Ting-Yu Lin, Ping-Teng Chang, Kuo-Ping Lin and Miao-Tzu Chen
This study is aimed to develop a novel intuitionistic fuzzy P-graph with Gaussian membership function to help decision-makers deal with complex process network systems.
Abstract
Purpose
This study is aimed to develop a novel intuitionistic fuzzy P-graph with Gaussian membership function to help decision-makers deal with complex process network systems.
Design/methodology/approach
Two fuzzy P-graph case studies of the cogeneration system were selected, and relevant data were collected, including the structure and flow sequence of the system, and the rate of material and product transitions between the operating units. Gaussian function membership was set according to the restriction of fuzzy upper and lower bounds. Then the α-cut was used to obtain different upper and lower bound restrictions of each membership degree. After finding the optimal and suboptimal solutions for different membership degrees, the results of non-membership and hesitation were calculated.
Findings
The proposed method will help the decision maker consider the risk and provide more feasible solutions to choose the optimal and suboptimal solutions based on their own or through experience. The proposed model in this study has more flexibility in operation and decision making.
Originality/value
This study is the first to propose a novel intuitive fuzzy P-graph and demonstrates the effectiveness and flexibility of the method by two case studies of the cogeneration system. However, the addition of hesitation can increase the error tolerance of the system. Even for the solutions with a high degree of membership, optimal and suboptimal solutions still exist for the decision maker to select. Since decision makers expect the higher achievement of the target requirements; thus, it is important to have more feasible solutions with a high degree of membership.
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Yu-Ting Lin, Thomas Foscht and Andreas Benedikt Eisingerich
Prior work underscores the important role of customer advocacy for brands. The purpose of this study is to explore the critical role customers can play as brand heroes. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Prior work underscores the important role of customer advocacy for brands. The purpose of this study is to explore the critical role customers can play as brand heroes. The authors developed and validated a measurement scale composed of properties that are derived from distinct brand hero motivational mechanisms.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted one exploratory pilot, using semi-structured interviews, with industry and academic experts, and employed three main studies across varying brands and market settings.
Findings
This study explores and empirically demonstrates how the brand hero scale (BHS) is related to, yet distinct from, existing scales of opinion leaders, market mavens, attachment and customer advocacy. The six-item BHS demonstrates convergent, discriminant, nomological and predictive validity across several different brand contexts.
Research limitations/implications
This research extends the extant body of work by identifying and defining brand heroes, developing and validating a parsimonious BHS, and demonstrating how its predictive validity extends both to a range of key advocacy and loyalty customer behaviors.
Practical implications
The study provides provocative insights for marketing researchers and brand managers and ascertains the important role heroes may play for brands in terms of strong customer advocacy and loyalty behaviors.
Originality/value
Building on the theory of meaning, this study shows that identifying and working with brand heroes is of great managerial importance and offers critical avenues for future research.
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Stella-Maria Yerokhin, Ting-Yu Lin, Yu-Shan Lin Feuer, Leyla Azizi and Remmer Sassen
This chapter compares the current biodiversity practices of higher education institutions (HEIs) and their learning effects of the Global North and South. It particularly explores…
Abstract
This chapter compares the current biodiversity practices of higher education institutions (HEIs) and their learning effects of the Global North and South. It particularly explores the HEIs’ strategies targeting biodiversity and ecosystem services preservation. In order to answer the research question, a qualitative content analysis of published sustainability reports of the systematically selected HEIs was performed. The Times Higher Education (THE) was used to select HEIs. The results show that biodiversity reporting and management is still in its early stages in HEIs from both the Global North and South and could benefit from further research and suggestions for improvement. One implication for the HEIs is that they could increase public awareness and knowledge of biodiversity through the integration of this topic into their curricula, more research projects on biodiversity, and operations on and off campus.
