Lingcheng Kong, Zhiyang Liu, Yafei Pan, Jiaping Xie and Guang Yang
The online direct selling mode has been widely accepted by enterprises in the O2O era. However, the dual-channel (online/offline, forward/backward) operations of the closed-loop…
Abstract
Purpose
The online direct selling mode has been widely accepted by enterprises in the O2O era. However, the dual-channel (online/offline, forward/backward) operations of the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) changed the relationship between manufacturers and retailers, thus resulting in channel conflict. The purpose of this paper is to take a dual-channel operations of CLSC as the research target, where a manufacturer sells a single product through a direct e-channel as well as a conventional retail channel; the retailer are responsible for collecting used products in the reverse supply chain and the manufacturer are responsible for remanufacturing.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors build a benchmark model of dual-channel price and service competition and take the return rate, which is considered to be related to the service level of the retailer, as the function of the service level to extend the model in the reverse SC. The authors then analyze the optimal pricing and service decision under centralization and decentralization, respectively. Finally, with the revenue-sharing factor, wholesale price and recycling price transfer payment coefficient as contract parameters, the paper also designs a revenue-sharing contract led by the manufacturer and explores in what situation the contract could realize the Pareto optimization of all players.
Findings
In the baseline model, the results show that optimal price and service level correlate positively in centralization; however, the relation relies on consumers’ price sensitivity in decentralization. In the extension model, the relationship between price and service level also relies on the relative value of increased service cost and remanufacturing saved cost. When the return rate correlates with the service level, a recycling transfer payment can elevate the service level and thus raise the return rate. Through analyzing the parameters in revenue-sharing contract, a point can be reached where lowering the wholesale price and raising the transfer payment coefficient will promote retailers to share revenue.
Practical implications
Many enterprises establish the dual-channel distribution system both online and offline, which need to understand how to resolve their channel conflict. The conflict is especially strong in CLSC with remanufacturing. The result helps the node enterprises realize the coordination of the dual-channel CLSC.
Originality/value
It takes into account the fact that there are two complementary relationships, such as online selling and offline delivery; used product recycling and remanufacturing. The authors optimize the strategy of product pricing and service level in order to solve channel conflict and double marginalization in the closed-loop dual-channel distribution network.
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Yafei Deng, Xiaotao Pan, Guoxun Zeng, Jie Liu, Sinong Xiao and Zhenquan Zhou
This paper aims to improve the tribological properties of aluminum alloys and reduce their wear rate.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to improve the tribological properties of aluminum alloys and reduce their wear rate.
Design/methodology/approach
Carbon is placed in the model at room temperature, pour 680°C of molten aluminum into the pressure chamber, and then pressed it into the mold containing carbon felt through a die casting machine, and waited for it to cool, which used an injection pressure of 52.8 MPa and held the same pressure for 15 s.
Findings
The result indicated that the mechanical properties of matrix and composite are similar, and the compressive strength of the composite is only 95% of the matrix alloy. However, the composite showed a low friction coefficient, the friction coefficient of Gr/Al composite is only 0.15, which just is two-third than that of the matrix alloy. Similarly, the wear rate of the composite is less than 4% of the matrix. In addition, the composite can avoid severe wear before 200°C, but the matrix alloy only 100°C.
Originality/value
This material has excellent friction properties and is able to maintain this excellent performance at high temperatures.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0454/
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Yafei Zu and Ruonan Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to study enterprise innovation in the perspective of external supplier relationship. On this purpose, this paper examines the impact of supplier…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study enterprise innovation in the perspective of external supplier relationship. On this purpose, this paper examines the impact of supplier change on enterprise innovation with the moderating role of market competition.
Design/methodology/approach
Using 2012–2020 empirical data of Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises, this paper investigates the relationship among supplier change, market competition and enterprise innovation through a two-way interaction model.
Findings
The results show that supplier change has a negative impact on enterprise innovation. And market competition intensifies the negative relationship between supplier change and enterprise innovation. Additional analyses indicate that the main effect and the moderating effect are more significant when the enterprise is non-state-owned or has lower ownership concentration.
Originality/value
This paper studies enterprise innovation from the perspective of external stakeholders. It focuses on supplier relationship in a dynamic variation view, instead of the traditional static ones. Moreover, this paper explores the contingency effect of market competition and gives practical implications for managers to adjust innovation strategy flexibly.
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Lifu Li, Kyeong Kang and Yafei Feng
This paper aims to explore the effects of parents’ support factors on Chinese university students’ digital entrepreneurship motivation on live streaming platforms. Based on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effects of parents’ support factors on Chinese university students’ digital entrepreneurship motivation on live streaming platforms. Based on the Social support theory, this study divides influencing factors into emotional, instrumental, informational and appraisal aspects. Meanwhile, considering the impact of China’s regional differences, the paper refers to the Regional difference theory and performs a multi-group analysis to assess the differences based on Chinese university students’ regional backgrounds.
