bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health insurance satisfaction, financial burden, locus of control and quality of life of cancer patients: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Naghavi Navaz , Ong Fon Sim , Sharif Nia Hamid , Waheed Hassam
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between consumers' satisfaction with their health insurance and quality of life (QoL), the mediating role of perceived financial burden in this relationship, as well as the moderating effect of external locus of control (LoC) on the relationship between perceived financial burden and QoL among cancer patients.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was employed in order to collect quantitative data by means of a self-administrated questionnaire. Participants consisted of 387 conveniently selected consumers diagnosed with cancer in Iran. Furthermore, the questionnaire was translated into Persian using a forward–backward method. The model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that the more satisfied patients are with their health insurance, the higher QoL they experience, and this relationship is explained through reducing perceived financial burden in terms of direct and indirect costs of the disease. Although external LoC belief is negatively related to QoL, it buffers the negative association between financial burden and QoL.

Practical implications

Reducing the disparity between consumers' expectation and perception of the comprehensiveness of health insurance policies may relieve consumers' anxiety stemming from financial worries.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the literature where consumers' perception about quality of insurance and its relationship with their QoL has received little attention so far.
Problem-posing in management classrooms for collective sustainability transformation
Authors: Brunstein Janette , Walvoord Mark Edward , Cunliff Ed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the possible benefits of approaching sustainability-related teaching cases from the perspective of problem-posing (PP) instead of problem-solving (PS).

Design/methodology/approach

A document analysis methodology (Silverman, 2011) was used to analyze sustainability teaching case study abstracts and learning objectives from business databases. Cases were reviewed and classified as PP, PS or other. PP cases were further subclassified on one of three axes.

Findings

Of 117 cases reviewed, most were PS (66%) with only 9% PP. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed with recommendations for writing or converting, PS to PP cases for classroom use. Theoretical contributions include identification of three distinct and complementary views of PP, described in these axes: emancipatory; problematizing metaphors and premises; and rational, process and means-focused cases, not triggering transformative learning theory. Of 10 cases classified as PP cases, 3 were subclassified as emancipatory.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to case study titles containing “sustainability” and analyses of their descriptions and learning objectives only. Next phases of the research will examine differences in student learning between PS and PP in situ.

Practical implications

The research identifies a unique approach to the authoring and use of case studies that hold the potential for increasing students’ critical thinking capabilities and production of solutions to sustainability issues.

Originality/value

There is limited research and analysis of the identification and implications of using PP pedagogy.
Measuring environmental website communications in Latin American universities: multimodal and ecolinguistic benchmarking
Authors: Fernández-Vázquez José-Santiago
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the current state of website environmental communications in Latin American universities through a benchmarking operational tool. The study considers how these universities communicate their environmental policies as an act of corporate social responsibility and to improve their public image.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 80 top-ranked Latin American universities was considered. Environmental websites were evaluated in terms of information quality, multimodal design and stakeholder engagement. The research method follows the theoretical foundations of critical discourse analysis, multimodal studies and ecolinguistics.

Findings

A total of 59% of the universities have opened environmental websites. However, many of them have poor content and interactivity. Latin American universities obtain low scores in several objective criteria which measure the efficiency of website environmental communications.

Practical implications

The findings can help university administrators to improve the quality and effectiveness of online environmental communications. Some practical recommendations are given and examples of good practice can be emulated.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that analyses the situation of website environmental communications in a large sample of Latin American universities. The development of an operational benchmarking tool invites further comparative studies, which may contribute to a wider picture of environmental communications.
Impact of precarious employment on retirement planning for young workers and their parents: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Ka Ki , Au-Yeung Tat Chor
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Retirement protection has been widely debated in Hong Kong over two decades. The debate about the relationship between social insecurity and retirement protection, and provoked consideration of a choice between a rights-based universal retirement system and means-tested protection for senior citizens are still contested. This study aims to explore the understanding and behaviours of young workers regarding retirement planning, their difficulties and worries with the implementation of providing support for their parents' retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an exploratory study to target young workers aged 20–34 years to participate. Qualitative data presented in this study were drawn from 16 young workers. Seven were female and nine were male young workers.

