Sanda Erdelez, Yuan-Ho Huang and Naresh Kumar Agarwal
This study investigated the moderating effect of organizational knowledge management performance on the sharing and use of information encountered by serendipity within the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the moderating effect of organizational knowledge management performance on the sharing and use of information encountered by serendipity within the organization.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors surveyed 274 medical librarians from the top 100 medical schools.
Findings
Individual information encountering predicted information encountering at work, which, in turn, predicted organizational sharing of encountered information. When the propensity to encounter information was high, then organizational knowledge management performance moderated the effect between organizational encountering and organizational sharing of information. Encountered information at work was only present when high organizational knowledge management performance was in place.
Research limitations/implications
This finding helps information behavior researchers discover the transfer of behaviors from everyday life to organizational environments.
Practical implications
It shows the need for greater support for information encounterers at work and the role of knowledge management, which may enhance their contribution to the organizational objectives.
Originality/value
Information encountering involves finding information by chance. Studies on information encountering have not focused on work settings and if the individual propensity to encounter information translates to organizational settings. Also, the relationship between information encountering and organizational knowledge management has not been studied so far.
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Yuan Huang, Daniel R. Eyers, Mark Stevenson and Matthias Thürer
The study aims to examine a discrepant industrial case that demonstrates how to achieve economies of scale with additive manufacturing (AM), thereby expanding the scope of AM…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine a discrepant industrial case that demonstrates how to achieve economies of scale with additive manufacturing (AM), thereby expanding the scope of AM beyond high-variety, customised production contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
Abductive reasoning is applied to analyse a case of using AM to compete with conventional production, winning a contract to supply 7,700,000 products. Comparing this case to existing theories and contemporary practices reveals new research directions and practical insights.
Findings
Economies of scale were realised through a combination of technological innovation and the adoption of operations management practices atypical of AM shops (e.g. design for volume, low-cost resource deployment and material flow optimisation). The former improved AM process parameters in terms of time, cost and dependability; the latter improved the entire manufacturing system, including non-AM operations/resources. This system-wide improvement has been largely overlooked in the literature, where AM is typically viewed as a disruptive technology that simplifies manufacturing processes and shortens supply chains.
Originality/value
It is empirically shown that an AM shop can achieve economies of scale and compete with conventional manufacturing in high-volume, standardised production contexts.
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Ai-Hsuan Chiang and Ming-Yuan Huang
Rapid response is often the cornerstone of success in many industries, especially manufacturing. In the authors’ opinion, organizational structure will also affect the…
Abstract
Purpose
Rapid response is often the cornerstone of success in many industries, especially manufacturing. In the authors’ opinion, organizational structure will also affect the construction of a fast-response supply chain system. The main purpose of this research examines whether different levels of organizational structure have different effects on the relationship between external integration and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied questionnaires to collect data. This study collected 818 questionnaires from manufacturers in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to verify our proposed model using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Results show that response speed perfectly mediates the relationship between external integration and firm performance. Different levels of organizational structure will also affect external integration. Strict organizational structure requires customer integration, while loose organizational structure requires supplier integration to quickly meet customer needs.
Practical implications
Companies can probably determine whether their organizational structure is higher or lower than that of their competitors. If firms can determine that their organization structure is high or low, they can adopt suitable external integrations to enhance quick response and operational performance.
Originality/value
In the relationship between supply chain integration and performance, we consider a mediating variable and moderating variable together. Results explain the reason that the relationship between supply chain integration and performance are inconsistent in previous studies. We have addressed external integration in alignment with organizational structure to provide better service and enhance performance by providing empirical evidence.
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This study explored the different artificial intelligence (AI) applications used in academic libraries and the key factors and impediments related to their implementation.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the different artificial intelligence (AI) applications used in academic libraries and the key factors and impediments related to their implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
The author applied quantitative research methods in the form of a questionnaire, using both open and closed questions. A total of 472 valid questionnaires were received from academic librarians.
Findings
The author sought responses from librarians who had implemented AI applications and those who had not, identifying the types of AI applications implemented, key factors relating to their implementation, and impediments to promoting AI. Gaps were identified between the level of support for AI applications and the negative effect of the impediments. Furthermore, the more extensive the individual and organizational knowledge activities performed by the librarians and libraries held, the more positive the attitude was librarians' attitude toward AI applications in their libraries. However, librarians recognized that AI applications are inevitable, but indicated that the difficulties of in execution have hampered the adoption of AI.
Research limitations/implications
The sample data were collected in Taiwan; therefore, the data may only represent the views of Taiwanese academic librarians on AI applications. The results of this study may not apply to librarians worldwide; however, they may provide a useful reference.
