Ziyi Liu, Ling Yuan, Chengcheng Cao, Ye Yang and Fanchao Zhuo
The effect of playfulness climate on employees in firms has been the subject of an increasing number of studies in recent years. Given the growing number of businesses that have…
Abstract
Purpose
The effect of playfulness climate on employees in firms has been the subject of an increasing number of studies in recent years. Given the growing number of businesses that have incorporated playfulness into their operations, it is possible to enhance the task performance and innovative performance of the younger generation of workers by rationally managing playfulness, particularly when it comes to that aspect of the workplace. Based on the conservation of resources theory, this study aims to investigate how the playfulness climate in organizations influences the change self-efficacy of the millennial workers and how to enhance their task performance and innovation performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a quantitative approach to test the relationship between the hypotheses. The survey population for this study consisted of the millennial workers in the computer sector who are involved in research and development in China. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the built mediation model empirically over the course of the study's three rounds of data collection, each separated by one month. Through the collection of paired questions for leadership and their subordinates, 424 valid questionnaires were obtained.
Findings
The examination of the questionnaire results supports the study's theoretical hypothesis, which states that when millennial workers sense a more playfulness work environment, it will encourage them to develop a sense of change self-efficacy. Additionally, they will be better able to handle work-related responsibilities and come up with innovative ideas as a result of change self-efficacy, which would eventually enhance the task performance and innovation performance of millennial employees.
Originality/value
By introducing the mediation of change self-efficacy, this study expands on the application of the conservation of resources theory. The research on the performance of millennial employees is complemented and enhanced by investigating the relationship between the playfulness climate and employees' task performance and innovation performance from the perspective of their sense of change self-efficacy. This study also reveals that managers should foster a positive and playfulness environment in their workplaces in order to manage the performance of millennial employees.
Details
Keywords
Ziyi Liu, Zebin Wu and Jianglin Gu
During the cooperation process between prefabricated building construction enterprises (PBCEs) and Internet platforms (IPs), the sentiments of both parties influence their…
Abstract
Purpose
During the cooperation process between prefabricated building construction enterprises (PBCEs) and Internet platforms (IPs), the sentiments of both parties influence their behavioral strategies. They are the key to improving the informatization and operational efficiency of the prefabricated building industry chain (PBIC).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces mental accounting theory and rank-dependent expected utility theory to construct the MA-RDEU game model, exploring the evolutionary mechanism between sentiment and behavioral strategies of PBCEs and IPs.
Findings
The study indicates that (1) a mixed strategy equilibrium can be achieved when both parties have no sentiments. (2) PBCEs and IPs are more likely to achieve an optimal equilibrium for cooperation if the latter is optimistic. In contrast, pessimism may lead both parties to prioritize self-interest when only one party has a sentiment. (3) The combined impact of sentiments and behavioral strategies on decision-making is significant: the influence of sentiments from PBCEs or IPs on the optimal strategy for achieving cooperation is contingent upon the behavioral strategies of the other party; different behavioral strategies of IPs or PBCEs can have varying effects on sentiments when both parties have sentiments. (4) The influence of external factors on the sentiments and behavior strategies of PBCEs and IPs is apparent. PBCEs and IPs should concurrently consider the combined influence of external factors and sentiments to contribute to the realization of cooperation between the two parties. Additionally, government supervision is an effective means to restrain “free-riding” behavior.
Originality/value
Finally, based on the above conclusions, the paper proposes measures to improve the construction of service-oriented IPs and establish a mechanism for monitoring and adjusting risk sentiments. Meanwhile, this paper also indicates that under the combined effect of the government, PBCEs and IPs, the influence of external factors on sentiments can be maintained within a controllable scope and the risks of uncertainty can be mitigated.
Details
Keywords
Ye Yang, Ling Yuan, Fanchao Zhuo and Ziyi Liu
Much of the research on overqualification has focused on the negative effects at the individual level. However, in the face of the increasing tendency to recruit overqualified…
Abstract
Purpose
Much of the research on overqualification has focused on the negative effects at the individual level. However, in the face of the increasing tendency to recruit overqualified employees, managing the perception of team overqualification can be effective in motivating team members in the current complex and changing business environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the person–environment fit theory, this study examines how team overqualification affects employees' change self-efficacy and how it further motivates employees to engage in strategic scanning behavior toward proactive external information gathering and analysis. The data collection for this study was divided into two stages, spaced three months apart. The analysis of questionnaire data from 290 employees and 72 supervisors confirmed the theoretical hypothesis of this study.
Findings
When employees perceive a higher level of team overqualification, they will generate more strategic scanning behavior. And the change self-efficacy plays a mediating role between team overqualification and strategic scanning behavior and thus team members actively seek information from the external environment to develop future plans and work strategies. Meanwhile, transformational leadership positively moderates this process.
Originality/value
Firstly, this study extends the positive manifestations of overqualification at the team level. Secondly, this study verifies that change self-efficacy mediates the relationship between team overqualification and strategic scanning, enriching the research on the antecedent and outcome variables of change self-efficacy. Finally, this study verified that the interaction effect of transformational leadership and team overqualification had an impact on employee strategic scanning behavior through change self-efficacy.
