The digital revolution and the use of big data (BD) in particular has important applications in the construction industry. In construction, massive amounts of heterogeneous data…
Abstract
Purpose
The digital revolution and the use of big data (BD) in particular has important applications in the construction industry. In construction, massive amounts of heterogeneous data need to be analyzed to improve onsite efficiency. This article presents a systematic review and identifies future research directions, presenting valuable conclusions derived from rigorous bibliometric tools. The results of this study may provide guidelines for construction engineering and global policymaking to change the current low-efficiency of construction sites.
Design/methodology/approach
This study identifies research trends from 1,253 peer-reviewed papers, using general statistics, keyword co-occurrence analysis, critical review, and qualitative-bibliometric techniques in two rounds of search.
Findings
The number of studies in this area rapidly increased from 2012 to 2020. A significant number of publications originated in the UK, China, the US, and Australia, and the smallest number from one of these countries is more than twice the largest number in the remaining countries. Keyword co-occurrence is divided into three clusters: BD application scenarios, emerging technology in BD, and BD management. Currently developing approaches in BD analytics include machine learning, data mining, and heuristic-optimization algorithms such as graph convolutional, recurrent neural networks and natural language processes (NLP). Studies have focused on safety management, energy reduction, and cost prediction. Blockchain integrated with BD is a promising means of managing construction contracts.
Research limitations/implications
The study of BD is in a stage of rapid development, and this bibliometric analysis is only a part of the necessary practical analysis.
Practical implications
National policies, temporal and spatial distribution, BD flow are interpreted, and the results of this may provide guidelines for policymakers. Overall, this work may develop the body of knowledge, producing a reference point and identifying future development.
Originality/value
To our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric review of BD in the construction industry. This study can also benefit construction practitioners by providing them a focused perspective of BD for emerging practices in the construction industry.
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Hai Jiang, YiYing Lu, Liwen Ding, Wenzhong Lu, Guifen Fan and Yusheng Shi
Aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics are suitable substrate and package materials for high-power integrated circuits.
Abstract
Purpose
Aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics are suitable substrate and package materials for high-power integrated circuits.
Design/methodology/approach
Dense AlN ceramics with Y2O3 and LaF3 as sintering additives are prepared. The effects of these additives on the density, phase composition, microstructure and thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics are investigated.
Findings
Results show that 2 Wt.% Y2O3-doped additive is insufficient for the samples to achieve the full densification sintered at 1,700°C. When LaF3 is added with Y2O3, the samples are perfectly densified at the same sintering condition. The relative density and thermal conductivity of the samples are 97.8-99.07 per cent and 169.104-200.010 W·m-1·K-1, respectively. The density of the samples and their microstructure, especially the content and distribution of secondary phases, is necessary to control the thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics.
Originality/value
Y2O3 and LaF3 additives can effectively promote densification and enhance the thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics in a low sintering temperature, and the AlN ceramics added with Y2O3-LaF3 might have potential applications in package materials for high-power integrated circuits.
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Helen M. Dah, Robert J. Blomme, Arie Kil and Ben Q. Honyenuga
This chapter investigates the effect of customer orientation and CRM organization on hotel financial performance. A model of enhancing hotel financial performance through customer…
Abstract
This chapter investigates the effect of customer orientation and CRM organization on hotel financial performance. A model of enhancing hotel financial performance through customer satisfaction practices was tested. Customer satisfaction was hypothesized to be a mediator in the relationships between customer orientation and CRM organization and the result being financial performance. The sample consisted of 54 hotels that was made up of three 5-star, fifteen 4-star, and thirty-six 3-star hotels in Ghana. A quantitative deductive approach was employed to gather data using cross-sectional survey, which was analyzed using PLS-SEM to check the validity, reliability and factor loading of the data. The findings revealed that, CRM organization enhances customer satisfaction and financial performance of hotels. Also, customer orientation showed significant positively related to customer satisfaction in the hotels. Surprisingly, the effects of CRM organization and customer orientation on financial performance through customer satisfaction were insignificant. Thus, customer satisfaction failed to mediate the effect of CRM organization and customer orientation on the financial performance of hotels. This suggests that though an effective CRM organization enhances customer satisfaction, it directly affects the financial performance of hotels. The outcomes have useful implications for CRM implementation on hotel financial performance in Ghana.
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Reginald Masimba Mbona and Kong Yusheng
The Chinese Telecoms Industry has been rapidly growing over the years since 2001. An analysis of financial performance of the three giants in this industry is very important…
Abstract
Purpose
The Chinese Telecoms Industry has been rapidly growing over the years since 2001. An analysis of financial performance of the three giants in this industry is very important. However, it is difficult to know how many ratios can be used best with little information loss. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 18 financial ratios were calculated based on the financial statements for three companies, namely, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom for a period of 17 years. A principal component analysis was run to come up with variables with significance value above 0.5 from each component.