Findings

The research found that young workers who have a relatively low level of income, particularly for non-standard workers and the self-employed, both are likely to find difficulties to contribute to their own retirement planning and their parents' retirement with the emerging problems of job insecurity and instability. Young working people in lower socio-classes have further limited choices and control over their own retirement planning, as well as providing support for their parents' retirement that may cause a breach of intergenerational contract.

Originality/value

With the increasing number of young workers with precarious employment or unemployment, this study has contributed to a shift in views regarding intergenerational contracts, particularly in the need to support other generations of family members in a contemporary Hong Kong society.
Effect of slip position on the hydrodynamic performance of liquid film seal
Authors: Wang Yun-lei , Wu Jiu-hui , Li Zhen-tao , Xu Lu-shuai
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of slip position on the performance of liquid film seal.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model of liquid film seal with slip/no-slip surface was established based on the Navier slip model and JFO boundary condition. Liquid film governing equation was discretized by the finite difference method and solved by the SOR relaxation iterative algorithm and the effects of slip position on sealing performance are discussed.

Findings

The results indicate that boundary slip plays an important role in the overall performance of a seal and a reasonable arrangement of slip position can improve the steady-state performance of liquid film seal.

Originality/value

Based on the mathematical model, the optimal parameters for liquid film seal with boundary slip at groove are obtained. The results presented in this study are expected to provide a theoretical basis to improve the design method of liquid film seal.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2020-0082/
Simulation and experimental study on lubrication of high-speed reducer of electric vehicle
Authors: Jia Fuchun , Lei Yulong , Liu Xianghuan , Fu Yao , Hu Jianlong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The lubrication of the high-speed reducer of an electric vehicle is investigated. The specific contents include visualization of the flow field inside reducer, lubrication evaluation of bearings and efficiency experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow field inside reducer at five working conditions: straight, uphill, downhill, left lean and right lean is simulated by smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). According to the instantaneous number of particles through bearings, the lubrication states of bearings are evaluated. The test platform is set up to measure the efficiency of the reducer.

Findings

The flow field inside the reducer is obtained, the lubrication of bearings needs to be improved, the efficiency of the electric vehicle reducer meets the requirement.

Originality/value

The SPH method is used to simulate lubrication instead of using the traditional grid-based finite volume method. A novel method to evaluate the lubrication of bearings is proposed. The method and conclusions can guide electric vehicle reducer design.
Does the type of mind wandering matter? Extending the inquiry about the role of mind wandering in the IT use experience
Authors: Klesel Michael , Oschinsky Frederike Marie , Conrad Colin , Niehaves Bjoern
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study sought to distinguish characteristics of cognitive processes while using information technology. In particular, it identifies similarities and differences between mind wandering and cognitive absorption in technology-related settings in an effort to develop a deeper understanding of the role that mind wandering plays when using information technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered using an online survey including responses from 619 English-speaking adults in 2019. We applied a confirmatory factor analysis and used a robust variant of maximum likelihood estimator with robust standard errors and a Satorra–Bentler scaled test statistic. The data analysis procedure was conducted with the R environment using the psych package for descriptive analysis, and lavaan to investigate the factorial structure and the underlying correlations.

Findings

We discuss the benefits of carefully differentiating between cognitive processes in Information Systems research and depict avenues how future research can address current shortcomings with a careful investigation of neurophysiological antecedents.

Originality/value

To date, mind wandering has been explored as a single phenomenon, though research in reference disciplines has begun to distinguish varieties and how they distinctly impact behavior. We demonstrate that this distinction is also important for our discipline by showing how two specific types of mind wandering (i.e. deliberate and spontaneous mind wandering) are differently correlated with sub-dimensions of cognitive absorption, a well-studied construct.
Force tracking control of grinding end effector based on backstepping + PID
Authors: Dai Shijie , Li Shining , Ji Wenbin , Sun Zhenlin , Zhao Yufeng
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to realize the constant force grinding of automobile wheel hub.