Details
Keywords
Junlong Peng and Xiang-Jun Liu
This research is aimed to mainly be applicable to expediting engineering projects, uses the method of inverse optimization and the double-layer nested genetic algorithm combined…
Abstract
Purpose
This research is aimed to mainly be applicable to expediting engineering projects, uses the method of inverse optimization and the double-layer nested genetic algorithm combined with nonlinear programming algorithm, study how to schedule the number of labor in each process at the minimum cost to achieve an extremely short construction period goal.
Design/methodology/approach
The method of inverse optimization is mainly used in this study. In the first phase, establish a positive optimization model, according to the existing labor constraints, aiming at the shortest construction period. In the second phase, under the condition that the expected shortest construction period is known, on the basis of the positive optimization model, the inverse optimization method is used to establish the inverse optimization model aiming at the minimum change of the number of workers, and finally the optimal labor allocation scheme that meets the conditions is obtained. Finally, use algorithm to solve and prove with a case.
Findings
The case study shows that this method can effectively achieve the extremely short duration goal of the engineering project at the minimum cost, and provide the basis for the decision-making of the engineering project.
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper to the existing knowledge is to carry out a preliminary study on the relatively blank field of the current engineering project with a very short construction period, and provide a path for the vast number of engineering projects with strict requirements on the construction period to achieve a very short construction period, and apply the inverse optimization method to the engineering field. Furthermore, a double-nested genetic algorithm and nonlinear programming algorithm are designed. It can effectively solve various optimization problems.
Details
Keywords
Since China initiated its “go global” policy that promotes its overseas investment, China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) has increased almost twenty times during the…
Abstract
Since China initiated its “go global” policy that promotes its overseas investment, China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) has increased almost twenty times during the last 10 years, reaching $55.9 billion in 2008. The issue of internationalization of Chinese OFDI has attracted increasing attention of researchers from a business perspective. This article systematically reviews the previous studies on overseas investments by Chinese MNEs and discusses the characteristics of Chinese internationalization behavior at both firm level and country level. The internationalization of Chinese companies cannot be understood as a simple game of “catch up” with established MNEs, and more firm‐level empirical studies should be carried out on how these characteristics influence firms’ strategic decisions.
Details
Keywords
Lifeng Han and Zhenbo Lu
Student participation has been an important issue for information literacy (IL) teachings. The purpose of this paper is to promote active student participation in IL courses with…
Abstract
Purpose
Student participation has been an important issue for information literacy (IL) teachings. The purpose of this paper is to promote active student participation in IL courses with Rain Classroom, an intelligent teaching tool.
Design/methodology/approach
Using mixed method research, the paper presents a practical case study of the author’s experiences with Rain Classroom to improve teaching and learning of IL.
Findings
The study shows that Rain Classroom helps implement problem-based learning, promote student participation in class interaction and optimize learning experience, which facilitates a shift of the IL course from passive to active learning.
Research limitations/implications
It is known that university public courses have large class sizes (more than 50 students per class), and, therefore, class interaction is difficult to organize. So this is a big issue for the researchers to study.
Practical implications
The proposed Rain Classroom is a free teaching tool and can be used in other academic libraries to enhance active student participation in IL lessons.
Social implications
The paper includes implications for improving interaction in large-size conference or trainings using Rain Classroom.
Originality/value
The existing literature has not traced the reports on using the Rain Classroom to enhance student participation in IL courses in academic libraries. This paper intends to fill this gap and share practical methods and experiences, deepening the application research of Rain Classroom.
Details
Keywords
Jun Zhao, Hao Zhang, Junwei Liu, Yanfen Gong, Songqiang Wan, Long Liu, Jiacheng Li, Ziyi Song, Shiyao Zhang and Qingrui Li
Based on the weak seismic performance and low ductility of coupled shear walls, engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is utilized to strengthen it to solve the deformation…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the weak seismic performance and low ductility of coupled shear walls, engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is utilized to strengthen it to solve the deformation problem in tall buildings more effectively and study its mechanical properties more deeply.
Design/methodology/approach
The properties of reinforced concrete coupled shear wall (RCCSW) and reinforced ECC coupled shear wall (RECSW) have been studied by numerical simulation, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The reliability of the finite element model is verified. On this basis, a detailed parameter study is carried out, including the strength and reinforcement ratio of longitudinal rebar, the placement height of ECC in the wall limb and the position of ECC connecting beams. The study indexes include failure mode and the skeleton curve.
Findings
The results suggest that the bearing capacity of RECSW is significantly affected by the ratio of longitudinal rebar. When the ratio of longitudinal rebar increases from 0.47% to 3.35%, the bearing capacity of RECSW increases from 250 kN to 303 kN, an increase of 21%. The strength of longitudinal rebar has little influence on the bearing capacity of RECSW. When the strength of the longitudinal rebar increases, the bearing capacity of RECSW increases little. The failure mode of RECSW can be improved by lowering the casting height of the ECC beam in a certain range.
