Chao Chen, Xiaojing Wang, Yifan Shen, Zhaolun Li and Jian Dong
Surface texturing has emerged in the past two decades as a viable option of surface engineering, resulting in significant improvement in wear resistance and friction coefficient…
Abstract
Purpose
Surface texturing has emerged in the past two decades as a viable option of surface engineering, resulting in significant improvement in wear resistance and friction coefficient. The purpose of this study is to find the appropriate surface texture to reduce vibration and improve the stability of journal bearings.
Design/methodology/approach
Micro-dimples, evenly distributed in a square array, were selected as the texture pattern and formed on the lower surface of bush by the laser surface texturing technique. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of micro-dimples under different depths, densities and distributions.
Findings
The results are summarized in the form of shaft center orbits, waterfall illustrations and Hilbert-Huang transforms. In the entire test, it was found that an optimum geometric and distributive range of micro-dimples exists, where vibration acceleration can be decreased at least 3dB and stability can be greatly improved.
Originality/value
A majority of researchers devoted to studying on static characteristics, such as friction coefficient, load carrying capacity, pressure distribution and cavitation model. Besides, the influence of surface texture on stability of rotor-journal bearing system was rarely investigated and the recent examples can be found in Refs. (Ausas et al. 2007). However, a complete study of textured journal bearings has not been undertaken in the dynamic properties. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the comprehensive effects of density, depth and distribution of micro-dimples on bearing vibration and stability.
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Shiqi Liu, Tao Shen, Yuliang Wu, Yang Chen, Yifan Li, Yumeng Tang and Lu Lu
Extant research has paid considerable attention to the effects of enterprise social media (ESM) on employees' work attitudes and outcomes, yet the authors know little about the…
Abstract
Purpose
Extant research has paid considerable attention to the effects of enterprise social media (ESM) on employees' work attitudes and outcomes, yet the authors know little about the influence of job demands arising from the implementation of ESM. Drawing on resource allocation theory, the purpose of this study is to unravel how ESM-related job demands influence employee outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducts a two-wave time-lagged survey of 223 employees from 53 teams in 14 financial service firms in China to test the conceptual model.
Findings
The findings of this paper indicate that ESM-related job demands have indirect effects on employee outcomes (i.e. job satisfaction and work–family conflict), and emotional exhaustion plays an intermediary role in these relationships. Specifically, ESM-related job demands have a U-shaped effect on emotional exhaustion.
Originality/value
This study combines job demands with ESM research and clarifies the mechanism behind how ESM-related job demands at different intensity affect employee outcomes from a new perspective. Moreover, this study’s findings suggest several beneficial courses of action for managers to take advantage of ESM.
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Yifan Zhong, Cherrie Jiuhua Zhu and Mingqiong Mike Zhang
Expatriate management is a popular topic in international human resource management (IHRM) because expatriates play a critical role in a firm’s international business operations…
Abstract
Purpose
Expatriate management is a popular topic in international human resource management (IHRM) because expatriates play a critical role in a firm’s international business operations. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the existing studies that often examine the expatriate management of developed country multinational enterprises (MNEs), aiming to help them identify, employ, prepare and retain expatriates and address challenges these MNEs may face, while how MNEs from emerging countries manage their expatriates is understudied.
Design/methodology/approach
The knowledge of expatriate management from emerging market MNEs (EMNEs) may help us understand whether there is anything new for IHRM theory and practice. This conceptual paper aims to address this research gap by selecting China, a leading emerging economy, and reviewing the existing literature in both English and Chinese to examine the status quo of the expatriate management in Chinese MNEs to highlight challenges facing these MNEs in managing their expatriates when conducting outward foreign direct investment (FDI).
Findings
This paper aims to make theoretical contributions by generating research propositions to address an under-researched area, i.e., how EMNEs manage their expatriates and the role of their expatriates in the outward FDI.
Originality/value
No other person’s work has been used in the main text of the paper. This paper has not been submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma in this or any other tertiary institution.
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Rabia Shahid, Humera Shahid, Li Shijie, Faiq Mahmood and Ning Yifan
Using the Shanghai pilot free trade zone (SPFTZ) as the testing ground for further reform and opening up,the links between global value chain (GVC) and pilot free trade zone…
Abstract
Purpose
Using the Shanghai pilot free trade zone (SPFTZ) as the testing ground for further reform and opening up,the links between global value chain (GVC) and pilot free trade zone (PFTZ) programs are mutually reinforcing. GVC creates opportunities for companies to use PFTZ to reduce their costs and increase their competitiveness, while PFTZ can facilitate the movement of goods within GVC and promote the development of GVC by attracting foreign investment. Overall, in SPFTZ, the industrial structure is promoted due to trade and investment facilitation, innovation promotion, and comprehensive service platform inside SPFTZ.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined industrial upgrading in GVC (IUGVC) using five indicators under three quantitative dimensions: product, process, and skill upgrading. Difference-in-Differences (DID) model is employed for the impact assessment of SPFTZ. Parallel trend analysis and Granger causality analysis are performed to check the reliability of DID outcome. Finally, robustness test using exogenous control variables are carried out.