Design/methodology/approach

A force control strategy of backstepping + proportion integration differentiation (PID) is proposed. The grinding end effector is installed on the flange of the robot. The robot controls the position and posture of the grinding end actuator and the grinding end actuator controls the grinding force output. First, the modeling and analysis of the grinding end effector are carried out, and then the backstepping + PID method is adopted to control the grinding end effector to track the expected grinding force. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified by simulation and experiment.

Findings

The simulation and experimental results show that the backstepping + PID strategy can track the expected force quickly, and improve the dynamic response performance of the system and the quality of grinding and polishing of automobile wheel hub.

Research limitations/implications

The mathematical model is based on the pneumatic system and ideal gas, and ignores the influence of friction in the working process of the cylinder, so the mathematical model proposed in this study has certain limitations. A new control strategy is proposed, which is not only used to control the grinding force of automobile wheels, but also promotes the development of industrial control.

Social implications

The automatic constant force grinding of automobile wheel hub is realized, and the manpower is liberated.

Originality/value

First, the modeling and analysis of the grinding end effector are carried out, and then the backstepping + PID method is adopted to control the grinding end effector to track the expected grinding force. The nonlinear model of the system is controlled by backstepping method, and in the process, the linear system composed of errors is obtained, and then the linear system is controlled by PID to realize the combination of backstepping and PID control.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): a rising tide lifts all boats? Global reporting implications in a post SDGs world
Authors: Elalfy Amr , Weber Olaf , Geobey Sean
Published: February 2021

Purpose

We investigate the integration of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)– based reporting thus exploring the factors that influence the adoption of the SDGs by organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed the GRI dataset provided by the GRI data secretariat. We analyzed 14,308 reports provided by 9,397 organizations between 2016 and 2017.

Findings

Larger organizations are more likely to integrate the SDGs into their reporting than smaller organizations. Secondly, publicly listed firms are more likely to address the SDGs. Thirdly, industries with higher sustainability impacts are more likely to address the SDGs in their reporting. Fourthly, our data confirm a regional effect with regard to SDG reporting. Moreover, organizations that follow international sustainability guidelines and standards such as becoming a member of the GRI Gold Community or using the GRI Content Index services and having external assurance are more likely to report on the SDGs.

Research limitations/implications

Corporations play an essential role in the achievement of the SDGs, which shape the future of the world's sustainable development. Nevertheless, SDGs reporting needs more research to analyze the factors that can influence it. The study contributed to the academic literature on CSR and legitimacy theory by analyzing institutional and regional factors that impact SDGs reporting.

Practical implications

The study provides insights about the integration of the SDGs into organizational reporting and accounting, including the adoption of the SDGs by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the benefits of the SDGs as a framework for strategic corporate sustainability.

Social implications

A global sustainability framework, such as the SDGs can be integrated into organizations sustainability reporting and accounting in a meaningful way.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyzes the integration of the SDGs into GRI-based reporting. The study contributes to legitimacy theory by highlighting the factors, which contribute to the legitimacy-based adoption of the SDGs, including organizational size, being publicly listed, being from high-impact industries and certain global regions, etc. SDG reporting can help firms increase their organizational legitimacy across their stakeholders.
Green marketing in emerging Asia: antecedents of green consumer behavior among younger millennials
Authors: Taufique Khan Md Raziuddin , Islam Shahidul
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Rapid economic growth, urbanization, growing population and resulting overconsumption have led to the severe environmental vulnerability of some south Asian countries, further accelerated by the impact of climate change. Bangladesh is one such country that has been recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as one of the most environmentally vulnerable in the world. A significant amount of environmental deterioration is reportedly due to consumption-related activities. This study, therefore, aims to understand the antecedents of green consumer behavior among young urban consumers, an emerging and environmentally promising market in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the theory of planned behavior to integrating environmental attitudes, subjective norms, perceived consumer effectiveness and behavioral intentions in its conceptual model to examine their influence on green consumer behavior. Data were collected from 206 young urban consumers (18–24 years of age) from the capital city of Bangladesh. Covariance based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The subsequent results suggest that perceived consumer effectiveness and subjective norms have a direct positive influence on green consumer behavior, while the direct effect of environmental attitudes is insignificant.