Originality/value
In this paper, ECC is used to strengthen the coupled shear wall, and the accuracy of the finite element model is verified from the failure mode and skeleton curve. On this basis, the casting height of the ECC casting wall limb, the strength and reinforcement ratio of longitudinal rebar and the position of the ECC beam are studied in detail.
Details
Keywords
Kan Liu, Ziyi Zhang and Hongrui Zhou
Exploring open value, cultivating digital capability (DC) and driving business model innovation (BMI) have become an inevitable choice for enterprises to meet market demand and…
Abstract
Purpose
Exploring open value, cultivating digital capability (DC) and driving business model innovation (BMI) have become an inevitable choice for enterprises to meet market demand and adapt to environmental changes. However, as one of the situational variables of BMI, the positive or negative influence of openness has not been proved and the path mechanism between DC and BMI is not clear. Based on the dynamic capability theory, this paper takes manufacturing enterprises as an example to explore the internal impact mechanisms of organizational openness on BMI. It extends the analysis by introducing DC as a mediating variable and introducing manufacturing enterprise type (high-tech and non-high-tech) as a moderating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted using data collected in China, data from 355 manufacturing enterprises were collected to carry out empirical research. Participants were mainly middle and senior managers with a comprehensive grasp of their firms’ information. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the reliability and validity of the sample data, and negative binomial regression analysis was used to test hypothesis relationships.
Findings
The authors find an inverted U-shaped relationship between openness and BMI, and explain that excessive openness may lead to low resource utilization, organizational inertia, cooperation distrust, which will have a negative impact on BMI. DC includes digital resource capability (DRC), digital management capability (DMC) and digital collaboration capability (DCC), which promote BMI and play a mediating role between openness and BMI. Enterprise type has a moderating effect on the relationship between DC and BMI.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this paper summarize the opportunities and threats of open innovation, help enterprises fully understand the double-edged sword impact of openness, guide manufacturing enterprises to be sensitive to openness and achieve sustainable innovation. By analyzing the path of DRC, DMC and DCC to BMI, managers can improve their understanding of digital-driven value creation process and improve the competitive advantage of enterprises.
Originality/value
This paper presents the relationships among openness, DC and BMI. We find the non-linear effects of openness on DC and BMI, bridging the inconsistent view of positive or negative relationship between openness and organizational change in previous studies. The introduction of DC extends the theory of dynamic capability in the digital age, and opens the “black box” from opening to BMI from the process perspective of DRC, DMC and DCC. From the perspective of enterprise type, this paper provides different choices of capability upgrading and strategic innovation based on openness for high-tech and non-high-tech manufacturing enterprises.
Details
Keywords
Tao Li, Yexin Lyu, Ziyi Guo, Lei Du and Fengyuan Zou
The main purpose is to construct the mapping relationship between garment flat and pattern. Particle swarm optimization–least-squares support vector machine (PSO-LSSVM), the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose is to construct the mapping relationship between garment flat and pattern. Particle swarm optimization–least-squares support vector machine (PSO-LSSVM), the data-driven model, is proposed for predicting the pattern design dimensions based on small sample sizes by digitizing the experience of the patternmakers.
Design/methodology/approach
For this purpose, the sleeve components were automatically localized and segmented from the garment flat by the Mask R-CNN. The sleeve flat measurements were extracted by the Douglas–Peucker algorithm. Then, the PSO algorithm was used to optimize the LSSVM parameters. PSO-LSSVM was trained by utilizing the experience of patternmakers.
Findings
The experimental results demonstrated that the PSO-LSSVM model can effectively improve the generation ability and prediction accuracy in pattern design dimensions, even with small sample sizes. The mean square error could reach 1.057 ± 0.06. The fluctuation range of absolute error was smaller than the others such as pure LSSVM, backpropagation and radial basis function prediction models.
Originality/value
By constructing the mapping relationship between sleeve flat and pattern, the problems of the garment flat objective recognition and pattern design dimensions accurate prediction were solved. Meanwhile, the proposed method overcomes the problem that the parameters are determined by PSO rather than empirically. This framework could be extended to other garment components.
Details
Keywords
Shaobo Liang, Ziyi Wei and Lan Zang
Not all apps can be favored on a smartphone. Users are bound to abandon some if they lose value. Analyzing the reasons behind this phenomenon can help develop strategies for…
Abstract
Purpose
Not all apps can be favored on a smartphone. Users are bound to abandon some if they lose value. Analyzing the reasons behind this phenomenon can help develop strategies for avoiding app abandonment, which is the focus of this study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted in-depth open interviews with 47 respondents who had abandoned or deleted mobile apps before and used the qualitative research method grounded theory to analyze the interview content, followed by open coding, axial coding and selective coding.
Findings
Seven main reasons are summarized after the relationship between every statement and concept is found and constructed, namely functional value, information expectation, emotional value, platform service, user trust, cost, and social influence.
Originality/value
Based on these findings, this study provided suggestions for mobile app developers to help them effectively improve the user experience and retain their customers.