Practical implications
The results revealed the top four AI applications that libraries would most likely implement in the near future. Therefore, AI application developers and suppliers can prioritize the promotion of these products for to academic libraries. This study revealed that funding and costs related to AI implementation were discovered to be key factors relating to implementing AI applications. Some impediments to the implementation of AI applications relate to technological problems. Several librarians suggested that managers should invest more resources at an early stage rather than reducing cutting back on human resources initially. Although worries regarding privacy and ethics were mentioned expressed by some respondents, most academic librarians did not regard these to be major concerns.
Originality/value
This study provides the perspectives of librarians who have implemented AI applications and of those who have not. In addition, it explores the advantages and disadvantages of AI applications, and the level of support for and impact of AI applications and promotions. This study also included a gap analysis. Moreover, individual and organizational knowledge activity scales were adopted to examine AI awareness and the perceptions of academic librarians.
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Shicheng Chen, Daniel Roy Eyers, Jonathan Gosling and Yuan Huang
Whilst there has been much research examining risk management in construction supply chains, there is a relative dearth of knowledge concerning small and medium-sized enterprises…
Abstract
Purpose
Whilst there has been much research examining risk management in construction supply chains, there is a relative dearth of knowledge concerning small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this context. SMEs are considered vulnerable economic agents due to their financial constraints and reduced viability compared to large firms. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review, identifying key challenges in the research and generating a future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured literature review was conducted in this study, resulting in the identification of 106 articles that relate to construction SME risks. Thematic analysis was then employed to determine the supply chain risk themes. Additionally, VOSviewer was employed to depict content frequency and, most recently, trends based on the timeline.
Findings
This paper uncovers eight distinct supply chain risks pertinent to construction SMEs, arranging these into three themes from the standpoint of supply chain risk management. Moreover, it identifies six gaps in the existing body of research on construction SMEs and puts forth prospective research directions and questions to address each of these identified gaps.
Originality/value
The practical significance of this study is to provide SMEs in the construction industry with a comprehensive framework for identifying and categorizing risks related to management and strategy, operations and processes and sustainability. With this framework, SMEs can systematically assess potential risks at all stages of a project.
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Xinxing Yin, Juan Chen, Wenxin Yu, Yuan Huang, Wenxiang Wei, Xinjie Xiang and Hao Yan
This study aims to improve the complexity of chaotic systems and the security accuracy of information encrypted transmission. Applying five-dimensional memristive Hopfield neural…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to improve the complexity of chaotic systems and the security accuracy of information encrypted transmission. Applying five-dimensional memristive Hopfield neural network (5D-HNN) to secure communication will greatly improve the confidentiality of signal transmission and greatly enhance the anticracking ability of the system.
Design/methodology/approach
Chaos masking: Chaos masking is the process of superimposing a message signal directly into a chaotic signal and masking the signal using the randomness of the chaotic output. Synchronous coupling: The coupled synchronization method first replicates the drive system to get the response system, and then adds the appropriate coupling term between the drive The synchronization error and the coupling term of the system will eventually converge to zero with time. The synchronization error and coupling term of the system will eventually converge to zero over time.
Findings
A 5D memristive neural network is obtained based on the original four-dimensional memristive neural network through the feedback control method. The system has five equations and contains infinite balance points. Compared with other systems, the 5D-HNN has rich dynamic behaviors, and the most unique feature is that it has multistable characteristics. First, its dissipation property, equilibrium point stability, bifurcation graph and Lyapunov exponent spectrum are analyzed to verify its chaotic state, and the system characteristics are more complex. Different dynamic characteristics can be obtained by adjusting the parameter k.
Originality/value
A new 5D memristive HNN is proposed and used in the secure communication
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Yuan Huang, Weixi Han and Douglas K. Macbeth
This paper aims to investigate the complexity of collaborations in supply chain networks, particularly the influence of horizontal collaborations (e.g. international joint…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the complexity of collaborations in supply chain networks, particularly the influence of horizontal collaborations (e.g. international joint ventures) on vertical collaborations (e.g. supplier–manufacturer partnering relationships).
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple case study including four horizontal collaborations and five vertical collaborations within a supply chain network is presented in the context of the Chinese automotive industry. Data interpretation from interviews is structured by key collaborative activities and collaborative behaviors.
Findings
The analysis highlights a variety of collaborative behaviors under different types of collaboration and their interaction. The complexity of collaboration is revealed in a range of dimensions including culture diversity, drivers/facilitators, competitive/collaborative advantages and the engagement of all. Collaboration evolves as the structure of the supply chain changes; the key is to appreciate the existence of cooperation, competition and culture conflicts and to manage the trade-offs.
