bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 23.3 dBm CMOS power amplifier with third-order gm cancellation linearization technique achieving OIP3 of 34 dBm
Authors: Mariappan Selvakumar , Rajendran Jagadheswaran , Mohd Noh Norlaili , Yusof Yusman , Kumar Narendra
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement a highly linear 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) power amplifier (PA) to meet the stringent linearity requirement of an long term evolution (LTE) signal with minimum trade-off to power added efficiency (PAE).

Design/methodology/approach

The CMOS PA is designed in a cascaded dual-stage configuration comprises a driver amplifier and a main PA. The gate voltage (VGS) of the driver amplifier is tuned to optimize its positive third-order transconductance (gm3) to be canceled with the main PA’s fixed negative gm3. The gm3 cancellation between these stages mitigates the third-order intermodulation product (IMD3) that contributes to enhanced linearity.

Findings

For driver’s VGS of 0.82 V with continuous wave signal, the proposed PA achieved a power gain of 14.5 dB with a peak PAE of 31.8% and a saturated output power of 23.3 dBm at 2.45 GHz. A maximum third-order output intercept point of 34 dBm is achieved at 20.2 dBm output power with a corresponding IMD3 of −33.4 dBc. When tested with a 20 MHz LTE signal, the PA delivers 19 dBm maximum linear output power for an adjacent channel leakage ratio specification of −30 dBc.

Originality/value

In this study, a novel cascaded gm3 cancellation technique has been implemented to achieve a maximum linear output power under modulated signals.
Professional competence and attitudes of library personnel towards digital services in selected university libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Atanda Abiodun Daniel , Owolabi Kehinde Abayomi , Ugbala Chukwuemeka Peter
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the professional competence and attitude of library personnel towards digital services in selected university libraries in Nigeria. Despite the evolution of digital technologies in university libraries, as well as massive investment and research on digital libraries particularly in developed countries, it has been observed that many university libraries in Nigeria are still relatively reliant on traditional library services which no longer serve and satisfy the twenty-first-century users’ needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of the study comprised all the 196 library personnel from the 5 purposively selected university libraries in Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling method was adopted; while the questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that internet service was the most available digital service in libraries. It further revealed that most of the library personnel have requisite proficiency skills in basic computer operations. However, inadequate power supply was the major problem affecting digital services in the university libraries.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a specific geographical area and selected university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Accordingly, further studies need to be carried out on the same or similar subject matter, in other states or regions in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The need for library personnel to acquire relevant information and communication technology skills and develop a positive attitude that will enable them to render effective digital library services in the university libraries. Apart from this, university libraries should also strive to train users on how to access digital services in the libraries.

Originality/value

This study is novel, in the sense that it is the first of its kind to examine the professional competence and attitude of library personnel towards digital services in university libraries in Nigeria. The paper reported the necessary skills that library staffs need to demonstrate to effectively use various digital resources in the libraries to meet the information needs of their users.
Scientometric analysis of BIM adoption by SMEs in the architecture, construction and engineering sector
Authors: Makabate Choeu Tshepisho , Musonda Innocent , Okoro Chioma Sylvia , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) has had a significant impact on the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector in the past several years. However, not much is published concerning small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopting BIM in the construction industry. To address this knowledge gap, a complete and in-depth literature review of the adoption of BIM by SMEs in the AEC sector is conducted in this study. The paper also provides a comprehensive review of the mainstream studies of adoption of BIM in the AEC organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a five-stage literature review, 54 articles on the adoption of BIM by SMEs from the period 2009 to 2019 were critically analysed from the following three perspectives: (1) the number of articles produced; (2) the research focus and (3) the author's contributions. The techniques of the visualisation of similarities (VOSviewer) software were used to analyse the citation networks of the 54 articles as identified.

Findings

From the analysis, it was established that the number of studies on BIM adoption by SMEs in the reviewed journals has not been increasing and not many articles are available. The finding makes the argument that BIM adoption by SMEs is not a focus point but rather the adoption and implementation of BIM is generalised in the AEC sector. In addition, the results revealed that most of the published articles come from the United Kingdom (UK). However, this finding is hardly surprising due to the requirements in the UK, which have made the adoption of BIM mandatory on all publicly funded projects and are at level 2 BIM. The other highly ranked countries by origins of studies on the adoption of BIM by SMEs were found to be Australia and the United States of America (USA), all of which are developed nations or economies. Some key BIM in SME research trends (adoption, enforcement, benefits, strategies, skills gap, awareness, education and training, and technology) were identified and evaluated.

