Search results

1 – 10 of 193
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2024

Lei Liu

Unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) harms organizations’ long-term development; hence, all sectors of society view it as highly concerning. Optimizing leadership and…

Abstract

Purpose

Unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) harms organizations’ long-term development; hence, all sectors of society view it as highly concerning. Optimizing leadership and curbing this behavior is a key managerial challenge. This study takes the relationship between temporal leadership and UPB as its object and examines the direct and indirect paths of temporal leadership’s influence on UPB based on the conservation of resources theory. It further dissects the mediating mechanism of emotional exhaustion and the regulating mechanism of job complexity and constructs the mechanism through which temporal leadership affects UPB.

Design/methodology/approach

Data gathered from a sample of 380 employees in 24 provinces and cities were employed for empirical testing using validated factor analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and a bootstrap method.

Findings

The results show that temporal leadership inhibits UPB, while emotional exhaustion partially mediates the relationship between temporal leadership and UPB. That is, temporal leadership inhibits pro-organizational unethical behavior by alleviating emotional exhaustion. In addition, job complexity negatively moderates the relationship between emotional exhaustion and UPB and positively moderates the mediating role of emotional exhaustion between temporal leadership and UPB.

Research limitations/implications

First, although the data used in the study were collected at two different times, they were obtained through self-assessment; therefore, the subjective component and the potential problem of common method bias is evident. Second, the study’s sample size and types of respondents are limited.

Practical implications

1. This study found that temporal leadership can inhibit UPB by reducing employee emotional exhaustion. Therefore, organizations should place greater emphasis on the time factor. 2. In terms of emotional factors, organizations should actively focus on the impact of emotional exhaustion on employees' UPBs. 3. In management practice, managers should adjust their leadership modeling behaviors according to the different degrees of job complexity to replace UPBs with conscious and rational behaviors.

Social implications

The study reveals how temporal leadership affects UPB and provides a theoretical basis for organizations to mitigate employees' UPB by optimizing their leadership style.

Originality/value

Current research on temporal leadership primarily focuses on the positive predictive effects on individual behaviors and attitudes (Zhang and Ling, 2016), but neglects its effects on negative behaviors. This study’s results complement research on the relationship between temporal leadership and employees' negative behaviors and responds to the call by Zhang and Ling (2015) to conduct research related to temporal leadership in China. On the other hand, current research on employees’ UPB largely focuses on its causative factors, while less research has been conducted on the disincentives for UPB, which to some extent limits systematic and sound research on UPB.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2024

Justin C Emereole, Chigoziri N Njoku, Alexander I Ikeuba, Ifenyinwa C Ekeke, Emmanuel Yakubu, Ogbonna C Nkuzinna, Nnamdi A Nnodum and Madueke S Nwakaudu

This study aims to develop eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for aluminum in acidic media by evaluating the corrosion inhibition properties of corn leaf extract (CLE) using…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for aluminum in acidic media by evaluating the corrosion inhibition properties of corn leaf extract (CLE) using response surface methodology (RSM) and experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The RSM was combined with experiments to evaluate the corrosion inhibition properties of CLE on aluminum in acid media.

Findings

The effectiveness of the inhibition increased with increasing inhibitor concentration and time but decreased with increasing temperature. The corrosion inhibition mechanism revealed the corrosion process is spontaneous exothermic physical adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters revealed an activation energy between 32.1 and 24.7 kJ/mol, energy of adsorption between −14.53 and −65.07 and Gibbs free energy of −10.12 kJ/mol which indicated the CLE exothermically spontaneously physisorbed. A model was generated to estimate the effect of the process parameters (inhibitor concentration, reaction time and temperature) using the RSM. Optimization of the process factors was also carried out using the RSM. The percentage inhibition efficiency obtained experimentally (85.61%) was closely comparable to 84.89% obtained by the theoretical technique (RSM). The SEM observations of the inhibited and uninhibited Al samples demonstrated that CLE is an effective corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in acid media.