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Kiat Choon Teo and Yu Lin Ting
To predict the reliability life for SnPb solder and Ag‐Pd bond pad metallization. The aim of selected artificial aging using temperature shock test (TST) and high temperature…
Abstract
Purpose
To predict the reliability life for SnPb solder and Ag‐Pd bond pad metallization. The aim of selected artificial aging using temperature shock test (TST) and high temperature storage test (HTS). These tests are produced in a short time, the same deterioration in solder joint strength that would occur by natural aging in the actual field condition of up to 10 years or 5,000 h service life.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper using Arrhenius model describes the results of TST and HTS. The TST is aimed to verify the resistance of the assembly to cyclic temperature loading. The HTS test is aimed to check the effect of inter‐diffusion between solder and component and substrate finish, on the mechanical strength of the joints. The paper is organized in four sections: introduction, experimental procedure, experimental results and discussion, conclusion and recommendation.
Findings
The accelerated aging procedures used in this study had successfully modified mainly the outer surface and the interface between a solderable coating and the base metal. The tests that rely on higher temperature increase the diffusivity and the reactivity of the species and so modify internal interfaces such as the intermetallic compound layer, as well as the surface oxide layer. This has provided an effective screening test in understanding the reliability field performance.
Research limitations/implications
For future work it is recommended to run HTS at 175C to validate the estimate for the effective activation energy for diffusion. Next, perform scanning electron microscopy & energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) analysis to compare results at 150C for SMD components and studs and explain the different behaviour. Finally, continue T‐shock testing to 2000 cycles.
Practical implications
This has provided an effective screening test in understanding the reliability field performance.
Originality/value
This paper provides a cost effective and practical procedure in screening test for SnPb Solder and Ag‐Pd bond pad metallization. It is an effective solution to electronic manufacturing industry.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine people’s knowledge about carbon reduction, environmental consciousness, carbon reduction intentions, and behaviours in Taiwan. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine people’s knowledge about carbon reduction, environmental consciousness, carbon reduction intentions, and behaviours in Taiwan. The importance of this study is to reveal whether individuals with higher carbon reduction knowledge level have higher carbon reduction intentions and further take actions.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, eight questions about the causes and facts of carbon emissions were designed to examine respondents’ levels of knowledge. The New Ecological Paradigm Scale was utilised to measure respondents’ attitudes towards the environment and further to examine how those attitudes were linked to knowledge. Ten questions related to carbon reduction intentions in food consumption, transportation, energy saving, recycling and shopping were designed, another set of ten questions related to carbon reduction behaviours were included in the questionnaire. A formal survey using personal interviews was administered in Taipei, Taiwan following the age and gender distributions of the population.
Findings
Findings in this study indicate that people with higher knowledge levels about carbon reduction have a stronger environmental consciousness; however, they tend to have higher intentions in carbon reduction but not in actions. Findings in this study reveal that knowledge levels about carbon reduction cannot be used as indicators of carbon reduction behaviours.
Practical implications
The findings in this study provide information for the veracity of the general public with relatively high education levels and are aware of the severity of the carbon emission issue in Taiwan but not motivated to take actions in carbon reduction. Implications of this study are that although enhancing the general public’s environmental consciousness by building up their relevant knowledge of carbon reduction through education can be essential, encourage individuals to make environmentally friendly purchasing decisions, reduce energy consumption and waste, recycle, and be conservative with materials not easily decomposed naturally is fundamental.
Originality/value
Due to the fact that people living on islands and in densely populated coastal areas are those affected by climate changes severely, findings in this study provide valuable information for the education of the general public in Taiwan and other countries in the region.
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Payal Kumar, Leonardo Caporarello and Anirudh Agrawal
Higher education institutions (HEI) are acknowledged as a key driver for the development of sustainable societies, so much so that some profess education for sustainable…
Abstract
Higher education institutions (HEI) are acknowledged as a key driver for the development of sustainable societies, so much so that some profess education for sustainable development to be the most fundamental of the United Nation’s (UN) 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). This chapter provides an overview of the chapters in the book: Higher Education for the SDGs, divided into two themes, namely (i) Research from the Global North and Global South and (ii) Rethinking curriculum.