Research limitations/implications

The results presented in this journal are only applicable to SMEs in the AEC sector. As a result of little available literature on the adoption of BIM in developing countries, the articles have been drawn from developed countries. The dataset was mainly extracted from the Scopus database for the analysis.

Originality/value

An accomplished series content analysis of the implementation and adoption of BIM by SMEs from international construction journals were reported. The study makes significant and emergent contribution by building on the foundation of BIM research in SMEs as well as providing a reference point for the interpretation of findings, as well as directions for future research.
Equity gap in construction contracting: identification and ramifications
Authors: Zhu Liuying , Cheung Sai On
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study conceptualizes the equity gap (EG) in construction contracting and examines its impact on project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification of EG was first summarized from a literature review. A conceptual framework that included EG elements of information, risks, expected return and power asymmetry was then proposed. A study of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge supported the existence of EG. The framework was further refined by incorporation of 21 EG identifications. To examine the reliability of the framework, data were collected from 106 senior project professionals to evaluate the extent to which EG identification occurred in their projects. A Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM hereafter) analysis was conducted on the collected data.

Findings

The proposed framework was deemed statistically significant. Furthermore, no significant differences were detected between the developer and contractor. The concepts of asset and process specificities suggested that the unaddressed EG may be met with retaliatory behaviors, such as noncooperation, procrastination, opportunism and withdrawal, as the physical works proceed. These behaviors may also hamper project performance.

Practical implications

To address the EG ex post, it is suggested that relational incentives to balance the power differential be set, reallocation of risks and return and enhancing task programmability for ease of monitoring and performance evaluation.

Originality/value

This study investigates the downside of the EG between the contracting parties. The proposed EG framework informs the project management of critical EG elements and possible methods to narrow the gap ex post. Practical suggestions are also provided to manage construction contracts in general and in the use of incentive schemes to address EG.
Believe they can succeed, and they will: intrapreneurial behavior and leadership
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Meng Fanchen , Raza Ali
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A leader's job is not to put greatness into people, but rather to recognize that it already exists and to create an environment where that greatness can emerge and grow (Smith, 2014). Based on Brad Smith's quote, the purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the leader's expectations, leader-member exchange (LMX) and organizational climate for innovation in fostering the intrapreneurial behavior (IB) of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from employees and their supervisors working across industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, engineering and manufacturing. Collected data were then analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The authors’ results show that LMX and leaders' expectations are positively linked to employees' IB. Moreover, this association is mediated by organizational climate.

Practical implications

This study's findings contribute to the literature on intrapreneurship and may also help practitioners formulate interventions to foster IB in organizations that will ultimately lead to higher performance.

Originality/value

This study attempted to investigate the effect of LMX and the Pygmalion effect on IB through employees' perception of organizational climate for innovation. The literature in this field is scarce and theoretical development is weak because traditional collaborative or participative leadership approaches are more relevant to an outcome than innovation.
Spectrum analysis of moving average operator and construction of time-frequency hybrid sequence operator
Authors: Lin Changhai , Liu Sifeng , Fang Zhigeng , Yang Yingjie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the spectral characteristics of moving average operator and to propose a novel time-frequency hybrid sequence operator.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the complex data is converted into frequency domain data by Fourier transform. An appropriate frequency domain operator is constructed to eliminate the impact of disturbance. Then, the inverse Fourier transform transforms the frequency domain data in which the disturbance is removed, into time domain data. Finally, an appropriate moving average operator ofNitems is selected based on spectral characteristics to eliminate the influence of periodic factors and noise.

Findings

Through the spectrum analysis of the real-time data sensed and recorded by microwave sensors, the spectral characteristics and the ranges of information, noise and shock disturbance factors in the data can be clarified.

Practical implications

The real-time data analysis results for a drug component monitoring show that the hybrid sequence operator has a good effect on suppressing disturbances, periodic factors and noise implied in the data.