Practical implications

Based on the key finding that one of the strongest antecedents is perceived consumer effectiveness, marketers could inspire young urban consumers by applying self-directed appeal to induce green consumer behavior.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies examining the antecedents of green consumption behavior using the framework of the theory of planned behavior that integrates both behavioral intention and reported behavior in the context of young urban consumers in South Asia. An insignificant direct influence of attitudes on green consumer behavior reinforces the attitude-behavior gap, specifically among young urban consumers in a collective society. The strong positive influence of perceived consumer effectiveness on green consumer behavior, on the other hand, extends the existing green consumer literature by empirically supporting the need for enhancing self-efficacy among young consumers to persuade them to practice green consumer behavior, especially where individuals face severe challenges of climate change and environmental deterioration.
How national culture affects IPO decisions? Evidence from Europe and Asia
Authors: Salerno Dario
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate which cross-country characteristics influence the going-public decisions and how the cultural values of the countries affect initial public offering (IPO) firms’ profitability and risk of financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of privately held and firms that went public on the European and Asian Stock Exchanges between 2007 and 2011, this paper applies probit model and ordinary least squares regression to examine which cross-country characteristics could affect the decision to go public and how cultural values affect the profitability and risk of IPO firms.[AQ1] In addition, to overcome multicollinearity concerns caused by the use of Global Leadership and Organizational Behavioural Effectiveness culture dimensions, this paper factor analyses the dimensions using principal component analysis.

Findings

The results are as follows. First, this paper finds that firms in tradition-oriented countries are less likely to go public, while firms in result-oriented countries are more likely to hold an IPO. Second, this paper finds that country characteristics (i.e. financial deepening and taxation) affect the going-public decision. Third, this paper documents that IPO firms in traditionally and result-oriented countries have positive profitability and less risk of financial distress.

Practical implications

This study is intended for all those European and Asian policymakers and managers who want to improve their knowledge about what different indicators can establish the decision of firms that going-public facing different stages of their lifecycle. Specifically, policymakers wishing to promote IPO-activity in their countries may find it useful to strengthen the set of formal-institutions both to reduce corporate-taxation and to reduce the uncertainty associated with first-time share issuance and investment in such initiatives. This study is also intended for managers of companies that are not yet publicly-traded on their national stock-markets to be helpful to their decision-making processes.

Originality/value

This paper aims to extend the growing literature on the effects of cross-country factors on economic decision-making in finance and particularly adds to research that investigates the influence of these factors on the IPO decision of European and Asian firms.
FinTech innovation and knowledge flows in Hong Kong’s financial sector: a social network analysis approach
Authors: Au Anson
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how financial technology (FinTech) knowledge from foreign firms flows into and among elite commercial banks in Hong Kong’s financial sector to drive innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using social network analysis and regression analysis on a novel database of patents held by Hong Kong’s elite commercial banks, this paper examines the relationships between network position and FinTech knowledge flow.

Findings

This paper finds four untold patterns of innovation and inequality in Hong Kong’s financial sector: only three banks are responsible for all the FinTech knowledge entering Hong Kong; most foreign FinTech comes from the USA through Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, whereas most FinTech from China enters through Fubon Bank and Development Bank of Singapore; older banks and banks with more connections to firms inside Asia are more likely to import FinTech; the most beneficial sources of FinTech for a bank’s network position are firms from outside Asia.

