Robert Osei-Kyei, Albert P.C. Chan, Yu Yao and Khwaja Mateen Mazher
Conflict between project parties is among the major risk factors in public–private partnership (PPP) in developing countries that has, in extreme cases, led to the failure or…
Abstract
Purpose
Conflict between project parties is among the major risk factors in public–private partnership (PPP) in developing countries that has, in extreme cases, led to the failure or distress of many PPP projects. This paper aims to explore conflict prevention measures for PPPs in developing countries using Ghana as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
From a comprehensive review of literature, a list of conflict prevention measures was derived; further, a questionnaire survey was conducted with PPP experts from Ghana. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance test, range normalization method and factor analysis were used for data analysis.
Findings
Results show four significant conflict prevention measures for PPPs in developing countries, they include extensive stakeholder consultation in decision makings, clear goals and mutual benefit objectives, clarity of roles and responsibilities of parties and transparent appeal procedures. Using the factor analysis technique, the prevention measures are grouped into three unrelated categories, they are efficient communication structure and risk assessments, transparency and openness and proficient service delivery.
Originality/value
The research findings inform policymakers and local practitioners of the strategic measures and procedures needed to minimize the occurrence of conflicts in PPPs in developing countries.
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Hong-Yu Yao, Xiang-Jun Kong, Ya-Jie Shi, Xian-Bo Xiao and Ning-Ning Le
Engineered material arresting systems (EMASs) are dedicated to stopping aircraft that overrun the runway before they enter dangerous terrain. The system consists of low-strength…
Abstract
Purpose
Engineered material arresting systems (EMASs) are dedicated to stopping aircraft that overrun the runway before they enter dangerous terrain. The system consists of low-strength foamed concretes. The core component of the arresting system design is a reliable simulation model. Aircraft test verification is required before the practical application of the model. This study aims to propose a simulation model for the arresting system design and conducts serial verification tests.
Design/methodology/approach
Six verification tests were conducted using a Boeing 737 aircraft. The aircraft was equipped with an extra inertia navigation system and a strain gauge system to measure its motion and the forces exerted on the landing gears. The heights of the arrestor beds for these tests were either 240 or 310 mm, and the entering speeds of the aircraft ranged from 23.9 to 60.6 knots.
Findings
Test results revealed that both the aircraft and the pilots on board were safe after the tests. The maximum transient acceleration experienced by the dummies on board was 2.5 g, which is within the human tolerance. The model exhibited a satisfied accuracy to the field tests, as the calculation errors of the stopping distances were no greater than 7 per cent.
Originality/value
This study proposes a simulation model for the arresting system design and conducts serial verification tests. The model can be used in EMAS design.
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Songlin Wang, Shuang Feng, Hui Wang, Yu Yao, Jinhua Mao and Xinquan Lai
This paper aims to design a new bandgap reference circuit with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to design a new bandgap reference circuit with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology.
Design/methodology/approach
Different from the conventional bandgap reference circuit with operational amplifiers, this design directly connects the two bases of the transistors with both the ends of the resistor. The transistor acts as an amplifier to amplify the change of voltage, which is convenient for the feedback regulation of low dropout regulator (LDO) regulator circuit, at last to realize the temperature control. In addition, introducing the depletion-type metal–oxide–semiconductor transistor and the transistor operating in the saturation region through the connection of the novel circuit structure makes a further improvement on the performance of the whole circuit.
Findings
This design is base on the 0.18?m process of BCD, and the new bandgap reference circuit is verified. The results show that the circuit design not only is simple and novel but also can effectively improve the performance of the circuit. Bandgap voltage reference is an important module in integrated circuits and electronic systems. To improve the stability and performance of the whole circuit, simple structure of the bandgap reference voltage source is essential for a chip.
Originality/value
This paper adopts a new circuit structure, which directly connects the two base voltages of the transistors with the resistor. And the transistor acts as an amplifier to amplify the change of voltage, which is convenient for the feedback regulation of LDO regulator circuit, at last to realize the temperature control.
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Qing Wang, Changyin Sun, Xiaofeng Chai and Yao Yu
This paper aims to develop sliding mode control (SMC) methods for second-order multi-agent systems (MAS) in the presence of mismatched uncertainties.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop sliding mode control (SMC) methods for second-order multi-agent systems (MAS) in the presence of mismatched uncertainties.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the disturbance observer (DOB), discontinuous and continuous sliding mode protocols are designed to achieve finite-time consensus in spite of the disturbances.
Findings
Compared with integral SMC, numerical simulation results show that the proposed control methods exhibit better performance with respect to reduction of chattering.