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Virtual reality (VR) offers unprecedented immersion and interactivity in education, and working and learning from home have become the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Virtual reality (VR) offers unprecedented immersion and interactivity in education, and working and learning from home have become the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study empirically investigated the factors affecting the use of a VR online learning system (VROLS).
Design/methodology/approach
To explore factors affecting users’ continuance behavioral intentions toward using VROLSs, a research framework was formed comprising factors that constitute benefits (i.e. pull factors) and costs (i.e. push factors); these factors included perceived value, flow and social influence. The data for this study were collected via online survey questionnaires. A total of 307 valid responses were used to examine the hypotheses in the research model, employing structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.
Findings
Perceived value, flow experience and the number of peers using VR primarily affect the decision to adopt a VROLS. The pull factors of spatial presence, entertainment and service compatibility, along with the push factors of complexity and visual fatigue, affect perceived value. Therefore, we conclude that perceived value is a primary factor positively influencing both flow experience and the decision to adopt the service.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of factors that explain users’ intention to use VROLSs.
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Kuan-Yu Lin, Yi-Ting Wang and Travis K. Huang
The number of smartphone users has increased with the maturity of mobile networks, which has not only led to a new lifestyle but has also facilitated the development of mobile…
Abstract
Purpose
The number of smartphone users has increased with the maturity of mobile networks, which has not only led to a new lifestyle but has also facilitated the development of mobile application services. Smartphones are regarded as essential communication devices. Currently, diverse groups of people are considering using mobile payment services. Thus, the motives for using mobile payment as well as individual motives for continuing usage are of great research interest. The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioral motivations underlying individual intentions to continue using mobile payment.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the factors affecting the intention to use mobile payment services, this study constructed a theoretical framework based on cost-benefit theory that also considers social influences to form an integrated research model that explains the intentions of individuals to use mobile payment services. Online questionnaires were used to evaluate individuals with experience using mobile payment services. A total of 302 questionnaires were collected. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationships among factors included in the research model.
Findings
Perceived value, social norms and social self-image played crucial roles in the intention to use mobile payment services. Furthermore, perceived benefits (relative advantage and service compatibility) and perceived costs (security risks and perceived fees) determined users’ perceived value. Social self-image positively affected users’ perceived value; in the context of a mobile-oriented information system, the ability of a mobile payment service to satisfy a user’s demands with respect to social self-image influenced the user’s perceived value of using such services.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of factors that explain users’ intention to use mobile payment services.
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Kuan-Yu Lin, Yi-Ting Wang and Hsuan-Yu Sheila Hsu
Smartphones have become a critical medium by which people remain in contact with family, friends, and colleagues. A variety of factors have contributed to the rapid prevalence of…
Abstract
Purpose
Smartphones have become a critical medium by which people remain in contact with family, friends, and colleagues. A variety of factors have contributed to the rapid prevalence of smartphones. The most influential factor is definitely the mobile platform or mobile operating system (OS). The purpose of this paper is to employ a theoretical framework based on an information systems success model and a theory values to examine the factors that affect smartphone users’ switching mobile OSs. Habit is regarded as a moderating variable to construct an integrated research model which helps researchers unveil the puzzle of users’ switching mobile OSs.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model was empirically evaluated using survey data collected from 424 users on their perceptions of smartphones. A structural equation modeling was used to assess the relationships of the research model.
Findings
The results of the study have shown that users consider the perceived switching value and satisfaction arising from their behaviors when deciding whether to switch to another mobile OS. Quality characteristics, including information quality, system quality, and service quality, are the key factors determining people’s perceived switching value and satisfaction. The participants of the study were grouped by degree of habit. The effect on satisfaction was not significant in the high-habit subgroup. Nevertheless, it has been found that the influence of the perceived switching value was stronger in the low-habit subgroup than in the high-habit subgroup.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of factors that explain users’ intention to switch mobile OSs.