Originality/value

Firstly, the spectral analysis of moving average operator and the novel time-frequency hybrid sequence operator were presented in this paper. For complex data, the ideal effect is difficult to achieve by applying the frequency domain operator or time domain operator alone. The more satisfactory results can be obtained by time-frequency hybrid sequence operator.
The role of digital technology in providing education, training, continuing professional development and support to the rural health workforce
Authors: Ramsden Robyn , Colbran Richard , Christopher Ellice , Edwards Michael
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Education, training and continuing professional development are amongst the evidence-based initiatives for attracting and retaining rural and remote health professionals. With rapidly increasing access to and use of digital technology worldwide, there are new opportunities to leverage training and support for those who are working in rural and remote areas. In this paper we determine the key elements associated with the utility of digital technologies to provide education, training, professional learning and support for rural health workforce outside the University and tertiary sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review of peer-reviewed literature from Australia, Canada, US and New Zealand was conducted in four bibliographic databases – Medline complete, CINAHL, Academic Search complete and Education Complete. Relevant studies published between January 2010 and September 2020 were identified. The Levacet al. (2010) enhanced methodology of the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework was used to analyse the literature.

Findings

The literature suggests there is mounting evidence demonstrating the potential for online platforms to address the challenges of rural health professional practice and the tyranny of distance. After analysing 22 publications, seven main themes were found – Knowledge and skills (n = 13), access (n = 10), information technology (n = 7), translation of knowledge into practice (n = 6), empowerment and confidence (n = 5), engagement (n = 5) and the need for support (n = 5). Ongoing evaluation will be critical to explore new opportunities for digital technology to demonstrate enhanced capability and retention of rural health professionals.

Originality/value

To date there has been limited examination of research that addresses the value of digital platforms on continuing professional development, education and support for rural health professionals outside the university and tertiary training sectors.
The influence of part-time work on graduates' careers
Authors: Evans Carl , Vaughan Ceri
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore university students' perceptions about career development in relation to their part-time working and to examine whether students maximise opportunities arising in their part-time job in order to enhance their personal profile and career aspirations.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were held with 20 degree students at a UK university. The interview was based around 19 questions, split into three sections: general; career and the part-time job.

Findings

The findings indicate that while students are aware that part-time work helps in developing personal skills, there is a lack of awareness on how part-time work can provide differentiation in the graduate jobs market and support long-term graduate careers. The conclusion discusses the implications of the findings suggesting greater awareness among students of how part-time work can drive work readiness and long-term career aspirations. It also recommends greater involvement of career advisors and university teaching colleagues in supporting this endeavour.

Originality/value

While other papers on student working have included a small element regarding careers, this paper offers originality by focussing solely on the relationship between students' part-time work and career aspirations. Moreover, most works in this area have been quantitative studies, whereas this study is qualitatively-based.
Relationship marketing: an S–O–R perspective emphasising the importance of trust in retail banking
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Petzer Daniël Johannes
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Using the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) framework, this study investigates the role of trust (organism) in influencing the behavioural intentions (response) of emerging market retail banking customers, based on the banks' selected customer-focused efforts (stimuli) to influence behavioural intentions. The study also looks at the moderating effects of customers' perceived value and the duration of their support on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analysed were collected from 599 retail banking customers in an emerging market via a self-administered questionnaire.

Findings

Customer-focused efforts, except for expertise, significantly and positively influence trust. Trust partially mediates the relationships between the remaining customer-focused efforts and behavioural intentions. Furthermore, perceived value moderates the relationships between these stimuli and trust, excluding information sharing. The duration of customer support for the bank also moderates the relationships between these stimuli and trust, bar customer orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The study augments the understanding of trust's role as the organism from an S–O–R framework perspective.

Practical implications

The study assists banks in emerging markets in understanding trust's role in influencing customers' behavioural intentions, given the application of selected customer-focused efforts. It highlights the significance of perceived value and duration of customer support in the relationships between these customer-focused efforts and trust.