Originality/value

Results herein provide novel information on the possible application of CLEs as effective eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2023

Srinivas Naik Lonavath and Hadya Boda

This Friction stir welding study aims to weld thick AA8011 aluminium plates, and the interface joints created with a variety of tool pin profiles were examined for their effects…

Abstract

Purpose

This Friction stir welding study aims to weld thick AA8011 aluminium plates, and the interface joints created with a variety of tool pin profiles were examined for their effects on the welding process.

Design/methodology/approach

Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the macro and micro-structural characteristics, as well as the fracture surfaces, of tensile specimens. The mechanical properties (tensile, hardness tests) of the base metal and the welded specimens under a variety of situations being tested. Additionally, a fracture toughness test was used to analyse the resilience of the base metal and the best weldments to crack formation. Using a response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken design, the optimum values for the three key parameters (rotational speed, welding speed and tool pin profile) positively affecting the weld quality were established.

Findings

The results demonstrate that a defect-free junction can be obtained by using a cylindrical tool pin profile, increasing the rotational speed while decreasing the welding speeds. The high temperature and compressive residual stress generated during welding leads to the increase in grain size. The grain size of the welded zone for optimal conditions is significantly smaller and the hardness of the stir zone is higher than the other experimental run parameters.

Originality/value

The work focuses on the careful examination of microstructures behaviour under various tool pin profile responsible for the change in mechanical properties. The mathematical model generated using Taguchi approach and parameters was optimized by using multi-objectives response surface methodology techniques.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Fengjiang Wang, Dapeng Yang and Guoqing Yin

This paper aims to focus on the reliability of Sn15Bi–xAg and Sn15Bi–xCu solder joints during isothermal aging.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the reliability of Sn15Bi–xAg and Sn15Bi–xCu solder joints during isothermal aging.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of Ag or Cu additions on the microstructure, interfacial metallic compound layer and shear strength of Sn–15Bi (Sn15Bi) based solder joints during were investigated. The effects of Ag or Cu additions on the microstructure and tensile properties of Sn15Bi-based bulk solders were also investigated to provide a comprehensive analysis. The interfacial morphology and microstructure were observed by scanning electron microscopy and the composition in the structure was examined by energy dispersive spectrometer. The shear tests were carried out on the as-soldered and as-aged joints using a ball shear tester.

Findings

The results revealed that by adding Ag or Cu, the microstructure of Sn15Bi solder can be refined. Ag addition increased the tensile strength of Sn15Bi solder but had little effect on elongation. However, Cu addition decreased the tensile strength and elongation of Sn15Bi solder. For solder joints, Ag addition increased the shear strength and toughness of Sn15Bi/Cu joints but Cu addition decreased the shear strength and toughness of Sn15Bi/Cu joints.

Originality/value

The authors can potentially provide a replacement for Sn40Pb traditional solder with Sn15Bi solder by alloying Ag or Cu due to its lower cost and similar melting point as Sn–Pb solder.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2023

Keqing Li, Xiaojia Wang, Changyong Liang and Wenxing Lu

The elderly service industry is emerging in China. The Chinese government introduced a series of policies to guide elderly service enterprises to improve their service quality…

105

Abstract

Purpose

The elderly service industry is emerging in China. The Chinese government introduced a series of policies to guide elderly service enterprises to improve their service quality. This study explores novel differentiated subsidy strategies that not only promote the improvement of service quality in elderly service enterprises but also alleviate the financial burden on the government.

Design/methodology/approach

Evolutionary game and Hotelling models are employed to investigate this issue. First, a Hotelling model that considers consumer word-of-mouth preferences is established. Subsequently, an evolutionary game model between local governments and enterprises is constructed, and the evolutionary stable strategies of both parties are analyzed. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted.

Findings

The findings indicate that local government decisions have a significant influence on the behavior of elderly service enterprises. Increasing the proportion of local governments opting for subsidy strategies helps incentivize elderly service enterprises to improve their service quality. Furthermore, providing differentiated subsidies based on the preferences of the customer base of elderly service enterprises can encourage service quality improvement while reducing government expenditure. The findings offer valuable insights into the design of government subsidy policies.

