YeJin Park, YoungWon Park, Paul C. Hong and Soye Yang
The purpose of this paper is to examine how clarity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation of Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) achieves constructive firm…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how clarity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation of Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) achieves constructive firm performance outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the literature review, the authors present a research model that defines key constructs and provide propositions that explain the interrelationships with theoretical rationale and practical implications. Using careful selection criteria, the authors have further conducted the in-depth interviews of the executives of two prominent Japanese SMEs.
Findings
The results suggest that CEOs with strong CSR orientation are more likely to influence their firms to achieve effective firm performance. If CSR philosophy is strategically formulated, clearly communicated, and widely accepted, then such firm is more likely to attain desirable business performance outcomes for larger stakeholders. Furthermore, CSR implementation of SMEs is not necessarily too costly; in fact, the long-term rate of return on SMEs’ CSR investment, with proper priority and prudent focus, is quite competitive.
Research limitations/implications
In spite of the specificity of the two case studies, the research model and the study findings give valuable insight on the role of CEO’s philosophy on CSR implementation in the international market. The linkage mechanism between business operation and CSR by these SMEs is applicable to many innovative entrepreneurial firms that target beyond domestic markets.
Originality/value
The authors highlight how the clarity of CSR philosophy in terms of firm orientation and linkage mechanism aids SMEs in overcoming their resource constraints. Furthermore, well-implemented CSR activities may become instrumental in achieving long-term desirable performance in the form of customer loyalty, employee’s sense of pride, and corporate socio-economic reputation.
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Sunhee Park and Yejin Lee
This study evaluated the effect of functional jackets designed to reduce the workload on the upper extremities and boost the muscle strength of workers from prolonged repetitive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluated the effect of functional jackets designed to reduce the workload on the upper extremities and boost the muscle strength of workers from prolonged repetitive work.
Design/methodology/approach
The functional jacket designs for the upper limb incorporated a dynamic taping line with an elastic band, three-dimensional support for the abdomen and posterior waist (S2) and an X-shaped line on the scapular region combined with abdominal and posterior waist support (S3). Clothing pressure was adjusted ergonomically for different areas. A standard jacket served as the control (S1). The designs were evaluated based on work posture, electromyography and subjective sensation.
Findings
S2 and S3 effectively reduced the workload on the upper extremities by decreasing the trapezius muscle, shoulders and waist movement. S3 showed a low muscle-activation level on electromyogram analysis and was excellent in subjective sensation.
Originality/value
A functional jacket with optimal compression applied differentially to the upper extremities, with three-dimensional abdominal and posterior waist support and an X-shaped line on the scapula region, can reduce the workload on the upper extremities and boost the core muscle strength to improve work performance.
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The use of shoulder protectors is strongly recommended when carrying objects on the shoulder to ensure the health and safety of workers. Thus, this study aimed to develop and…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of shoulder protectors is strongly recommended when carrying objects on the shoulder to ensure the health and safety of workers. Thus, this study aimed to develop and verify an ergonomic shoulder protector that considers human body shape and carrying posture from an ergonomic perspective. Ultimately, this study will present a shoulder protector with enhanced fit and safety for carrying workers at construction sites.
Design/methodology/approach
The shoulder protector was designed and printed using three-dimensional printing technology with variable side neck points and shoulder point heights to reflect the human body's shoulder line shape and to position the carried object stably on the shoulder. The developed shoulder protectors were evaluated in terms of their fit according to the work posture of the carrier, adherence upon motion and durability through structural analysis.
Findings
The design of the shoulder protector for carrying workers followed the shoulder line. It is best placed above the side neck point by 1.0 cm and above the shoulder point by 2.0 cm. Its length is slightly shorter than the human shoulder for superior fit and safety.
Originality/value
The final shoulder protector (FSP) for carrying workers reflects the body curvature while enhancing fit and safety by considering activity and protective factors. As functional studies and evaluations on the need for protectors are scarce, this study provides fundamental data in the evaluation of protective gears.
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Using the decision tree model, this study aims to understand the online travelers booking behaviors on Expedia.com, by examining influential determinants of online hotel booking…
Abstract
Purpose
Using the decision tree model, this study aims to understand the online travelers booking behaviors on Expedia.com, by examining influential determinants of online hotel booking, especially for longer-stay travelers. The geographical distance is also considered in understanding the booking behaviors trisecting travel destinations (i.e. Americas, Europe and Asia).
Design/methodology/approach
The data were obtained from American Statistical Association DataFest and Expedia.com. Based on the US travelers who made hotel reservation on the website, the study used a machine learning algorithm, decision tree, to analyze the influential determinants on hotel booking considering the geographical distance between origin and destination.