Originality/value

Using a single S–O–R framework, the role of trust in mediating the relationships between retail banks' selected customer-focused efforts and customers' behavioural intentions is uncovered.
Toward equitable education in the context of a pandemic: supporting linguistic minority students during remote learning
Authors: Choi Tae-Hee , Chiu Ming Ming
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Without universal access to a Covid-19 vaccine, many countries seek to prevent coronavirus outbreaks by closing schools and having students learn remotely. This study aims to examine its challenges for linguistic minority (LM) students and some practical strategies – both generally for all students and specifically for LM students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study synthesises the research literature and practices across countries on equity and remote learning. It helps (1) understand the differential difficulties during an epidemic across primary, secondary and tertiary school students, especially LM students from low socioeconomic status (SES) families who lack economic, human, cultural or social capital in family or school contexts, based on Bourdieu's theory, and (2) identify additional resources and flexible, creative solutions for improving access and learning conditions for LM students. The authors discuss examples from 13 countries and territories (including developed and developing economies) of transformations of in-class learning to online learning in part or whole.

Findings

The limited economic, cultural and social capital of LM students, especially from low SES families, and their schools, along with communication barriers hinder their remote learning. Crisis-induced school budget shortfalls require creative ways to transition teachers, students and parents to remote learning and to provide customised support for LM students. Schools can (1) partner with non-governmental organisations, religious organisations, businesses and government services to access/share remote learning resources for LM students; (2) help teachers, students and parents develop needed skills (via online systems, peer support groups and hotlines); (3) restructure teacher lessons and duties for remote teaching; and (4) capitalise on technology (e.g. texts, chats, whiteboards) to support LM students' remote learning – some of which can exceed their traditional face-to-face learning experiences.

Originality/value

This article is among the first to examine how the Covid-19 crisis disproportionately affects the remote learning of LM students, to specify effective, practical remedies and to inform suitable education and social policies across countries.
Examining the relative influence of multidimensional customer service relationships in the food delivery application context
Authors: Ahn Jiseon , Kwon Jookyung
Published: February 2021

Purpose

From the perspective of relationship theory, customers tend to build a positive attitude toward a company with a strong connection. While previous tourism and hospitality studies acknowledged the strategic importance of a strong relationship between customers and brands in enhancing company performance probability, the potential benefits derived from mobile commerce experience deserves further investigation. Thus, this study aims to examine how multidimensional relationships between customers and service providers affect brand performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of food delivery application customers in the USA, the structural equation modeling (SEM)-partial least squares (PLS) path modeling is used to examine the impact of economic exchange, social exchange, mutual-interest and self-interest, on brand equity and loyalty intention.

Findings

The PLS-SEM results indicate that customers’ perceived economic exchange, social exchange and mutual interests with food delivery applications influence their perceived equity, which, in turn, enhances their loyalty intention toward brand applications. However, self-interest does not enhance customers’ perceived brand equity.

Practical implications

Accordingly, food delivery service providers must value their relationship with customers to achieve sustainable organizational growth and develop appropriate promotion activities to enhance economic exchange, social exchange and mutual interests.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the literature by empirically demonstrating the consequences of customer-brand relationships in the emerging service context (i.e. food delivery applications).
Beyond the agile methods: a diagnostic tool to support the development of hybrid models
Authors: Bianchi Michael Jordan , Conforto Edivandro Carlos , Amaral Daniel Capaldo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

While agile methods have been adapted to different industries, agility depends on the alignment between the practices and project environment. Nevertheless, it is unlikely to find the best combination without a diagnosis of these variables. This paper proposes a project management agility diagnostic tool (PM/ADT), aimed at diagnosing the project environment, management practices and agility performance to find the right balance between them.

Design/methodology/approach

The tool was developed by combining multiple techniques during a three-year research program, including an extensive systematic literature review, exploratory case studies, a survey and three case studies involving 25 projects from information and communications technology, software development and technology-based companies.

Findings

The results indicate potential discrepancies between environmental factors, management practices and agility performance that affect project management in organizations, allowing the diagnosis and analysis of the situation for the development of better management solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The study reinforces the hypothesis that it may not be possible to adopt pure agile models or methods in most projects, except in specific cases, as with some projects in the software industry. This is in line with the hybrid models. However, further testing is needed with a larger sample of projects and organizations.

Practical implications

The tool can be useful to assess different types of projects from different industry sectors to improve the management process, allowing the development of agility beyond the software industry.

