Ji Yan, Zihao Yu, Kiran Fernandes and Yu Xiong
To explore the mechanism that shapes firms' supply chain learning (SCL) practices, this study examines the relationship between firms' knowledge network embeddedness and their SCL…
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the mechanism that shapes firms' supply chain learning (SCL) practices, this study examines the relationship between firms' knowledge network embeddedness and their SCL practice in a supply chain network, as well as the moderating role of supply chain network cohesion in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Using patent application data and supply chain partner information from 869 listed firms between 2011 and 2020 in China, this study uses fixed-effect regression models to reduce endogeneity problems by controlling for individual heterogeneity effects that cannot be observed over time.
Findings
Firms' knowledge network embeddedness has an inverted U-shaped effect on their SCL, and this non-linear relationship is conditional on supply chain network cohesion, which strengthens (weakens) the positive (negative) effect of knowledge network embeddedness on SCL.
Practical implications
The findings show that managers can reconcile the downsides of knowledge network embeddedness on SCL by fostering greater supply chain network cohesion.
Originality/value
Drawing from the network pluralism perspective, this study contributes to supply chain literature by extending the research context of the antecedents of SCL from a single-network setting to a dual-network setting. It extends the network pluralism perspective by showing that not only positive effects but also negative effects of network embeddedness can transfer from one network to another.
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Lujie Chen, Antonella Moretto, Fu Jia, Federico Caniato and Yu Xiong
Senmao Xia, Yu Xiong, Min Zhang, James Cornford, Yipeng Liu, Ming K. Lim, Dongmei Cao and Fengwen Chen
The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the mechanisms through which Chinese National Science Parks' (NSPs) services facilitate returnee entrepreneurs' (REs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the mechanisms through which Chinese National Science Parks' (NSPs) services facilitate returnee entrepreneurs' (REs) acquisition of resources for their new ventures. Resource acquisition is crucial for new ventures, but it inevitably leads to significant costs increase. Although the NSPs offer various services to REs to reduce these costs, they still struggle to find the right mix of services.
Design/methodology/approach
From the transaction cost's perspective, an exploratory multiple-case study was conducted with data collected from six NSPs in China.
Findings
The results reveal that four types of NSP services (mentoring and training, social event, promotion of REs and accreditation of resource holders (RHs)) have both individual and joint effects on reducing REs' resource acquisition costs. Specifically, the “accreditation of RHs” service directly helps REs reduce search costs. The combination of “accreditation of RHs”, “promotion of REs” and “social event” services help REs and RHs to establish guanxi. Further, guanxi, working along with the “mentoring and training” service, helps REs to reduce contracting, monitoring and enforcement costs.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to explore the matching mechanisms between science parks’ services and entrepreneurs' cost reduction. This helps reconcile the inconsistent findings on science parks' effect by explaining why some NSPs are able to provide strong support to REs while others are less successful. In addition, the findings are useful for NSPs to develop the right mix of tailored services for REs. Finally, REs will find this study useful to evaluate which NSP is a more suitable location for their new ventures.
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Junbin Wang, Xiaowei Dong, Yu Xiong, Umair Tanveer and Changping Zhao
This study explores how factors arising from supply chain (SC) network and complexity work together in supply chain learning (SCL) behavior.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores how factors arising from supply chain (SC) network and complexity work together in supply chain learning (SCL) behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, which is an emerging configurational analysis method, was adopted to examine the complex combination of five influencing factors. The data were collected using a two-stage survey. First, the authors selected seven typical firms with an awareness of SCL. Second, questionnaires were sent to the partners of the seven selected firms, and 156 valid questionnaires were obtained from 76 firms.
Findings
Drawing on emergent insights from the initiative, the authors find that multiple configurations of SC network and complexity lead to high SCL. Specifically, weak ties are necessary conditions of such learning, while strong ties are also conducive to this. Moreover, a moderate SC complexity is conducive to SCL.
Practical implications
This study enriches the understanding of SCL and provides new insights for SC management practitioners to take measures to improve it.
Originality/value
This study addresses the lack of in-depth understanding of the antecedent conditions of SCL in the literature. It establishes an integrated and comprehensive theoretical framework of such learning based on contingency theory. Additionally, this study incorporates ambidextrous SCL (i.e. creation capability and dispersion capacity). An overall prototype of SCL capability is proposed on SC network and complexity theory.
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Dan Xiong, Junhao Xiao, Huimin Lu, Zhiwen Zeng, Qinghua Yu, Kaihong Huang, Xiaodong Yi and Zhiqiang Zheng
The purpose of this paper is to design intelligent robots operating in such dynamic environments like the RoboCup Middle-Size League (MSL). In the RoboCup MSL, two teams of five…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design intelligent robots operating in such dynamic environments like the RoboCup Middle-Size League (MSL). In the RoboCup MSL, two teams of five autonomous robots play on an 18- × 12-m field. Equipped with sensors and on-board computers, each robot should be able to perceive the environment, make decision and control itself to play the soccer game autonomously.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the design of our soccer robots, participating in RoboCup MSL. The mechanical platform, electrical architecture and software framework are discussed separately. The mechanical platform is designed modularly, so easy maintainability is achieved; the electronic architecture is built on industrial standards using PC-based control technique, which results in high robustness and reliability during the intensive and fierce MSL games; the software is developed upon the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS); thus, the advantages of ROS such as modularity, portability and expansibility are inherited.