Originality/value

Despite the well-documented volumes of cross-border and cross-continental movement of financial institutions in Hong Kong, there is little work on the knowledge flows that underwrite this mobility. This paper addresses this gap by using FinTech knowledge flows to map the distribution of innovation, network position and competitive advantage in Hong Kong’s financial sector.
Understanding artificial intelligence: insights on China
Authors: Veglianti Eleonora , Li Yaya , Magnaghi Elisabetta , De Marco Marco
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The high frequency of disruption and dislocation of many industries, the migration to low-cost countries of different assets and activities, the increase in systemic risk, the birth of social and ecological constraints, as well as the new worldwide competitors require businesses and the overall society to change. In a so-called Industry 4.0. era, understanding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in developed as well as in underdeveloped economies has become increasingly crucial. The purpose of this study is to shed the light on the peculiarities of Chinese AI assessing the state of art of AI in this unique and valuable context.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a research based on a qualitative data analysis, the present paper suggests a new way to analyse AI and to support a better understanding of the local Chinese aspects influencing its development and implementation.

Findings

The development and implementation of AI in China required tailor solutions which account for the following three main dimensions: the location (i.e. territorial extension, the administrative boundaries); the government approach; and the human capital.

Originality/value

The analysis presents a broad level activity. In addition, the paper focused on Chinese scientific literature and different types of data (i.e. institutional documents, professional reports, websites and speeches in Chinese). The paper used a multi-faceted approach, including also the tacit knowledge of the authors about the context under investigation.
Branding of green tea leaf: a disruptive innovation for building market competitiveness of small tea growers in North East India
Authors: Mano Raj S. John
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the opportunities and methods for branding fresh tea leaves, currently sold as commodities in the B2B market, as an innovative method by engaging with a smallholder group. The purpose is to enhance the market competitiveness of the significant number of small tea growers in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was conducted comprising a qualitative survey of a farmers' group formed by the smallholding of tea gardens and the sourcing factories in the state of Assam, India. Relevant case studies on the branding of agricultural commodities were also analyzed.

Findings

Smallholding farmers, through collective efforts and with adequate extension and marketing support, can comply with the standards expected from their buyer. Perishable farm produce sold in the B2B market can be differentiated by exploiting attributes beyond the physical product. Market linkages established through innovative practices can enhance the market competitiveness of smallholdings.

Research limitations/implications

Successful branding of tea leaves can encourage similar practice in other agricultural crops as well. This will improve the quality of produce, increase the earnings of smallholdings and at the same time enhance customer value and satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to investigate the opportunities for branding tea leaves produced by smallholdings and sold in the B2B market. The findings will be useful to researchers, smallholdings, policymakers, and consumers at large.
Shortage of pulses in India: understanding how markets incentivize supply response
Authors: Abraham Mathew , Pingali Prabhu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the significant farm and market-level factors that incentivize the adoption and marketing of pulses influencing its supply response to changing demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first use a modified Nerlovian supply response model using secondary data to identify the major price and non-price factors influencing the supply of pigeon pea, black and green gram in the major pulses growing states in India. Second, using primary qualitative data the authors map the pulses value chain from farm to retail to identify the how proportional and fixed transaction costs (FCTs) influence market participation of pulses growers and limit the transmission of price and quality information.

Findings

The supply response model shows some positive influence of price on area allocation for pigeon pea and black gram and some negative effects of yield and price increase of competing crops on pigeon pea acreage. However, for the most part, the area of Kharif pulses is inelastic to prices in the long run. Irrigation, rainfall and yields in the lag year are shown to have a significant influence on area allocation for pulses. The market study reveals that low yields, low landholding size and geographical disadvantages of high agro-climatic risk and poor connectivity hinder market access of pulses farmers relative to other crops. Market power in favor of buyers and poor price and quality information is a disadvantage to sellers, influencing their ability to participate in markets.

Research limitations/implications

A quantitative study would be required to identify the magnitude of farm and market-level transaction costs.