Originality/value

The article discusses agility beyond measurement, assessing the most appropriate environment for using practices from one approach or another.
Simulation approach for assessing the performance of the γEWMA control chart
Authors: Patino-Rodriguez Carmen , Pérez Diana M. , Manco Olga Usuga
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of a modified EWMA control chart (γEWMA control chart), which considers data distribution and incorporate its correlation structure, simulating in-control and out-of-control processes and to select an adequate value for smoothing parameter with these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a simulation approach using the methodology for evaluating statistical methods proposed by Morris et al. (2019). Data were generated from a simulation considering two factors that associated with data: (1) quality variable distribution skewness as an indicator of quality variable distribution; (2) the autocorrelation structure for type of relationship between the observations and modeled by AR(1). In addition, one factor associated with the process was considered, (1) the shift in the process mean. In the following step, when the chart control is modeled, the fourth factor intervenes. This factor is a smoothing parameter. Finally, three indicators defined from the Run Length are used to evaluate γEWMA control chart performance this factors and their interactions.

Findings

Interaction analysis for four factor evidence that the modeling and selection of parameters is different for out-of-control and in-control processes therefore the considerations and parameters selected for each case must be carefully analyzed. For out-of-control processes, it is better to preserve the original features of the distribution (mean and variance) for the calculation of the control limits. It makes sense that highly autocorrelated observations require smaller smoothing parameter since the correlation structure enables the preservation of relevant information in past data.

Originality/value

The γEWMA control chart there has advantages because it gathers, in single chart control: the process and modelling characteristics, and data structure process. Although there are other proposals for modified EWMA, none of them simultaneously analyze the four factors nor their interactions. The proposed γEWMA allows setting the appropriate smoothing parameter when these three factors are considered.
Bow tie analysis for prioritizing actions to manage the risks of out of stock on shelves in the retail
Authors: Barros Carlos Heitor de Oliveira , Santos Inêz Manuele dos , Alencar Marcelo Hazin , Alencar Luciana Hazin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to structure the problem of retail out of stock (OOS). This methodology allows investigating risk factors and barriers related to the main causes and consequences that lead to OOS occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology to structure the OOS problem is based on the bow- ie tool, which allows better visualisation, understanding and analysis of a complete OOS scenario. This proposal comprises exploring the main causes and consequences of OOS, the barriers to prevention and mitigation, the escalation factors to control undesirable events and to define actions to eliminate or mitigate the OSS risk.

Findings

Several potential causal risk factors, related to technical, behavioural, cultural and organisational aspects, were identified with this methodology. With the analysis of the OOS scenario, it was observed that the factors that lead to the OOS risk are preventable. In order to improve existing barriers or implement new barriers, a set of actions can be recommended to reduce or eliminate OOS risk factors.

Originality/value

From a better understanding of hazard, the bow-tie methodology allows identifying crucial factors that could be acted upon to reduce the incidence of OSS. Thus, the value is to propose a methodology that allows establishing the preventive and protective barriers necessaries and the escalation factors related to each of these to help structure the problem and consequently reduce the OOS in retail organisations.
A randomized controlled trial of an app-delivered mindfulness program among university employees: effects on stress and work-related outcomes
Authors: Rich R. Michelle , Ogden Jane , Morison Linda
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on stress and work-related outcomes of an app-delivered mindfulness-based program (MBP; Headspace®) offered to employees in a UK higher education (HE) institution.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a randomized waitlist control trial design, participants were randomly allocated to be offered a mindfulness-based program (MBP) immediately for 2 months or after a waiting list period of 2 months (WLC). Data were analyzed using Intention to Treat (ITT; MBP n = 62; WLC n = 63); with supplementary analysis restricting to those who completed all measures; (MBP n = 45; WLC n = 56) and then further restricting the MBP group to those who completed at least foundation level 1 of the app; (MBP n = 31; WLC n = 56).

Findings

The ITT analysis showed significant increases in several aspects of mindfulness and a significant reduction in perceived stress but no significant effects for work-related outcomes. Analysis restricted to MBP participants who completed the app foundation course showed a similar pattern but in addition showed significant increases in work-life balance and the emotional aspect of job engagement.

Practical implications

The offer of the Headspace® app in the HE sector may result in reduced perceived stress. If improvements in work-related outcomes are also to be seen, then users need to be encouraged to complete a minimum level of practice.