Originality/value
The main contributions are the following: MAS described with mismatched uncertainties are considered; both discontinuous and continuous sliding mode controllers are considered; with the proposed sliding mode controller, the desired sliding surface can be reached in finite time and the DOB is introduced in the controller to alleviate the chattering phenomenon.
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Abstract
Purpose
In the context of the digital economy, information technology (IT) investment has become a necessary way for enterprises to transform digitally. However, why and how IT investment can enhance digital transformation is lacking in the literature. Based on the resource-based view (RBV), this study explored the impact mechanism of IT infrastructure on the digital transformation of enterprises from the perspective of the digital transformation strategy. Further, this study examined the moderating role of top management on the relationships between IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategy and between digital transformation strategy and enterprise's digital transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a questionnaire survey of Chinese enterprises, 180 sample data were collected, and the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the hypothesis.
Findings
Digital transformation strategy fully mediates the relationship between IT infrastructure and enterprise digital transformation. Furthermore, top management has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategy, as well as the relationship between digital transformation strategy and digital transformation.
Originality/value
This study explores the moderating role of top management in the relationship between IT and enterprise performance, as well as the mediating role of digital transformation strategy in the relationship between IT infrastructure investment and digital transformation performance. As a result, the study adds significantly to the body of knowledge on IT business value, digital transformation and strategic management. The authors' findings can help update managers' perceptions of IT value and provide theoretical guidance on deriving digital transformation performance from IT infrastructure investments.
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Chong Liu, Wanli Xie, Tongfei Lao, Yu-ting Yao and Jun Zhang
Gross domestic product (GDP) is an important indicator to measure a country's economic development. If the future development trend of a country's GDP can be accurately predicted…
Abstract
Purpose
Gross domestic product (GDP) is an important indicator to measure a country's economic development. If the future development trend of a country's GDP can be accurately predicted, it will have a positive effect on the formulation and implementation of the country's future economic development policies. In order to explore the future development trend of China's GDP, the purpose of this paper is to establish a new grey forecasting model with time power term to forecast GDP.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the shortcomings of the traditional grey prediction model with time power term are found out through analysis, and then the generalized grey prediction model with time power term is established (abbreviated as PTGM (1,1, α) model). Secondly, the PTGM (1,1, α) model is improved by linear interpolation method, and the optimized PTGM (1,1, α) model is established (abbreviated as OPTGM (1,1, α) model), and the parameters of the OPTGM (1,1, α) model are solved by the quantum genetic algorithm. Thirdly, the advantage of the OPTGM (1,1, α) model over the traditional grey models is illustrated by two real cases. Finally the OPTGM (1,1, α) model is used to predict China's GDP from 2020 to 2029.
Findings
The OPTGM (1,1, α) model is more suitable for predicting China's GDP than other grey prediction models.
Originality/value
A new grey prediction model with time power term is proposed.
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Honglei Lia Sun and Pnina Fichman
This study aims to explore the evolutionary pattern of discussion topics over time in an online depression self-help community.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the evolutionary pattern of discussion topics over time in an online depression self-help community.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method, the authors analyzed 17,534 posts and 138,567 comments posted over 8 years on an online depression self-help group in China and identified the major discussion topics. Based on significant changes in the frequency of posts over time, the authors identified five stages of development. Through a comparative analysis of discussion topics in the five stages, the authors identified the changes in the extent and range of topics over time. The authors discuss the influence of socio-cultural factors on depressed individuals' health information behavior.
Findings
The results illustrate an evolutionary pattern of topics in users' discussion in the online depression self-help group, including five distinct stages with a sequence of topic changes. The discussion topics of the group included self-reflection, daily record, peer diagnosis, companionship support and instrumental support. While some prominent topics were discussed frequently in each stage, some topics were short-lived.
Originality/value
While most prior research has ignored topic changes over time, the study takes an evolutionary perspective of online discussion topics among depressed individuals. The authors provide a nuanced account of the progression of topics through five distinct stages, showing that the community experienced a sequence of changes as it developed. Identifying this evolutionary pattern extends the scope of research on depression therapy in China and offers a deeper understanding of the support that individuals with depression seek, receive and provide online.
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Shuang Yao, Yan Song, Yanna Yu and Benhai Guo
Green technology adoption (GTA) in small and micro enterprises (SMEs) is a complex multi-attribute group decision-making issue. Conflicts of opinions can hamper the achievement of…
Abstract
Purpose
Green technology adoption (GTA) in small and micro enterprises (SMEs) is a complex multi-attribute group decision-making issue. Conflicts of opinions can hamper the achievement of group coherence. The purpose of this paper is to solve the conflict decision-making problem in SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reconstructs the GTA evaluation index system for SMEs and proposes an intragroup coordination relationship model to mitigate group decision-making conflicts based on the cloud model and social networks (GCS). The numerical characteristics of these GTA indicators are determined using fuzzy theory and cloud model.