Findings
A positive impact of SPFTZ is found on IUGVC, which is due to promoting effect of SPFTZ on foreign direct investment and technological innovation. Based on the study's findings, policy recommendations are given, such as providing business support to enterprises operating inside a PFTZ.
Originality/value
From a GVC perspective, the impact of theSPFTZ establishment on IUGVC cannot be ignored, and is so far missing in the literature.
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Hongyang Li, Yanlin Chen, Junwei Zheng, Yuan Fang, Yifan Yang, Martin Skitmore, Rosemarie Rusch and Tingting Jiang
In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China.
Abstract
Purpose
In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature is first consulted to obtain a set of PC and safety performance measures that fits the specific situation of construction workers, which is then moderated by five construction experts. A questionnaire survey of 206 workers from 4 different construction sites is followed by a descriptive statistical analysis of the nature of the PC and level of the safety performance of the respondents. Finally, a regression analysis is used to ascertain the level of influence of the PS, and an analysis is made of the influence of PC on safety performance.
Findings
A set of PC and safety performance measures is identified that fits in the construction workers' specific situation. The PC of the respondents is found to be intact and well-performed, and their safety performance is maintained at a high level. Safety performance is highly influenced by the state of the PC, with the three dimensions of safety performance (safety result, safety compliance and safety participation) positively correlated with the three dimensions of the PC (normative, interpersonal and developmental).
Originality/value
Suggestions are made to improve safety production management and safety performance by providing adequate material and economic conditions, helping the workers establish good interpersonal relationships and realize their personal values.
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Keywords
Bingjun Li, Shuhua Zhang, Wenyan Li and Yifan Zhang
Grey modeling technique is an important element of grey system theory, and academic articles applied to agricultural science research have been published since 1985, proving the…
Abstract
Purpose
Grey modeling technique is an important element of grey system theory, and academic articles applied to agricultural science research have been published since 1985, proving the broad applicability and effectiveness of the technique from different aspects and providing a new means to solve agricultural science problems. The analysis of the connotation and trend of the application of grey modeling technique in agricultural science research contributes to the enrichment of grey technique and the development of agricultural science in multiple dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the relevant literature selected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Web of Science, SpiScholar and other databases in the past 37 years (1985–2021), this paper firstly applied the bibliometric method to quantitatively visualize and systematically analyze the trend of publication, productive author, productive institution, and highly cited literature. Then, the literature is combed by the application of different grey modeling techniques in agricultural science research, and the literature research progress is systematically analyzed.
Findings
The results show that grey model technology has broad prospects in the field of agricultural science research. Agricultural universities and research institutes are the main research forces in the application of grey model technology in agricultural science research, and have certain inheritance. The application of grey model technology in agricultural science research has wide applicability and precise practicability.
Originality/value
By analyzing and summarizing the application trend of grey model technology in agricultural science research, the research hotspot, research frontier and valuable research directions of grey model technology in agricultural science research can be more clearly grasped.
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Qingfeng Meng, Yifan Zhang, Zhen Li, Weixiang Shi, Jun Wang, Yanhui Sun, Li Xu and Xiangyu Wang
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current applications of BIM, the integration of related technologies and the tendencies and challenges systematically.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current applications of BIM, the integration of related technologies and the tendencies and challenges systematically.
Design/methodology/approach
Using quantitative and qualitative bibliometric statistical methods, the current mode of interaction between BIM and other related technologies is summarized.
Findings
This paper identified 24 different BIM applications in the life cycle. From two perspectives, the implementation status of BIM applications and integrated technologies are respectively studied. The future industry development framework is drawn comprehensively. We summarized the challenges of BIM applications from the perspectives of management, technology and promotion, and confirmed that most of the challenges come from the two driving factors of promotion and management.
Research limitations/implications
The technical challenges reviewed in this paper are from the collected literature we have extracted, which is only a part of the practical challenges and not comprehensive enough.
Practical implications
We summarized the current mode of interactive use of BIM and sorted out the challenges faced by BIM applications to provide reference for the risks and challenges faced by the future industry.
Originality/value
There is little literature to integrate BIM applications and to establish BIM related challenges and risk frameworks. In this paper, we provide a review of the current implementation level of BIM and the risks and challenges of stakeholders through three aspects of management, technology and promotion.