Design/methodology/approach
By testing 556 samples based on the partial least squares path modelling and variance-based structural equation modelling, all support factors parents provide can stimulate Chinese university students’ digital entrepreneurship motivation.
Findings
Based on the multi-group comparison, parents’ informational support exerts a more substantial influence on the digital entrepreneurship motivation for university students from central and east regions rather than those from the western region, and parents’ instrumental support exerts a lower influence on digital entrepreneurship motivation for east university students than for west university students.
Originality/value
This paper applies the Social support theory as a theoretical framework to divide the impact factors, and it uses the Regional difference theory as a guide for the multi-group analysis of correlations, which is significant for online entrepreneurial motivation research and a better understanding of student groups. In addition to testing the hypotheses, the study also measures the importance–performance map analysis to explore additional findings of influencing factors and discuss managerial implications.
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Huimin Li, Zhichao Zhao, Yongchao Cao, Limin Su, Jing Zhao and Yafei Zhang
Servitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the…
Abstract
Purpose
Servitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the transformative impact of servitization and R&D innovation on the value added of the construction industry, offering new insights into industry transformation and growth.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes panel data from Chinese listed construction companies from 2014 to 2022 to empirically investigate the relationship among servitization, R&D innovation and value added in the construction industry. The data analysis is augmented by incorporating text mining techniques to rigorously investigate the interplay among servitization, R&D innovation and the value added within the construction industry.
Findings
The research findings indicate that the impact of servitization on value added follows a positive U-shaped relationship, while the influence of R&D innovation on value added exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Additionally, innovation investment plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between servitization and value added.
Originality/value
This study reveals a fresh perspective on how construction companies can leverage servitization as a strategic pathway for transformation and competitive advantage. The research also lays a theoretical groundwork for future innovation investment strategies in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation investments to maximize value added.
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Yongqiang Sun, Yafei Feng, Xiao-Liang Shen and Xitong Guo
Prior researches on the adoption of mobile health services (MHS) concentrate on the subjective cognitive appraisals resulting in technology adoption, while ignoring how to shape…
Abstract
Purpose
Prior researches on the adoption of mobile health services (MHS) concentrate on the subjective cognitive appraisals resulting in technology adoption, while ignoring how to shape those cognitive appraisals by the objective message design strategies which are easier to operate in practice. Based on protection motivation theory (PMT), the current research aims to explore the antecedents of cognitive appraisals by focusing on message design strategies of fear appeal and coping appeal.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage scenario-based survey of 204 participants was conducted to collect data. The authors chose SPSS and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) approach with the software LISREL 8.8 to test our model.
Findings
The results show that the relationship between fear appeal and fear arousal is inverted U-shaped such that the degree of fear arousal is the greatest when the fear appeal is at a moderate level. Perceived usefulness for the message with negative framing is higher than that with positive framing. Furthermore, fear appeal and coping appeal have a significant interaction on the adoption of MHS at different stages.
Research limitations/implications
The sample data of this study come from a special health service of a special group in China, which limits the universality of our research results for other groups or health care services. Therefore, future researchers can validate the model in other research scenarios and sample populations.
Originality/value
This study shows how fear appeal and coping appeal work together to influence individuals' adoption intention. The authors’ findings expand the theoretical depth of PMT and fear theory, enriching the theoretical connotation of framing effect in mobile health technology adoption context, which add new insights to design more persuasive messages through fear appeal and coping appeal for researchers and MHS providers in mobile health communication or propaganda.
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The purpose of technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is to achieve innovation. The authors use the data from the China Patent Research System of China National Intellectual…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is to achieve innovation. The authors use the data from the China Patent Research System of China National Intellectual Property Administration to classify technical correlations into three types: similar, complementary and nonrelatedness (cross-sectoral category). And the authors explore three issues: the market reaction to technology-oriented M&A, the impact of technology-oriented M&A on goodwill and how technology-oriented M&A affects innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use data from China Patent Research System of China National Intellectual Property Administration to classify technical correlations into three types: similar, complementary and nonrelatedness (cross-sectoral category). And the authors explore three issues: the market reaction of technology-oriented M&A, the impact of technology-oriented M&A on goodwill and how technology-oriented M&A affects innovation. The empirical research shows that the cross-sectoral M&A is popular in the market and is positively correlated with cumulative abnormal return (CAR) and premium rate of M&A. However, the technology-similarity M&A, which is committed to in-depth exploration of original technology, is negatively correlated with CAR and goodwill.
Findings
The empirical research shows that cross-sectoral M&A is popular in the market and is positively correlated with CAR and premium rate of M&A. However, the technology-similarity M&A, which is committed to in-depth exploration of original technology, is negatively correlated with CAR and goodwill. In addition, empirical results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between technology-oriented M&A and innovation output, and the inflection points are 41.8%, 48.9% and 38.8%, respectively.