Findings
At the end, the authors conclude how financial performance can be analysed using 12 ratios instead of the costly analysis of too many ratios that may be complex to interpret. The results also showed that ratios are all related as they come from the same statements, hence, the authors can use a few to represent the rest with limited loss of information.
Originality/value
This study will help different stakeholders who are interested in the financial performance of each company by giving them a shorter way to analyse performance. It will also assist those who do financial reporting on picking the ratios which matter in reflecting the performance of their companies. The use of PCA gives unbiased ratios that are most significant in assessing performance.
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Shuiqing Yang, Yusheng Zhou, Jianrong Yao, Yuangao Chen and June Wei
As retailers have increasingly embraced an omnichannel retailing strategy, explaining and predicting the helpfulness of online review should consider both online-based and…
Abstract
Purpose
As retailers have increasingly embraced an omnichannel retailing strategy, explaining and predicting the helpfulness of online review should consider both online-based and offline-based reviews. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the signaling theory, this study intends to examine the impacts of review-related and reviewer-related signals on review helpfulness in the context of omnichannel retailing. The proposed research model and corresponding hypotheses were tested by using negative binomial regression.
Findings
The results shown that both review-related (review rating and review sentiment strength) and reviewer-related (reviewer real name and reviewer expertise) signals positively affect review helpfulness. Contrary to the authors’ expectations, review length negatively affects review helpfulness. Specifically, when the review submitted from an omnichannel retailer’s offline channel, the positive impacts of reviewer real name on review helpfulness will be stronger, and the positive impacts of reviewer expertise on review helpfulness will be weaker.
Originality/value
Unlike many previous studies tend to explore the antecedents of review helpfulness in a single-channel setting, the study examined the factors that affect review helpfulness in an omnichannel retailing context.
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Muhammad Tahir Jan and Ali Shafiq
Brand personality plays an important role in affecting customer satisfaction. The Muslim population is estimated to reach 30% of the world’s population, and it is considered as…
Abstract
Purpose
Brand personality plays an important role in affecting customer satisfaction. The Muslim population is estimated to reach 30% of the world’s population, and it is considered as the fastest-growing religion in the world. To tap into this market, it is important to explore various aspects of business, in general, and marketing, in particular, from the perspective of Muslim consumers. The present research also attempts to do the same by proposing a conceptual model related to the brand personality of Islamic Banks, named, Islamic Banks’ Brand Personality (IBBP) and its impact on customer satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyses the causal relationship that exists between the variables related to Islamic brand personality and customer satisfaction. For this purpose, data was collected quantitatively from 337 customers of different Islamic banks, through a self-administered questionnaire. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Factor analysis was performed to extract and decide on the number of factors underlying the measured variables of interest. Structural equation modelling was then used to examine the variables and the fitness of the proposed model.
Findings
The result revealed that five out of the total six hypotheses were supported. In this case, trustworthiness and Shariah compliance resulted in the strongest impact on customer satisfaction followed by sincerity and justice.
Practical implications
The positive significant impact of trustworthiness and Shariah compliance on customer satisfaction attests to the importance of these variables in the development of a strong brand personality in the context of Islamic banks. Policymakers of the financial industry in general and the Islamic financial service industry, in particular, may benefit from the findings of this study.
Originality/value
There is a dearth of research conducted on investigating the impact of brand personality-related variables on the Islamic banking sector. The present research did not only develop variables of IBBP but also empirically tested their effect on customer satisfaction. This paper, therefore, offers invaluable insight into IBBP with its impact on customer satisfaction.
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Kesheng Lin, Jie Liu, Jia-Min Wu, Yunlong Sun, Feng Li, Yan Zhou and Yusheng Shi
The main cause of aseptic inflammation after an in vivo implantation is that Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and Poly(D-lactide) have a slower degradation and absorption rate, while…
Abstract
Purpose
The main cause of aseptic inflammation after an in vivo implantation is that Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and Poly(D-lactide) have a slower degradation and absorption rate, while Poly(D, L-lactide) (PDLLA) has a much faster degradation rate than PLLA because of its amorphous structure. Also, the hydrolyzate of Hydroxyapatite (HA) is alkaline, which can neutralize local tissue peracid caused by hydrolysis of Polylactic acid.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique was chosen to prepare bone scaffolds using nano-HA/PDLLA composite microspheres, which were prepared by the solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) method. First, the SLS parameters range of bulk was determined by the result of a single-layer experiment and the optimized parameters were then obtained by the orthogonal experiment. The tensile property, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, biological toxicity and in vitro degradation of the samples with optimized SLS parameters were characterized.
Findings
As a result, the samples showed a lower tensile strength because of the many holes in their interior, which was conducive to better cell adhesion and nutrient transport. In addition, the samples retained their inherent properties after SLS and the hydrophobicity was improved after adding nano-HA because of the OH group. Furthermore, the samples showed good biocompatibility with the large number of cells adhering to the material through pseudopods and there was no significant difference between the pure PDLLA and 10% HA/PDLLA in terms of biological toxicity. Finally, the degradation rate of the composites could be tailored by the amount of nano-HA.