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Shenghua Zhou, S. Thomas Ng, Sang Hoon Lee, Frank J. Xu and Yifan Yang
In the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, technology developers have difficulties in fully understanding user needs due to the high domain knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
In the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, technology developers have difficulties in fully understanding user needs due to the high domain knowledge threshold and the lack of effective and efficient methods to minimise information asymmetry between technology developers and AEC users. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
A synthetic approach combining domain knowledge and text mining techniques is proposed to help capture user needs, which is demonstrated using building information modelling (BIM) apps as a case. The synthetic approach includes the: collection and cleansing of BIM apps’ attribute data and users’ comments; incorporation of domain knowledge into the collected comments; performance of a sentiment analysis to distinguish positive and negative comments; exploration of the relationships between user sentiments and BIM apps’ attributes to unveil user preferences; and establishment of a topic model to identify problems frequently raised by users.
Findings
The results show that those BIM app categories with high user interest but low sentiments or supplies, such as “reality capture”, “interoperability” and “structural simulation and analysis”, should deserve greater efforts and attention from developers. BIM apps with continual updates and of small size are more preferred by users. Problems related to the “support for new Revit”, “import & export” and “external linkage” are most frequently complained by users.
Originality/value
The main contributions of this work include: the innovative application of text mining techniques to identify user needs to drive BIM apps development; and the development of a synthetic approach to orchestrating domain knowledge, text mining techniques (i.e. sentiment analysis and topic modelling) and statistical methods in order to help extract user needs for promoting the success of emerging technologies in the AEC industry.
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Haonan Qi, Zhipeng Zhou, Javier Irizarry, Xiaopeng Deng, Yifan Yang, Nan Li and Jianliang Zhou
This study aims to modify the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) to make it suitable for collapse accident analysis in construction. Based upon the modified…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to modify the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) to make it suitable for collapse accident analysis in construction. Based upon the modified HFACS, distribution patterns of causal factors across multiple levels were discerned among causal factors of various stakeholders at construction sites. It explored the correlations between two causal factors from different levels and further determined causation paths from two perspectives of level and stakeholder.
Design/methodology/approach
The main research framework consisted of data collection, coding and analysis. Collapse accident reports were collected with adequate causation information. The modified HFACS was utilized for coding causal factors across all five levels in each case. A hybrid approach with two perspectives of level and stakeholder was proposed for frequency analysis, correlation analysis and path identification between causal factors.
Findings
Eight causal factors from external organizations at the fifth level were added to the original HFACS. Level-based correlation analyses and path identification provided safety managers with a holistic view of inter-connected causal factors across five levels. Stakeholder-based correlation analyses between causal factors from the fifth level and its non-adjacent levels were implemented based on client, government and third parties. These identified paths were useful for different stakeholders to develop specific safety plans for avoiding construction collapse accidents.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified need to modify and utilize the HFACS model for correlation analysis and path identification of causal factors resulting in collapse accidents, which can provide opportunities for tailoring preventive and protective measures at construction sites.
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Linlin Wang, Zhaofang Chu, Wan Jiang and Yifan Xu
This study aims to build on equity theory to assess the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) underpayment on the accumulation of firm-specific knowledge, accounting for the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to build on equity theory to assess the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) underpayment on the accumulation of firm-specific knowledge, accounting for the moderating effects of the CEO compensation gap and the clarity of the board’s informal hierarchy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study starts with all firms listed in the Execucomp database for the period 1992 to 2006. Then, all data sources are merged and entries with missing information are excluded. The final data set used for model estimations includes 1,152 firm-year observations. The command xtreg in Stata 12 with the fixed-effect option (fe) is used to estimate the relationship between CEO underpayment and firm-specific knowledge.
Findings
This study proposed and examined the role of CEO underpayment in discouraging CEO willingness to invest firm-specific human capital and, accordingly, to adopt a strategy of accumulating lower levels of firm-specific knowledge assets. The empirical analyses strongly support this argument. Moreover, CEO compensation gaps and the informal hierarchy of boards negatively moderated this relationship. That is, CEO underpayment had a weaker negative effect on firm-specific knowledge when the CEO compensation gap and the clarity of the board’s informal hierarchy were high.
Originality/value
Prior studies from the knowledge-based perspective have focused on the importance of firm-specific knowledge in enabling a firm to achieve superior financial performance. However, relatively little attention has been paid to CEOs’ willingness to accumulate firm-specific knowledge. The present study contributes to the knowledge-based view of the firm. This study integrates equity theory with the knowledge-based view of the firm by highlighting how unfair compensation of CEOs may discourage them to fully realize a firm’s potential to generate specific knowledge. By incorporating the fairness issue of CEO compensation into the knowledge-based view, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the origins of firm-specific knowledge.