Research limitations/implications
A window of opportunity is presented for future research to investigate the complexity of supply chain collaboration in a wider industrial or geographical context, including statistical validation and comparative analysis.
Practical implications
A contingent view on supply chain collaboration is promoted to practitioners (e.g. international supply chain managers), where collaborative activities should be aligned with the motive and type of business relationships which may change as collaboration develops.
Originality/value
A rare empirical study captures the complexity of supply chain collaboration including the interaction between different forms. A dynamic collaboration approach recognizes the changing process, varying cooperation behaviors as well as characteristics of partners which have not been sufficiently reflected in the literature.
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Yuan Huang, Zilong Song and Lewis H.K. Tam
The authors examine the joint effect of the country-wide legal institutions and product market competition on stock crash risk in a large sample of international firms.
Abstract
Purpose
The authors examine the joint effect of the country-wide legal institutions and product market competition on stock crash risk in a large sample of international firms.
Design/methodology/approach
In the study, the authors examine whether the country-level institutional factors affect product market competition's impact on stock crash risk. Specifically, the authors characterize country-wide institutional quality with individual governance indices developed in earlier studies and also adopt the worldwide board reforms as a proxy for the change in firms' governance environment.
Findings
The authors find that strong institutions mitigate the positive relationship between product market competition and stock crash risk in the international setting. In addition, the authors find that institutional quality moderates the effect of product market competition on stock crash risk via the information channel, i.e. although firms in competitive industries manage and report earnings more aggressively, strong institutions or board reforms, curtail managers' incentive to do so.
Originality/value
The authors’ findings lend support to the dark side of product market competition with a broader sample from 35 countries. In light of this, when earlier studies consider firms from competitive (concentrated) industries as having less (more) severe agency problems, future studies should consider the agency costs associated with product market competition for both the US firms and non-US firms. Furthermore, when it is debatable that regulators are self-interested, captured, uninformed and thus the regulations and institutions may not be fully effective as a result, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of institutions in ex ante mitigating agency conflicts associated with product market competition.
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Tun-Ya Yang, Si-Yuan Huang, Wei-Che Tsai and Pei-Shih Weng
This paper aims to investigate the impact of day trading on market quality on the Taiwan stock market with the implementation of a unique policy change. This paper examines 396…
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the impact of day trading on market quality on the Taiwan stock market with the implementation of a unique policy change. This paper examines 396 listed stocks from June 2015 to October 2016, a period when the stock market in Taiwan officially approved selected stocks for day trading for all investors. Within the sample period, the empirical findings show that day trading increases the bid–ask spread, price depth and stock volatility, indicating that day trading activities not only cause higher transaction costs and trading risk but also raise the market’s ability to absorb price impact. This paper considers two-stage regression and tests the exogenous shock because of further relaxation for day trading to deal with the possible endogenous problem and the main findings remain consistent. Since early 2014, the Taiwan stock market has been experiencing a distinct growth in trading volume after unwinding the day trading; however, the results show that the impacts of stock day trading on market quality are not all positive.
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This chapter explores how state–business relations (SBR) in the Arab world influence public policy on industrial clusters and the resulting economic benefits from these clusters…
Abstract
This chapter explores how state–business relations (SBR) in the Arab world influence public policy on industrial clusters and the resulting economic benefits from these clusters on innovation and productivity. The main SBR actors are identified as the state, big capitalists (or tycoons), and small and medium business managers and owners (entrepreneurs). The framework used here focuses on interactors' power relations. Such power relations are reflected in the ability/inability of the state to enforce its will with less consultation with and/or favorite treatment to nonstate actors. It is also reflected in the ability/inability of nonstate actors to act individually or organize in order to defend their interests and influence government policy formulation and implementation. Such power relations are reflected in the ability of nonstate actors to organize – especially entrepreneurs – and the level of favoritism provided by state officials to tycoons. The power dynamics in SBR lead to different SBR modes and different economic outcomes, one of which is the development of industrial clusters and how efficient they are in fostering innovation and productivity in Arab countries. This chapter suggests that the development of industrial clusters in the Arab world necessitates institutional reform, addressing the power relations governing SBR in the region. A more open political system allowing the independence and growth of broad-based business associations and curbing favoritism is necessary for realizing the benefits from implementing recommended policies, leading to cluster development and reaping the economic benefits from such development. Using statistical and regression analysis, empirical evidence supporting these arguments is provided.