Yuan Yuan Hu, Yanhui Zhu, Jon Tucker and Yuxiao Hu
This paper aims to examine the relationship between ownership type and the likelihood of publication of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) report.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the relationship between ownership type and the likelihood of publication of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) report.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on stakeholder salience theory, the probit model is used for a sample of 1,839 Chinese listed firms to study how different types of owners influence firm CSR engagement.
Findings
The analysis reveals that the Chinese stock exchanges exert a positive influence on the likelihood of a firm producing a CSR report, an effect which is more significant in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Foreign investors lead to a greater likelihood of publication of a CSR report, though this effect is weaker in SOEs. In contrast, the holdings of state and domestic institutional investors are broadly neutral.
Practical implications
The study helps corporate managers to recognise how particular types of shareholders will value their efforts regarding CSR activities and disclosure and also assists policymakers in improving the level of CSR disclosure through the development of new policy.
Social implications
Apposite CSR disclosure enhances trust and facilitates the shared values on which to build a more cohesive society.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study is that it addresses the effect of institutional investors on Chinese firm CSR engagement and thus provides an important insight for firms, investors and other stakeholders into the interplay of portfolio investment and CSR.
Details
Keywords
Chengdong Yuan, Siyang Hu and Tamara Bechtold
Based on the framework of Krylov subspace-based model order reduction (MOR), compact models of the piezoelectric energy harvester devices can be generated. However, the stability…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the framework of Krylov subspace-based model order reduction (MOR), compact models of the piezoelectric energy harvester devices can be generated. However, the stability of reduced piezoelectric model often cannot be preserved. In previous research studies, “MOR after Schur,” “Schur after MOR” and “multiphysics structure preserving MOR” methods have proven successful in obtaining stable reduced piezoelectric energy harvester models. Though the stability preservation of “MOR after Schur” and “Schur after MOR” methods has already been mathematically proven, the “multiphysics structure preserving MOR” method was not. This paper aims to provide the missing mathematical proof of “multiphysics structure preserving MOR.”
Design/methodology/approach
Piezoelectric energy harvesters can be represented by system of differential-algebraic equations obtained by the finite element method. According to the block structure of its system matrices, “MOR after Schur” and “Schur after MOR” both perform Schur complement transformations either before or after the MOR process. For the “multiphysics structure preserving MOR” method, the original block structure of the system matrices is preserved during MOR.
Findings
This contribution shows that, in comparison to “MOR after Schur” and “Schur after MOR” methods, “multiphysics structure preserving MOR” method performs the Schur complement transformation implicitly, and therefore, stabilizes the reduced piezoelectric model.
Originality/value
The stability preservation of the reduced piezoelectric energy harvester model obtained through “multiphysics structure preserving MOR” method is proven mathematically and further validated by numerical experiments on two different piezoelectric energy harvester devices.
Details
Keywords
Yuan Hu, Wenxue Zheng, Weizhong Zeng and Hongxing Lan
Forestry carbon sink (FCS) is not only an important measure to deal with the current global climate change but also an effective way to build an ecological civilization. As an…
Abstract
Purpose
Forestry carbon sink (FCS) is not only an important measure to deal with the current global climate change but also an effective way to build an ecological civilization. As an important form of implementation of FCS, the afforestation and reforestation projects under the clean development mechanism (CDM A/R) have important functions such as ecological protection and economic growth. This paper aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term impact of CDM on the county economy and its impact mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper first uses propensity score matching to match the county (treatment group). Second, this paper uses difference in difference to estimate the net effect of CDM A/R project on county economic development to reduce estimation error. Finally, the impact mechanism of implementing CDM A/R project on county economic development was tested.
Findings
The CDM A/R project has significantly promoted the development of real gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita real GDP in the region. Because of the long project cycle, this promotion is not immediate in the short term and has an obvious hysteresis effect. The longer the implementation time, the greater the promotion of the local economy will develop. The results are robust after the robustness test that uses the single-difference method. The CDM A/R project has promoted local economic growth by optimizing the local industrial structure, increasing the regional capital stock and raising the regional government’s fiscal revenue and expenditure.
Originality/value
This paper provides a critical overview of the relationship between clean development mechanism and local economic development.
