary data sources to analyze the effectiveness of these solutions in mitigating the risks and enhancing the company’s competitive advantage.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study examines how NewGen Surgical, a small- to medium-sized medical equipment manufacturer based in the USA, navigates a supply chain crisis caused by post-pandemic (COVID-19) supply and demand distress, trade restrictions, and the US–China trade war in 2022. It outlines the journey of CEO and Founder, Robert Chase, as he started, grew and is maintaining the company and its various challenges. The case study reviews the risks and vulnerabilities of the company, which heavily relies on Chinese suppliers for most of its operations. To address the supply chain challenges, the case study explores alternative solutions such as insourcing, reshoring, diversifying the supplier base, changing safety stock and implementing new technologies. The case can be designed to teach business courses such as global business, supply chain and entrepreneurship.
Complexity academic level
This case study is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in courses such as global business, supply chain and entrepreneurship. In addition, this case study may be incorporated with modules on learning organizations, knowledge management and entrepreneurship to aid students in comprehending the principles of global sourcing, offshoring and supply chain management.
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Xiaotian Liu, Huayue Zhang and Shengmin Zhao
The prospect theory is potentially an essential ingredient in modeling the disposition effect. However, many scholars have tried to explain the disposition effect with the help of…
Abstract
Purpose
The prospect theory is potentially an essential ingredient in modeling the disposition effect. However, many scholars have tried to explain the disposition effect with the help of prospect theory and they came to opposite conclusions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of value function of the prospect theory on predicting the disposition effect.
Design/methodology/approach
Lagrange multiplier optimization and dynamic programming method are used to solve the representative investor’s optimal portfolio choice problem. Furthermore, numerical simulation is used to compare the prediction ability of different types of value function.
Findings
The authors support that the value function has a crucial role in predicting the disposition effect with prospect theory, i.e. the curvature and boundedness of the value function may influence the performance of applying the prospect theory in the disposition effect. They conclude that a piecewise negative exponential value function can predict the disposition effect, while others like the piecewise power value function may not.
Originality/value
Extant literature about modeling the disposition effect with the prospect theory mostly focus on the time when gain-loss utility occurs or the selection of reference point. This paper based on the value function properties provides a new perspective in analyzing the crucial role that value function has in predicting financial market anomalies.
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Jinyun Duan, Xiaotian Wang, Ye Liu and Lifeng Han
Integrating the pathway model of meaningful work and the intrinsic motivation principle of creativity, the authors investigate why, when and how paternalistic leadership relates…
Abstract
Purpose
Integrating the pathway model of meaningful work and the intrinsic motivation principle of creativity, the authors investigate why, when and how paternalistic leadership relates to employee creativity in the Chinese organizational context. The authors suggest that the meaning of work (MOW) mediates the relationship between paternalistic leadership and employee creativity. The authors further identify perspective taking as a moderator in the mediated relationship for the path from MOW to creativity.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors relied on a sample of 340 employee-supervisor dyads collected from multiple organizations located in Eastern China to test the study hypotheses.
Findings
Results indicated that MOW mediated the positive relationships between the benevolence and morality dimensions of paternalistic leadership and employee creativity, and the negative relationship between the authoritarianism dimension of paternalistic leadership and employee creativity. Further, the indirect relationships between the three dimensions of paternalistic leadership (i.e. authoritarianism, benevolence and morality) and employee creativity through MOW were more pronounced when perspective taking was higher rather than lower.
Originality/value
Through a meaning-based perspective, the authors demonstrate that a culture-specific managerial philosophy (i.e. paternalistic leadership) shapes Chinese employees' perceptions of meaningful work and their subsequent creative performance. This paper complements the dominant focus on Western leadership in the creativity literature and denotes that paternalistic leadership matters for employee creativity in Chinese organizations.
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