Originality/value
This study combined the S/O/W and SLS technique and provides a theoretical future basis for the preparation of drug-loaded microsphere scaffolds through SLS using HA/PDLLA composites.
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Hai-Ninh Do, Ngoc Bich Do, Thao Kim Nguyen and Tra My Nguyen
This study investigates the impact of personal, organisational and innovation capability on technological innovation and further impacts on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs'…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of personal, organisational and innovation capability on technological innovation and further impacts on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs') performance during uncertainty. Moreover, the moderator role of social sustainability orientation on the relationships of technological innovation, innovation performance and organisational resilience is also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach using 524 SME responses and Smart PLS 4.0 are adopted in this research.
Findings
The results indicate a correlation between three types of capabilities with technological innovation and further conversion to organisational resilience. Additionally, social sustainability shows a negative moderating effect between innovation performance and organisational resilience. The research findings advanced the resources-based-view (RBV) by proposing three capability dimensions as platforms for SMEs' innovation success, which later generate resilience possibilities. Specifically highlighted in this study are the personal capabilities of managers, organisational capabilities and innovation capabilities in setting business objectives and resource allocation towards economic and sustainable goals during turbulence and uncertainty.
Originality/value
This study investigates the role of technological innovation and innovation on SME resilience. Notably, we deploy the social sustainability orientation as moderators towards the relationship between technological innovation, innovation performance and SMEs’ resilience. SMEs employing social sustainability orientation might negatively inhibit the translation from innovation performance to SME resilience, providing novel insights into navigating uncertainty in modern business. It has no effect on the relationship between technological innovation and its consequences.
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Ivan Burkov, Aleksei Gorgadze and Iuliia Trabskaia
This study aims to identify the impact of affective components on behavioral intentions applying electronic word of mouth (eWOM) and is based on the “cognitive–affective–conative”…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the impact of affective components on behavioral intentions applying electronic word of mouth (eWOM) and is based on the “cognitive–affective–conative” model. EWOM allows researchers to get new insights about consumers’ behavior and explores new patterns of consumers’ decision-making processes.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), doubled with “cognitive–affective–conative” model (Oliver, 2014). This study applies structural topic modeling to examine the impact of satisfaction dimensions from all the Tripadvisor reviews on consumer behavioral intentions. The research sample covers all restaurants located in St. Petersburg (n = 10,424) and all consumers’ reviews (n = 286,642).
Findings
In this study, the dimensions of the affective component were identified. The results demonstrate that dimensions of the affective component (food quality, service quality, atmosphere and cost fairness) affect behavioral intention (willingness to share positive emotions). In total, 20 topics, forming these dimensions, have been indicated. Consumers tend to pay more attention toward food quality and restaurant staffs’ work when they are willing to share positive emotions and tend to point out auxiliary service when they have less willingness to share positive emotions. Random restaurant visits tend to increase the willingness to share positive emotions.
Originality/value
Research originality lies in a new methodological approach which is based on text mining techniques. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to examine consumer behavior through the lens of the “cognitive–affective–conative” model based on eWOM and covers all businesses in the specific economic sphere. This has allowed the researchers to reveal new dimensions of consumer behavior and brought more insights into the consumers’ decision-making process.
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Mornay Roberts-Lombard, Vernon Albert Pieterse and Lennet Gabriel
The study aims to explore how selected factors influence customer’s satisfaction in a business-to-consumer context. Furthermore, it also investigates the mediating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore how selected factors influence customer’s satisfaction in a business-to-consumer context. Furthermore, it also investigates the mediating role of affective and calculative commitment on the satisfaction–loyalty link.
Design/methodology/approach
Using quota sampling methods, data was collected from 300 retail banking customers in an emergent market setting through self-administered questionnaires. In addition, the measurement and structural models were assessed.
Findings
The study established that satisfaction (through selective precursors) has a positive and significant influence on the future loyalty intentions of retail banking customers in an emerging market. Also, both affective and calculative commitment was found to partially mediate the satisfaction–loyalty relationship in a retail banking setting.
Research limitations/implications
The tested model validates the hypothesized relationships between employee attitude and service performance, employee personality traits, perceived value and satisfaction of retail banking customers in South Africa as an emergent market. It also confirms the positive influence of satisfaction on loyalty and the partial mediation of affective and calculative commitment on the satisfaction–loyalty link.
Practical implications
The findings of the study can guide retail banks in developing enhanced knowledge of how employee attitude and service performance, employee personality traits and perceived value can nurture satisfaction, ultimately strengthening the future loyalty intention of customers. It furthermore informs the management of retail banks of the directional importance of affective commitment and calculative commitment in strengthening the satisfaction–loyalty link.
Originality/value
Limited studies have investigated the relationship between satisfaction, its precursors and outcomes in a developing African market context, such as South Africa. Also, few studies have examined how commitment (affective and calculative) impacts the satisfaction–loyalty link from an emerging market perspective in Africa.