Findings
Based on this paper and the open-source hardware and software, the MSL robots can be re-developed easily to participate in the RoboCup MSL. The robots can also be used in other research and education fields, especially for multi-robot systems and distributed artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the main designing ideas proposed in the paper, i.e. using a modular mechanical structure, an industrial electronic system and ROS-based software, provide a common solution for designing general intelligent robots.
Originality/value
The methodology of the intelligent robot design for highly competitive and dynamic RoboCup MSL environments is proposed.
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Xujian Zhao, Hui Zhang, Chunming Yang and Bo Li
In recent years, a great number of top conferences and workshops on artificial intelligence (AI) were held in China, showing Chinese AI plays an important role in the world…
Abstract
In recent years, a great number of top conferences and workshops on artificial intelligence (AI) were held in China, showing Chinese AI plays an important role in the world. Meanwhile, Chinese government announced an ambitious scheme, “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan,” for the country to become a world leader in AI technologies by 2030. The AI research in China has covered various aspects, ranging from chips to algorithms. This chapter attempts to give an overview of the recent advances of AI research and development in China, as well as some perspectives on the future development of AI in China.
The purpose of this paper is to give broad‐spectrum analysis of general system theory, including the researching approach – dynamic structure approach, the study on general object…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to give broad‐spectrum analysis of general system theory, including the researching approach – dynamic structure approach, the study on general object system by broad‐spectrum analysis, and the study of general cognitive system by broad‐spectrum analysis, etc.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical basis of broad‐spectrum analysis is dynamic structuralism, which, therefore, leads to the fact that its methodology is dynamic structural methodology, including that from the perspective of generalized structure, that from the dynamic perspective (the fluxional viewpoint of structure and the transforming viewpoint of structure).
Findings
Generalized structural models of general object system (including general thing system and general dynamic system, general cognitive system and general value system) are given in this paper. It shows a unique perspective of broad‐spectrum analysis, its close relationship with general system theory and the viewpoints of many questions in general system.
Research limitations/implications
The details of the structural models in this paper have to be worked out.
Practical implications
The methodological principle for us to analyze, study, optimize, and control the general system is provided.
Originality/value
Generalized structural models of this paper originate from pansystem methodology and discrete mathematics. This paper has the value of methodology for those who are studying general systems.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the framework of pansystems variation theory (PVT) and discuss its principles, models, methods, and related applications to computer science.
Design/methodology/approach
The PVT has been established based on the traditional variation theory from the viewpoint of pansystems theory. The theoretical foundation of PVT is pansystems variational principle. It is an interpretation or a specialized expression of relative objective regularity in the variation of things. The application layer of PVT is pansystems variational operations research (PVOR).
Findings
The applications of PVT for computer science can be summarized as actualizations of PVOR: V−d(xy)=*0*/PRR′P′/0**.
Originality/value
Some new ideas of PVT can illuminate the researches of computer science.
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Qiongwei Ye and Baojun Ma
Internet + and Electronic Business in China is a comprehensive resource that provides insight and analysis into E-commerce in China and how it has revolutionized and continues to…
Abstract
Internet + and Electronic Business in China is a comprehensive resource that provides insight and analysis into E-commerce in China and how it has revolutionized and continues to revolutionize business and society. Split into four distinct sections, the book first lays out the theoretical foundations and fundamental concepts of E-Business before moving on to look at internet+ innovation models and their applications in different industries such as agriculture, finance and commerce. The book then provides a comprehensive analysis of E-business platforms and their applications in China before finishing with four comprehensive case studies of major E-business projects, providing readers with successful examples of implementing E-Business entrepreneurship projects.
Internet + and Electronic Business in China is a comprehensive resource that provides insights and analysis into how E-commerce has revolutionized and continues to revolutionize business and society in China.
Sarahit Castillo-Benancio, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Flavio Morales-Ríos, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario and Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales
In a pandemic framework (COVID-19), this chapter explores the impact of the global economy and socio-cultures concerning three axes: recreational, tourism, and hospitality…
Abstract
In a pandemic framework (COVID-19), this chapter explores the impact of the global economy and socio-cultures concerning three axes: recreational, tourism, and hospitality. Although we slowly see an economic revival, it is well known that this sector of study is very susceptible to being affected by the context of nations. Following restrictions and measures taken by governments around the world to reduce the number of cases of coronavirus infections, many nations closed their borders, affecting international travel and by 2020 tourism had been reduced to the near cessation of operations due to the imminent fear of this poorly studied disease, and the service sector was negatively affected. It should be added that, according to the World Tourism Organization's projections, a decrease of between 20 and 30% is forecast for 2020 compared to the previous year.