Originality/value

Effect size estimates for stress and work-related outcomes of an app-delivered MBP contribute to the evolving picture of MBPs in the workplace.
Molecular dynamics investigation of frictional decomposition behavior of HMX-tool interface in diamond cutting of HMX crystals
Authors: Cao Zhimin , Zong Wenjun , Zhang Junjie , He Chunlei , Huang Jiaohu , Liu Wei , Wei Zhiyong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal the tribochemical reaction mechanism on the nano-cutting interface between HMX crystal and diamond tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Molecular dynamics simulation of HMX crystal nano-cutting by the reactive force field is carried out in this paper. The affinity of activated atoms and friction damage at the different interface have been well identified by comparing two cutting systems with diamond tool or indenter. The analyses of reaction kinetics, decomposition products and reaction pathways are performed to reveal the underlying atomistic origins of tribocatalytic reaction on the nano-cutting interface.

Findings

The HMX crystals only undergo damage and removal in the indenter cutting, while they appear to accelerate thermal decomposition in the diamond cutting. the C-O affinity is proved to be the intrinsic reason of the tribocatalytic reaction of the HMX-diamond cutting system. The reaction activation energy of the HMX crystals in the diamond cutting system is lower, resulting in a rapid increase in the decomposition degree. The free O atoms can induce the asymmetric ring-opening mode and change the decomposition pathways, which is the underlying atomistic origins of the thermal stability of the HMX-diamond cutting system.

Originality/value

This paper describes a method for analyzing the tribochemical behavior of HMX and diamond, which is beneficial to study the thermal stability in the nano-cutting of HMX.
Leverage and firm performance: new evidence on the role of economic sentiment using accounting information
Authors: Kalantonis Petros , Kallandranis Christos , Sotiropoulos Marios
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The goal of this paper is twofold. First, to examine the role of expectations in shaping agents' behaviour within an extended time frame which incorporates a prolonged harsh downturn of economic activity. Therefore, the authors allow for an indirect impact of economy-wide expectations operating via their coexistence with firms' balance sheet factors. Second, it is tested whether the behaviour of listed firms as regards to debt follows the pecking order theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the panel data methodology in the estimation of the financial structure models since unobservable heterogeneity is an important determinant towards the target leverage. A fixed effects estimation procedure, with robust intercepts allowed to vary across firms, was employed to examine the relationship between leverage and performance.

Findings

The findings offer evidence of patterns of pecking order behaviour and thus for the necessity of internal financing over external debt. The authors also extended the set of determinants by investigating the effect of macroeconomic conditions on the debt decision of firms. Contrary to the authors’ expectations, short-run beliefs of economic agents appear to play a negative role in leverage.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in a number of ways. First, following the growing literature of loan dynamics, the findings provide useful insights into corporate capital structure decisions in an economy in which businesses were almost excluded from external financing for over a decade. Second, in order to better understand corporate financing decisions, it is necessary to consider the overall economic framework in which companies and especially the listed ones operate.
Second-order confirmatory factor analysis model for estimating the overall risk of change orders in road projects
Authors: Badawy Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Change orders in construction projects may lead to an increase in time and cost highlighting the need for a systematic analysis of the causes of change orders. Each cause of change orders has a probability of occurrence and impact; therefore, there is a need to reassess the causes of change orders based on the probability and impact. The purpose of this paper is to determine the risk score for each factor and develop a model for estimating the overall change orders based on the measured and latent variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology consists of four parts. The first part identifies the causes of change orders in road projects from a literature review and develops the final list using the Delphi technique. The second part includes designing the final questionnaire to determine the probability and impact of each factor on the five-point Likert scale and 237 questionnaires received validity. The data were divided into training and testing sets and analyzed using AMOS software.

Findings

The proposed structural equation model presents an insight into the influence of measured and latent factors, which are not obvious in the traditional equations. The main cause for change orders was a change in design.