Findings
It was found that establishing a trust relationship network and a conflict coordination relationship could improve the consistency of group decision-making. The degree of coordination has subtle differences with the trust relationship. Particularly, the coordination relationship has obvious influences on the decision-making results among small groups in SMEs.
Originality/value
The conflict coordination model can significantly improve the consistency of group decision-making in SMEs. At the same time, it discusses the differences between the level of conflict coordination and the trust propagation in the process of group decision-making.
Details
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Wei Xiao, Enlong Liu, Xiao Yin, Guike Zhang, Chong Zhang and Qihao Yu
The purpose of this paper is to perform the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) numerical analysis in order to study the thawing process for frozen soil and to predict the thawing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to perform the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) numerical analysis in order to study the thawing process for frozen soil and to predict the thawing settlement.
Design/methodology/approach
A new one-dimensional multi-field physical coupled model was proposed here to describe the thawing process of saturated frozen soil, whereby the void ratio varied linearly with effective stress (Eq. 10) and hydraulic conductivity (Eq. 27b). The thawing process was simulated with different initial and boundary conditions in an open system with temperature variations. The mechanical behavior and water migration of the representative cases were also investigated.
Findings
The comparisons of representative cases with experimental data demonstrated that the model predicts thawing settlement well. It was found that the larger temperature gradient, higher overburden pressure and higher water content could lead to larger thawing settlement. The temperature was observed that to distribute height linearly in both frozen zone and unfrozen zone of the sample. Water migration forced to a decrease in the water content of the unfrozen zone and an increase in water content at the thawing front.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, only the one-directional thawing processes along the frozen soil samples were investigated numerically and compared with test results, which can be extended to two-dimensional analysis of thawing process in frozen soil.
Originality/value
This study helps to understand the thawing process of frozen soil by coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical numerical simulation.
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Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior…
Abstract
Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior of E-payment systems that employ smart card technology becomes a research area that is of particular value and interest to both IS researchers and professionals. However, research interest focuses mostly on why a smart card-based E-payment system results in a failure or how the system could have grown into a success. This signals the fact that researchers have not had much opportunity to critically review a smart card-based E-payment system that has gained wide support and overcome the hurdle of critical mass adoption. The Octopus in Hong Kong has provided a rare opportunity for investigating smart card-based E-payment system because of its unprecedented success. This research seeks to thoroughly analyze the Octopus from technology adoption behavior perspectives.
Cultural impacts on adoption behavior are one of the key areas that this research posits to investigate. Since the present research is conducted in Hong Kong where a majority of population is Chinese ethnicity and yet is westernized in a number of aspects, assuming that users in Hong Kong are characterized by eastern or western culture is less useful. Explicit cultural characteristics at individual level are tapped into here instead of applying generalization of cultural beliefs to users to more accurately reflect cultural bias. In this vein, the technology acceptance model (TAM) is adapted, extended, and tested for its applicability cross-culturally in Hong Kong on the Octopus. Four cultural dimensions developed by Hofstede are included in this study, namely uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, individualism, and Confucian Dynamism (long-term orientation), to explore their influence on usage behavior through the mediation of perceived usefulness.
TAM is also integrated with the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to borrow two constructs in relation to innovative characteristics, namely relative advantage and compatibility, in order to enhance the explanatory power of the proposed research model. Besides, the normative accountability of the research model is strengthened by embracing two social influences, namely subjective norm and image. As the last antecedent to perceived usefulness, prior experience serves to bring in the time variation factor to allow level of prior experience to exert both direct and moderating effects on perceived usefulness.
The resulting research model is analyzed by partial least squares (PLS)-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The research findings reveal that all cultural dimensions demonstrate direct effect on perceived usefulness though the influence of uncertainty avoidance is found marginally significant. Other constructs on innovative characteristics and social influences are validated to be significant as hypothesized. Prior experience does indeed significantly moderate the two influences that perceived usefulness receives from relative advantage and compatibility, respectively. The research model has demonstrated convincing explanatory power and so may be employed for further studies in other contexts. In particular, cultural effects play a key role in contributing to the uniqueness of the model, enabling it to be an effective tool to help critically understand increasingly internationalized IS system development and implementation efforts. This research also suggests several practical implications in view of the findings that could better inform managerial decisions for designing, implementing, or promoting smart card-based E-payment system.