Originality/value
The research contributions of this paper are as follows: first, most domestic studies simply and roughly measure the degree of technical relevance based on whether the firms belong to the same industry and whether there is common knowledge between them, but the authors provide a more accurate measure of technology-oriented M&A. Second, in the research on the economic consequences of technology-oriented M&As, a large number of literatures have mainly focused on the innovation performance of the acquirer after deals, including the number of patent applications, the number of patent citations, innovation output, etc., and they pay less attention to its impact on the market reaction and goodwill.
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Lu Guan, Yafei Zhang and Jonathan J.H. Zhu
This study examines users' information selection strategy on knowledge-sharing platforms from the individual level, peer level and societal level. Though previous literature has…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines users' information selection strategy on knowledge-sharing platforms from the individual level, peer level and societal level. Though previous literature has explained these three levels separately, few have simultaneously examined their impacts and identified the dominant one according to their effect strengths. The study aims to fill this research gap of the competitions among different levels of information selection mechanisms. Besides, this study also proposes a three-step decision-tree approach to depict the consumption process, including the decision of first-time exposure, the decision of continuous consumption and the decision of feedback behavior participation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzed a clickstream dataset of a Chinese information technology blogging site, CSDN.net. Employing a sequential logit model, it examined the impacts of self-level interest similarity, peer-level interest similarity and global popularity simultaneously on each turning point in the consumption process.
Findings
The authors’ findings indicate that self-level interest similarity is the most dominant factor influencing users to browse a knowledge-sharing blog, followed by peer-level interest similarity and then global popularity. All three mechanisms have consistent influences on decision-making in continuous information consumption. Surprisingly, the authors find self-level interest similarity negatively influences users to give feedback on knowledge-sharing blogs.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills the research gap of the dominance among three-levels of selection mechanisms. This study's findings not only could contribute to information consumption studies by providing theoretical insights on audience behavior patterns, but also help the industry advance its recommendation algorithm design and improve users' experience satisfaction.
Peer review – The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0475
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Yudong Zhang, Leiying He and Chuanyu Wu
The purpose of this paper is to study the preload range of tendon-driven manipulator and the relationship between preload and damping. The flexible joint manipulator (FJM) with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the preload range of tendon-driven manipulator and the relationship between preload and damping. The flexible joint manipulator (FJM) with joint flexibility is safer than traditional rigid manipulators. A FJM having an elastic tendon is called an elastic tendon-driven manipulator (ETDM) and has the advantages of being driven by a cable and having a more flexible joint. However, the elastic tendon introduces greater residual vibration, which makes the control of the manipulator more difficult. Accurate dynamic modeling is effective in solving this problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The present paper derives the relationship between the preload of the ETDM and the friction moment through the analysis of the forces of cables and pulleys. A dynamic model dominated by Coulomb damping is established.
Findings
The linear relationship between a decrease in the damping moment of the system and an increase in the ETDM preload is verified by mechanics analysis and experiment, and a curve of the relationship is obtained. This study provides a reference for the selection of ETDM preload.
Originality/value
The method to identify ETDM damping by vibration attenuation experiments is proposed, which is helpful to obtain a more accurate dynamic model of the system and to achieve accurate control and residual vibration suppression of ETDM.
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Yafei Zhang, Li Chen and Ming Xie
Drawing on the moral foundations theory (MFT), we examine what nonprofit organizations (NPOs) discuss and how NPOs engage in gun-related issues on Twitter. Specifically, we…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the moral foundations theory (MFT), we examine what nonprofit organizations (NPOs) discuss and how NPOs engage in gun-related issues on Twitter. Specifically, we explore latent topics and embedded moral values (i.e. care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and sanctity) in NPOs’ tweets and investigate the effects of the latent topics and moral values on invoking public engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were retrieved by the Twint Python and the rtweet R packages. Finally, 5,041 tweets posted by 679 NPOs were analyzed via unsupervised topic modeling and the extended moral foundations dictionary (eMFD). Negative binomial regression analysis was employed for statistical analysis.
Findings
NPOs’ engagement in gun-related issues mainly focuses on laws and policies, calling for action and collaborations, and school safety. All five moral foundations are more salient in the cluster of laws and policies. When NPOs discuss the above-mentioned three topics, the public is less likely to like or retweet NPOs’ messages. In contrast, NPOs’ messages with the sanctity foundation are most likely to receive likes and retweets from the public. The fairness foundation interacts with Cluster 3 of school safety on the number of likes.
Originality/value
This study enhances the understanding of gun-related social media discussions by identifying the crucial involvement of NPOs as major stakeholders. In addition, our study enriches the existing literature on NPOs’ social media communication by including moral values and their moral-emotional effects on public engagement. Finally, our study validates the eMFD dictionary and broadens its applicability to gun-related topics.