Originality/value

The results of this research are expected to improve the execution of road projects by identifying the main causes of the change orders and hence the project manager can develop a proper risk response plan.
CEO compensation, CEO attributes and tax aggressiveness: evidence from French firms listed on the CAC 40
Authors: Jbir Sawssan , Neifar Souhir , Makni Fourati Yosra
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of CEO (chief executive officer) compensation and CEO attributes on the level of tax aggressiveness of French companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises 180 firm-year observations of 40 companies listed on the CAC 40 during the period ranging from 2008 to 2018. For the purpose of overcoming the problems of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation, the authors apply the generalized least square panel regression.

Findings

This study’s results corroborate the importance of CEO compensation and CEO attributes as determinants of tax aggressiveness. In addition, the authors come up with the fact that CEO compensation has a negative effect on tax aggressiveness, and that older CEOs and CEOs with accounting expertise are negatively linked with tax aggressiveness. The authors also find out that there is a positive relationship between the CEO tenure and tax aggressiveness. Moreover, the authors report that foreign CEOs are more likely to engage in tax aggressiveness practices than local CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

The unavailability of all annual reports and the use of only one proxy to measure tax aggressiveness present limitations. This study shows significant implications for shareholders, regulators and researchers. As a matter of fact, shareholders will observe the effect of appointing a foreign CEO on the tax aggressiveness level. This study may also provide regulators with new ideas regarding the role of the CEO and its impact on aggressive decision-making. And it brings forth new insight for researchers through adding a foreign CEO as a new determinant of tax aggressiveness.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence regarding the effect of both CEO compensation and CEO attributes on tax aggressiveness. It also looks into the impact of a foreign CEO on tax aggressiveness.
The geographies of corruption in Nigeria: understanding the patterns and correlates
Authors: Adeleke Richard , Alabede Opeyemi , Osayomi Tolulope , Iyanda Ayodeji
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Globally, corruption has been identified as a major problem. Even though corruption is widespread, it varies in magnitude, types and consequences. In Nigeria, corruption is endemic, and it is responsible for the many socioeconomic problems in the country. Hence, the study aims to determine the patterns and state level correlations of corruption in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics and other official sources and were analyzed with Global Moran’s I, Local Moran’s I and multivariate step-wise regression.

Findings

This study’s findings revealed significant clustering of corruption in the country with Rivers States as the only hotspot (I = 0.068; z = 2.524; p < 0.05), while domestic debt and market size were the state level significant predictors.

Research limitations/implications

Only bribery as a form of corruption was examined in this study, more studies are needed on the predictors of other forms of corruption.

Practical implications

This study recommends increased market competition through investment grants, subsidies and tax incentives to facilitate trade interactions among Nigerians, which can lead to exchange of cultural norms that discourage corruption. It is also advocated that domestic debt must be effectively and efficiently channelled towards economic development which in the long run will have a positive impact on the socio-economic well-being of the citizens as well as drive down corrupt practices.

Originality/value

Although the causes of corruption have received considerable attention in the literature, little is known on the geographical distribution and the effect of market size and domestic debt on corruption in Nigeria.
UNCAC aided information sharing (cooperation): an Indian experience
Authors: Kumar Ajay
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the obstacles to the sharing of information, as envisaged in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), and therefore, its accessibility to developing countries. The findings of this paper could help States to limit corruption in interstate interactions and civil society groups calling for measures that can help assess potential corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on qualitative analysis – usual normative analysis was undertaken in law and economics. For this purpose, an analysis of the literature on cooperation generated by the UNCAC and State practice within defence deals was undertaken.

Findings

It is found that States where defence manufacturers reside can prevent information sharing and thereby hinder investigations against corruption. It is found that defence importing States can overcome the limitations of the UNCAC, to enforce information sharing, by including guarantees into their contracts.

Originality/value

As research on information sharing practices of States are scarce or non-existent, this paper contributes to the literature on this aspect of cooperation envisaged in the UNCAC. Further, this paper elaborates on what States could do to limit non-cooperation in the sharing of information.
“I am not a party planner!”: setting a baseline for event planners' professional identity construction before and during COVID-19
Authors: Ponting Sandra Sun-Ah
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The event management (EM) industry has attempted to elevate the professional status of event professionals. Contributing to these efforts, this study explores the professional identity (PID) construction process of event professionals. To facilitate the relevance of the PID construction process before the COVID-19 pandemic, it includes the impact of COVID-19 on event professionals' PID constructions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using narrative inquiry as the methodological approach, the study includes 18 semistructured interviews with event professionals before COVID-19 and additional 14 interviews during COVID-19. A narrative framework was developed to analyze the data.