Details
Keywords
Yu‐Cheng Lee, Hsiu‐Yuan Hu, Tieh‐Min Yen and Chih‐Hung Tsai
The purpose of this study was to examine overall customer satisfaction associated with medical service quality in Taiwan by integrated Kano’s model and customer satisfaction index…
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine overall customer satisfaction associated with medical service quality in Taiwan by integrated Kano’s model and customer satisfaction index model. Another purpose was to confirmed nonlinear and asymmetric relationship of Customer Satisfaction and Quality Performance by the research outcome. By analyzing 1,100 patients or their family members, this study used the structural equation model (SEM) with AMOS software for data analysis. The results show that must‐be attributes, one‐dimensional attributes and attractive attributes had a direct effect on overall customer satisfaction, Surprisingly, overall customer satisfaction had positively influenced customer loyalty customer satisfaction had negatively influenced customer complaints. The study also found that customer complaints have direct effect on customer loyalty. Importantly, the study found out the must‐be attributes, the attractive attributes and one‐dimensional attributes increased, the level of overall customer satisfaction also increased. The customer satisfaction positively influences customer loyalty in medical service quality in Taiwan. The findings might reveal new insights for researchers dealing with quality of medical service and for hospital managers who devote resources exclusively to achieving highest possible levels of patient satisfaction.
Details
Keywords
Terence Y.M. Lam and Junjie Yan
Shanghai is currently faced with a rapid increase in the ageing population and demand for elderly homes. Continuing care retirement community (CCRC) has been emerging as a…
Abstract
Purpose
Shanghai is currently faced with a rapid increase in the ageing population and demand for elderly homes. Continuing care retirement community (CCRC) has been emerging as a high-end alternative to offer specialised accommodation to the elderly in major cities. Since the first development in 2008, the industry is now still at the infancy stage. This study aims to examine the investment barriers hindering the supply and demand of CCRCs with an aim to recommend practical and senior housing policy measures to facilitate CCRC developments.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple-case study method was used to confirm whether the literature findings on investment barriers apply to the context of Shanghai. Four representative CCRC development cases in Shanghai were examined, in which qualitative data were collected from interviews with experienced CCRC development managers and quantitative data from a questionnaire survey of the CCRC residents.
Findings
Operation management experience, financial risks and government support policy were found to be the main supply barriers. Chinese traditional family-oriented culture and affordability were not the main demand barriers of CCRCs in Shanghai. Poor quality of services and living environment were identified as the main barriers suppressing the demand for CCRC.
Research limitations/implications
Although common trends and views can be drawn from the representative cases in Shanghai to provide valid results, further research should be conducted on other major cities in China so that the results can be widely applied.
Practical implications
Successful CCRC investment strategy should focus on partnering with experienced professional eldercare management companies, provisions of high-quality medical professionals and trained care personnel and delivery of flexible care service, along with intensive capital flows for land, construction and operating costs.
Social implications
Additional senior housing policy support should be established to promote the CCRC supply to address the ageing needs, particularly granting lands for CCRC developments at Tiers 1 and 2 major cities where the land cost is high.
Originality/value
This research’s practical and policy measures can be applied to enable and promote CCRC developments in Shanghai, thus benefitting both housing investors and the government. The findings also form a baseline for CCRC developments in other major cities.
Details
Keywords
Yuan-yan Hu, Peng Wang, Xin-qiang Wang and Tian-qiang Hu
Despite concerns about the effect of internet addiction, little is known about how psychological suzhi impacts the internet addiction of college students. This paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite concerns about the effect of internet addiction, little is known about how psychological suzhi impacts the internet addiction of college students. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between psychological suzhi and internet addiction among college students.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the college student psychological suzhi scale and internet addiction test, 2,070 college students from 11 universities in North China, East China, South China and Southwest China were tested.
Findings
The detection rate of internet addiction in this college sample of students was 18.8%. There was a significant negative correlation between students’ psychological suzhi and internet addiction (r = −0.408, p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that adaptability and individuality in psychological suzhi significantly negatively predicted college students’ internet addiction tendency (p < 0.001).