Originality/value

Compared with previous research, this study examines the role of consumer preferences in a differentiated subsidy policy. This enriches the authors’ understanding of the field by incorporating neglected aspects of consumer preferences in the context of the emerging elderly service industry.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 July 2024

Cynthia Richter Ojijo and Robert Steiger

This study aims to reveal residents’ individual perceptions of nature-based destination development and preferences for infrastructure and tourism superstructure development among…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reveal residents’ individual perceptions of nature-based destination development and preferences for infrastructure and tourism superstructure development among communities that rely heavily on wildlife tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used among the Maasai community based in the villages and towns near the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The attributes included type of tourism accommodation, location of tourism accommodations, types of access roads (tarmac or marram), tourist numbers and desired land-use options (between tourism development, livestock grazing and agriculture). A DCE analysis with hierarchical Bayes estimation was performed.

Findings

It revealed that the introduction to land-use restrictions and the location of tourism accommodations were the most important attributes for the respondents, with average importance values of 30.36% and 24.02%, respectively. A significant less important attribute was the types of access roads with an average importance of just 8.38%. Cluster analysis revealed widespread heterogeneity in preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The survey-based DCE was conducted in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, and therefore may not be relevant in other contexts. The focus was also only on the residents’ preferences. The findings broaden the knowledge on tourism developments and residents’ support for development and management of protected areas.

Practical implications

For policymakers, conservation practitioners and tourism businesses, this study provides a source of reference for understanding the development preferences of the Maasai community. In general, the study contributes to a better understanding of local communities in relations to tourism development and residents’ support for developments and management of protected areas (PAs).

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature on tourism development and residents’ support for developments in PAs by presenting some limits of acceptable and desirable use of PAs among a community that has a complex coexistence with a wildlife tourism destination. It provides an alternative perspective for future research by examining residents’ choice towards destination development and preferences for infrastructure and tourism superstructure development using an experimental approach.

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2023

Pengcheng Xiang, Xin Xia and Xianya Pang

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel integrated risk assessment method from the system perspective to evaluate the risk of the cross-regional mega construction project…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel integrated risk assessment method from the system perspective to evaluate the risk of the cross-regional mega construction project (CMCP). Furthermore, this paper aims to confirm the core risk source factors and refine the risk management strategies of CMCPs through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of the risk system of CMCPs, the concept model and risk assessment principles of integrated risk assessment were confirmed. The risk source factors and project objectives of the CMCP were identified from a literature review, export interview and case analysis. According to the vulnerability theory, the integrated risk assessment model was developed by involving vulnerabilities, threats, objectives and interaction of those factors synthetically. Then, ZW high-speed railway from China was analyzed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Findings

As a result, 12 threat factors and 12 vulnerability factors were identified. Based on the case study, the main external threat comes from T13 (conflicts of interest between local governments) and T23 (harsh natural environment); the most easily exploited internal vulnerabilities were V11 (complexity of technology), V13 (lack of experience in technical application), V21 (inadequate experience) and V23 (lack of interest coordination mechanism). Moreover, the economic objective was most affected.

Practical implications

It is essential to develop an interest coordination mechanism for CMCPs. The harsh natural environment is a critical factor, but it also promotes technological innovation and iteration. Public opinions in different regions are critical for CMCPs, and more emphasis should be placed on public opinion surveys of CMCPs. Moreover, diverse and flexible environmental protection strategies should apply in CMCPs.

Originality/value

This research has the following three contributions. First, based on vulnerability theory, an integrated risk assessment approach of CMCPs is developed, which enriches the risk measurement method system and provides inspiration for future research on risk in the construction industry. Second, the risk sources of CMCPs are identified from the perspective of vulnerability and threat to provide clear guidance for the risk management of CMCPs. Third, the core risk source factors and management strategies confirmed by the case study will be beneficial for various governments in different regions and project managers to optimize the project management scheme, as they are transferable management experiences.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Chengxiong Lin and Wenming Wu

This paper aims to introduce a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument for clinical detection applications.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument for clinical detection applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The PCR instrument can make rapid, sensitive, low-cost and quantitative molecular diagnosis compared with the current routine test flow from the pipette, series reagent to RT-PCR by manual manipulation. By integrating the multichannel automatic pipetting module, heat amplification module and real-time fluorescence detection module for the first time, the custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection PCR instrument can achieve sample collection, subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and result presentation.