Findings
The results of the findings demonstrate that the choice of package product is the prioritized determinant for longer-stay hotel guests. Several similarities and differences were found from the significant determinants of the decision tree, in accordance with the geographic distance among the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Research limitations/implications
This paper presents the extension to an existing machine learning environment, and especially to the decision tree model. The findings are anticipated to expand the understanding of online hotel booking and apprehend the influential determinants toward consumers’ decision-making process regarding the relationship between geographical distance and traveler’s hotel staying duration.
Originality/value
This research brings a meaningful understanding of the hospitality and tourism industry, especially to the realm of machine learning adapted to an online booking website. It provides a unique approach to comprehend and forecast consumer behavior with data mining.
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Heeran Lee, Kyunghi Hong and Yejin Lee
The seams of slim fit outdoor pants can be uncomfortable or even restrict body movement. To reduce discomfort, the authors need to determine optimal cutting lines in various…
Abstract
Purpose
The seams of slim fit outdoor pants can be uncomfortable or even restrict body movement. To reduce discomfort, the authors need to determine optimal cutting lines in various designs that do not interfere with body movement. The purpose of this paper is to apply skin deformation mapping during movement to the ergonomic design of outdoor pants, focusing in particular on the 2D pattern generation of the crotch area in a 3D shape during movement.
Design/methodology/approach
A 3D shape and skin length deformation of the lower body were observed, including the crotch area, which is difficult to examine on the human body. To design ergonomic and streamlined outdoor pants, the authors selected seam lines where the changes in skin deformation are at their minimum based on the skin deformation mapping. In addition, the inseam along the medial thigh close to the crotch was removed to adjust the skin length of these areas, thereby increasing the extensible area of fabric necessary to adjust to a skin deformation. After selecting the seam lines, each of the 3D pattern blocks was generated by means of a 2D flattening method. In addition, the stress distribution of overlapped replica blocks along the crotch line during the 2D flattening process is a main independent factor to avoid deteriorating lower body movement as well as a good appearance.
Findings
Based on the results of skin deformation mapping of a human subject, this study suggested that it is best that the design line crosses where there is no skin deformation possible. And the pants were developed without the inner seam line at the upper medial thigh because of skin deformation of a large range of ±6 percent in the upper medial thigh during a 90° knee flexion or in the squatting down position. In a wear test, the developed 3D pattern without an inseam was rated higher than that with an inseam. This verified that removing the inseam, to prevent skin deformation of the medial upper thigh during knee flexion and squatting, is a logical decision. Regarding the correction of the overlapping area during arrangement of the replica, the appearance of the front of the pants was improved when 80 percent of the overlapping area was distributed near the point of the error source, which is the front of the male’s crotch line.
Originality/value
In this study, the crotch area, which has been difficult to observe in previous studies, were observed thoroughly and it was found that the length of the crotch curve did not increase during movement. In addition, skin deformation was mapped during a 90° knee flexion or in the squatting down position. It is expected that the overall process of developing 3D streamlined outdoor pants from 3D skin deformation mapping can be expanded to the development of patterns for other customized functional pants.
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Hyojeong Lee, Kiseong Kim and Yejin Lee
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of wearing compression pants of varying pressure levels on the wearer’s attention/concentration to investigate the appropriate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of wearing compression pants of varying pressure levels on the wearer’s attention/concentration to investigate the appropriate level of compression for sport performance and confirm whether this methodology is feasible as a means of evaluating sportswear functionality.
Design/methodology/approach
After wearing compression pants of varying compression levels, spontaneous potentials were analyzed by calculating the spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) indices: relative low beta (RLB) power spectrum ((12~15 Hz)/(4~50 Hz)), relative mid beta (RMB) power spectrum ((15~20 Hz)/(4~50 Hz)), and ratio of sensory motor rhythm to theta waves ((12~15 Hz)/(4~8 Hz)). The activation of brain waves was mapped and visualized from EEG data using BioScan-Map (BioBrain Inc., Daejeon, Korea).
Findings
The influence of pressure levels on brain waves was confirmed: RLB power, RMB power and RST varied by experimental clothing. CP3, the compression pants that applied moderate pressure (1.57±0.41 kPa), was associated with a relatively higher level of attention/concentration – i.e., the results confirmed that sports compression pants that apply approximately 1.0~2.0 kPa to the area between the thighs and shins are improve attention/concentration. It was further confirmed that EEG is a useful tool for evaluating the psychophysiological effects of functional apparel.
Originality/value
Unlike preceding studies that considered only alpha waves and the effects of clothing on comfort, this study investigated the influence of compression garments on attention/concentration.
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Okkyung Lee and Yejin Lee
This study aimed to investigate the effects a cushion has on electrophysiological signals and to identify the important design elements required for manufacturing better therapy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the effects a cushion has on electrophysiological signals and to identify the important design elements required for manufacturing better therapy cushions.