Findings

The results include five significant themes highlighting the imperative role of agency in PID construction. Before the pandemic, event professionals pointed to self-driven pride and social-driven stigmatization as a part of PID narratives. Before and during the pandemic, profession-driven professional status recognition was significant. During the pandemic, situational reality-driven work skills and community-driven commitment became central to PID narratives.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the need for the EM industry to harness a collective PID. Specifically, given the community-building role professional associations played during the pandemic, associations can take part in leveraging a PID that connects core values.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the EM literature by using PID, a novel construct in EM research, to develop a baseline for event professional PIDs in changing environments; this functions as a platform for the EM profession to create a shared collective identity.
How does the evolution of an organization's multiple-dominant-logic system affect its ambidextrous innovation?
Authors: Lin Haifen , Qu Tingchen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to address how an organization's multiple-dominant-logic system evolves as it grows and how does this evolution affect the way managers choose to balance ambidextrous innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an interpretive and exploratory case study on the mechanism of how the multiple-dominant-logic system influences the decision of balanced ambidextrous innovation. Considering that the multiple-dominant-logic system will change with the development of a firm, this paper focuses on exploring how the evolution of multiple-dominant-logic system affects the way managers choose to balance ambidextrous innovation. The authors spent almost two years collecting data from M-grass Ecology and following the evolution and innovation through semi-structured interviews, archival data and observation. Then they set up a framework showing the influence mechanism by analyzing the data through a four-step process.

Findings

This research points out that an organization's multiple-dominant-logic system may change for several times in its growth. It provides a model for the evolution of a multiple-dominant-logic system. It confirms that firms' multiple-dominant-logic system is not immutable, but evolves with the change of the firm's internal resources and external environment. Also, it finds that under the influence of different multiple-dominant-logic architectures, mangers choose different ways to balance ambidextrous innovation. In this process, appropriate entrepreneurial bricolage plays a significant role in balancing ambidextrous innovation.

Originality/value

The findings offer some valuable insights for further research on dominant logics and ambidextrous innovation and hold important implications for managers making a decision.
Significance of IL36RN mutation analyses in the management of impetigo herpetiformis: A case report and review of published cases
Authors: Yoshikawa Miyuki , Rokunohe Daiki , Kimura Atsuko , Takahashi Mika , Korekawa Ayumi , Nakajima Koji , Nakano Hajime , Yokoyama Minako , Tanaka Kanji , Yokoyama Yoshihito , Sawamura Daisuke
Published: February 2021

Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a rare variant of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), which develops during pregnancy. GPP is associated with mutations of IL36RN, but it is still unclear whether the same is true of IH. A 20‐year‐old Japanese woman developed erythema and pustules on her trunk during the 27th week of her first pregnancy. Within 1 month, the skin lesions spread over her whole body, accompanied by fever. Skin biopsy revealed Kogoj’s spongiform pustules in the epidermis and she was diagnosed with IH. Systemic administration of prednisolone failed to resolve the skin eruption, but it was partially improved by the addition of cyclosporin. The patient gave birth to a healthy female infant. After delivery, her erythema relapsed and the effect of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis was limited. Thus, secukinumab was administrated, and since then, she has maintained complete remission. Mutation analysis revealed a homozygous c.28C>T (p.Arg10X) mutation in IL36RN. Twelve cases of IH, including that presented here, have been reported together with the results of IL36RN genetic analyses, and 10 of the 12 cases occurred in East Asia (Japan and China) despite the fact that IL36RN mutations in GPP have been reported worldwide. Among 10 IH patients of East Asian descent, seven had IL36RN mutations, all of which were founder mutations causing GPP in East Asia: c.28C>T (p.Arg10X) or c.115+6T>C (p.Arg10ArgfsX1). Thus, East Asian founder mutations may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IH. IH patients with IL36RN mutations have a tendency to require biologics to resolve postpartum flare‐ups or sustained psoriatic skin lesions. Because IL36RN mutation status may help predict postpartum flare‐ups in IH patients, mutation analysis should be considered to enable preparation for biologic therapy of intractable flare‐ups.