Findings

The multichannel automatic pipetting module was assembled with an accuracy of 0.4% (2 microliters) for accuracy measurement. Besides, the accuracy and sensitivity of nucleic acid using integrated low-cost nucleic acid detection PCR instruments were checked with COV-2019 virus (staining method) and African swine fever virus (probe method) under different concentrations.

Practical implications

Because of its high cost, complex system and bulky laboratory settings, including sample subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and finally result in presentation, the current nucleic acid detection system is not suitable for field operation and disease diagnosis in remote areas. The group independently designed and assembled an integrated low-cost multichannel nucleic acid detection PCR instrument, including a multichannel automatic pipetting module, a heat amplification module and a real-time fluorescence detection module.

Originality/value

The above equipment showed better reliability compared with commercial qPCR. These results can lay the foundation for functional, fast and low-cost PCR equipment for trace measurements.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2024

Ismah Osman, Emi Normalina Omar, Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Chairul Furqon and Mokh Adib Sultan

The purpose of this study is to ascertain service quality (halal values, assurance, meal quality, reliability, security, system and traceability) and perceived risks (financial…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain service quality (halal values, assurance, meal quality, reliability, security, system and traceability) and perceived risks (financial, quality, environment, social, time, psychology and health) and its influence on satisfaction, as well as trust concerning online halal food delivery system (OHFDS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative methodology, through an online survey, by using purposive sampling across a sample size of 423 respondents. The analysis of data was conducted using SmartPLS.

Findings

The results of the findings indicate that assurance and halal values have an influence on satisfaction, as well as trust; nonetheless, only reliability has an impact on satisfaction. On the other hand, perceived health and financial risks have negative influence on trust and satisfaction toward OHFDS. In addition, perceived psychological and financial risks are found to have negative impacts on trust of OHFDS.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical value of this study is the testing of perceived service quality and risks concerning OHFDS in the same model, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of its impact on trust and satisfaction toward the online food service delivery industry. The results of this study may appear as a starting point for researchers who wish to conduct further studies on the same topic.

Practical implications

This study suggests that the service providers need to boost their efforts in establishing high quality service and, simultaneously, reduce perceived risks, to develop satisfaction and trust toward OHFDS.

Social implications

The long-term consequence of the business's achievement is that it makes it simpler for customers to have confidence in, be satisfied with and recommend the service providers to others.

Originality/value

A number of research investigations have been conducted among Muslims, specifically in the Asian region, which have yielded crucial data regarding consumer behavior toward halal products, such as food and tourism. This study, nonetheless, remains close with other studies on halal food, except that it adds together the knowledge of perceived quality and risks, as to gain a deeper understanding of the experience customers have on food, through online service delivery.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2024

Furong Li and Fei Lv

To motivate the supplier to exert more corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort, the manufacturer offers it either a revenue sharing contract or a cost sharing contract. We…

Abstract

Purpose

To motivate the supplier to exert more corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort, the manufacturer offers it either a revenue sharing contract or a cost sharing contract. We study the contract choice of the manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop game theoretic models to investigate the manufacturer’s optimal contract choice and examine whether there is a conflict of contract preference between the manufacturer and the supplier.

Findings

First, the revenue sharing contract has more strict conditions regarding the unit cost of the supplier’s CSR effort and the manufacturer’s retail price. Second, the cost sharing contract enables the manufacturer to achieve a “win-win” performance in terms of both profitability and CSR effort. Finally, the supplier prefers the cost sharing contract when the manufacturer’s price is low, otherwise, it prefers the revenue sharing contract.

Originality/value

Differing from the papers on CSR, our paper focuses on the supplier CSR management problem, and analyzes the optimal contract to motivate the supplier to exert more CSR effort.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

1 – 10 of 193