Originality/value
This study is the first to show a relationship between psychological suzhi and internet addiction in college students. In detail, the adaptability and individuality of college students’ psychological suzhi are protective factors related to internet addiction. The results also suggested that the authors can prevent and intervene in internet addiction by modifying college students’ adaptability and individuality.
Details
Keywords
Yesen Zhu, Taoyong Hu, Yujie Li, Junhua Hao, Bin Han and Quan Yuan
The aim of this paper is to construct a device that simulated the seawater splash zone, dynamic waterline zone (splash zone) and full immersion zone. Localized corrosion of 2A12…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to construct a device that simulated the seawater splash zone, dynamic waterline zone (splash zone) and full immersion zone. Localized corrosion of 2A12 aluminum alloy long-scale specimen was studied.
Design/methodology/approach
Corrosion morphologies before and after the corrosion product removal were used to identify corrosion intensity at full seawater immersion zone, dynamic waterline zone (splash zone) and atmospheric zone. The average depth and diameter of corrosion pits in the three zones were evaluated by three-dimensional optical microscopy. The impact of wetting time of the atmospheric zone on the localized corrosion was investigated.
Findings
Corrosion pits were observed on the surface on day 4 for the wetted atmospheric zone (Case 1), and on the surface on day 8 for the alternant wet/dry atmospheric zone (Case 2). The corrosion product layer on the surface for Case 1 was partially broken down while the layer on the surface for Case 2 was intact. Average pitting depth and pitting diameters for Case 1 were more serious than that for Case 2.
Originality/value
The above findings revealed that the humidity of the atmospheric zone had great impact on the localized corrosion of aluminum alloy at the seawater splash zone.
Details
Keywords
Xu Jia, Yang Ou Xiang, Hu Yuan Pei and Song Wei
The investigations could guide the structural design and fatigue life prediction of air-conditioning compressor valve plates.
Abstract
Purpose
The investigations could guide the structural design and fatigue life prediction of air-conditioning compressor valve plates.
Design/methodology/approach
The High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF) and Very-High-Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) behaviors of stainless steel used for air-conditioning compressor valve plates were investigated. Monotonic and cyclic loading conditions were designed to explore the fatigue responses according to the load characteristics of the structure.
Findings
The crack initiation can be observed as the arc-shaped cracks at both sides of specimens and Y-shaped crack bifurcation in the specimens. Moreover, the middle section and the cracks at both ends are not connected to the surface of the specimen. The stress-life results of the materials under two directions (vertical and horizontal) were provided to examine the difference in fatigue strength.
Originality/value
Monotonic and cyclic loading conditions were designed to explore the fatigue responses according to the load characteristics of the structure. Based on the experimental data, the results indicate that specimens under cyclic loading conditions could demonstrate better mechanical performance than static loadings.
Details
Keywords
Jing Hu, Yuan Zhang, Maogen GE, Mingzhou Liu, Liu Conghu and Xiaoqiao Wang
The optimal control on reassembly (remanufacturing assembly) error is one of the key technologies to guarantee the assembly precision of remanufactured product. However, because…
Abstract
Purpose
The optimal control on reassembly (remanufacturing assembly) error is one of the key technologies to guarantee the assembly precision of remanufactured product. However, because of the uncertainty existing in remanufactured parts, it is difficult to control assembly error during reassembly process. Based on the state space model, this paper aims to propose the optimal control method on reassembly precision to solve this problem.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, to ensure the assembly precision of a remanufactured car engine, this paper puts forward an optimal control method on assembly precision for a remanufactured car engine based on the state space model. This method takes assembly workstation operation and remanufactured part attribute as the input vector reassembly status as the state vector and assembly precision as the output vector. Then, the compensation function of reassembly workstation operation input vector is calculated to direct the optimization of the reassembly process. Finally, a case study of a certain remanufactured car engine crankshaft is constructed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the method proposed.
Findings
The optimal control method on reassembly precision is an effective technology in improving the quality of the remanufactured crankshaft. The average qualified rate of the remanufactured crankshaft increased from 83.05 to 90.97 per cent as shown in the case study.
Originality/value
The optimal control method on the reassembly precision based on the state space model is available to control the assembly precision, thus enhancing the core competitiveness of the remanufacturing enterprises.