Design/methodology/approach
Four types of attachment cushions were manufactured by changing the shell fiber (cotton or microfiber) and the interlining (synthetic loose fiber or buckwheat). The products were evaluated by 20 healthy individuals (10 stable cushions and 10 unstable cushions). We examined the participants by electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG).
Findings
The authors found significant differences in both EEG and ECG between participants with unstable and stable attachment types.
Originality/value
A complex approach to emotional product evaluation was attempted by analyzing differences due to design variables of cushions through subjective evaluation as well as EEG and ECG.
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To provide guidelines for the development of textile electrode compression pants that collect reliable signals during surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements and maintain a…
Abstract
Purpose
To provide guidelines for the development of textile electrode compression pants that collect reliable signals during surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements and maintain a comfortable level of pressure.
Design/methodology/approach
To increase skin adhesion, 12 textile electrode bands for biceps brachii were prepared according to a combination of variables, namely, the type of the textile electrode, the pressure level and the presence or absence of an electrolyte. The dry textile electrode adopted herein was developed in terms of the size and material of the contact area, and a new electrode design was proposed. After examining the optimal design conditions by measuring the sEMGs during isometric exercise of the biceps brachii, prototype pants were designed based on the design variables that gave the most promising evaluation results. The completed prototype pants were verified through isometric thigh muscle exercises.
Findings
It was confirmed that the textile electrode was capable of EMG measurement with an excellent signal quality. Upon considering the comfort of wearing the device and the cost efficiency of dry electrodes, prototype pants that adopted a fit relative to a light clothing pressure (i.e. thigh: 1.3–1.9 kPa), and combined both silicon and silver thread embroidery with a wide contact area for stability, were designed and their sEMG measurements were confirmed.
Originality/value
In this study, wearable clothing based on textile electrodes was developed to ensure a comfortable fit from the wearer's perspective, and a design method was proposed for the development of low-cost SmartWear electrodes and circuits.
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Shutian Wang, Yan Lin, Yejin Yan and Guoqing Zhu
This study explores the direct relationship between social media user-generated content (UGC), online search traffic and offline light vehicle sales of different models.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the direct relationship between social media user-generated content (UGC), online search traffic and offline light vehicle sales of different models.
Design/methodology/approach
The long-run equilibrium relationship and short-run dynamic effects between the valence and volume of UGC, online search traffic and offline car sales are analyzed by applying the autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) model.
Findings
The study found the following. (1) In the long-run relationship, the valence of online reviews on social media platforms is significantly negatively correlated with the sales of all models. However, in the short-run, the valence of online reviews has a significant positive correlation with all models in different lag periods. (2) The volume of online reviews is significantly positively correlated with the sales of all models in the long run. However, in the short run, the relationship between the volume of online reviews and the sales of lower-sales-volume cars is uncertain. There is a significant positive correlation between the volume of reviews and the sales of higher-sales-volume cars. (3) Online search traffic has a significantly negative correlation with the sales of all models in the long run. However, in the short run, there is no consistent conclusion on the relationship between online search traffic and car sales.
Originality/value
This study provides a reference for managers to use in their efforts to improve offline high-involvement product sales using online information.
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Tayfun Yörük, Nuray Akar and Neslihan Verda Özmen
The purpose of this study is to reveal the research trends in guest experiences of service robots in the hospitality industry.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to reveal the research trends in guest experiences of service robots in the hospitality industry.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a review was carried out on the Web of Science (WoS) database with the assistance of bibliometric analysis techniques. Cluster analysis was also employed for this to group important data to determine the relationships and to visualize the areas in which the studies are concentrated. The thematic content analysis method was used to reveal on which customer experiences and on which methods the focuses were.
Findings
On the subject of experiences of service robots, the greatest number of publications was in 2021. In terms of country, China has come to the fore in the distribution of publications. As a result of thematic content analysis, it was determined that the leading factor was the main dimension of emotional experience. In terms of sub-dimensions, social interactions attracted more attention. Most of the studies discussed were not based on any theory. Apart from these, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Service Quality Model (SERVQUAL) and Perceived Value Theory (PVT) were featured more prominently among other studies.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, only the WoS database was reviewed. In future studies, it would be possible to make contextual comparisons by scanning other databases. In addition to quantitative research designs, social dimensions may be examined in depth following qualitative research methods. Thus, various comparisons can be made on the subject with mixed-method research designs. Experimental research designs can also be applied to where customers have experienced human-robot interactions (HRIs).
Originality/value
In the hospitality industry, it is critical to uncover every dimension of guests' robot acceptance. This study, which presents the current situation on this basis, guides future projections for the development of guest experiences regarding service robots in the hospitality industry.