Originality/value

This study helps to understand the supply response of pulses and gives suggestions to direct policy to rectify this.
Exploring engagement among mobile app developers – Insights from mining big data in user generated content
Authors: Sarin Pooja , Kar Arpan Kumar , Ilavarasan Vigneswara P.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The Web 3.0 has been hugely enabled by smartphones and new generation mobile applications. With the growing adoption of smartphones, the use of mobile applications has grown exponentially and so has the development of mobile applications. This study is an attempt to understand the issues and challenges faced in the mobile applications domain using discussions made on Twitter based on mining of user generated content.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses 89,908 unique tweets to understand the nature of the discussions. These tweets are analyzed using descriptive, content and network analysis. Further using transaction cost economics, the findings are reviewed to develop practice insights about the ecosystem.

Findings

Findings indicate that the discussions are mostly skewed toward a positive polarity and positive user experiences. The tweeters are predominantly application developers who are interacting more with marketers and less with individual users.

Research limitations/implications

Most of these applications are for individual use (B2C) and not for enterprise usage. There are very few individual users who contribute to these discussions. The predominant users are application reviewers or bloggers of review websites who use the recently developed applications and discuss their thoughts on the same.

Practical implications

The results may be useful in varied domains which are planning to expand their reach to a larger audience using mobile applications and for marketers who primarily focus on promotional content.

Social implications

The domain of mobile applications on social media is still restricted to promotions and digital marketing and may solely be used for the purpose of link building by application developers. As such, the discussions could provide inputs towards mobile phone manufacturers and ecosystem providers on what are the real issues these communities are facing while developing these applications.

Originality/value

The study uses mixed research methodology for mining experiences in the domain of mobile application developers using social media analytics and transaction cost economics. The discussion on the findings provides inputs for policy-making and possible intervention areas.
“Taking it on the chin”: older people, human rights and COVID-19
Authors: Williams John
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the implications of government responses to COVID-19 for older people. Governments in England and in Wales faced complex decisions when responding to COVID-19. This paper considers the impact of their actions on the human rights of older people. It argues that there is a case to answer of potential breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights. Although it is too early to come to firm conclusions as more scientific and medical evidence is required, some actions by governments seem to be based on using age as a basis for decision-making. Human rights are complex, and it is important that claims of violations satisfy the Convention, the Human Rights Act 1998, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and other international instruments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the legal framework of the European Convention and its relevance to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and older people. Case law, academic research, guidance and media coverage form the basis of the research.

Findings

The governments have a strong case to answer. In defending their positions against allegations of discrimination against older people, they need to produce strong and convincing evidence including medical and scientific evidence that formed the basis of their decisions.

Originality/value

This paper is based on original research into human rights, older people and COVID-19.
Controversy and doxa: sustainable food policy and the English vegetable sector?
Authors: Moorhouse Janice Veronica , Brennan Ross
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The authors explore the market agora and the shaping of markets as controversies over the meaning and practices related to sustainability evolved. This study aims to explore what happened in a market-oriented policy regime, which aimed to address sustainability in farming and food, to assess the impact of the policy on the vegetable sector in England and to consider whether the market-oriented policy regime created a more sustainable food system for Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined policy documents – agenda setting reports, policy frameworks and operational plans – and conducted interviews with experts – including policymakers, agronomists and the growers themselves, from across this heterogeneous production sector.

Findings

The authors found that while controversy over the meaning of sustainability impacted on the evolution of food policy and grower business practices, market conceptualisations remained in a doxic mode – naturalised and beyond dispute throughout the market agora.

Research limitations/implications

This is a study of a single sub-sector of the fruit and vegetable sector in a single European country and over a particular period of time. It presents a detailed, authentic representation of that sub-sector in context and diverse information sources were used to gain a variety of perspectives. However, it is acknowledged that this is a limited, qualitative study involving relatively few key informant interviews.

Social implications

The authors’ explanation suggests that market doxa limited how policymakers and market agora understood the economic challenges and the solutions that could be deployed for English vegetable growers, a sector so pivotal for sustainability. The authors propose that ideas from industrial marketing can be used to reignite controversy, challenge market doxa, and in doing so create space for progress in creating sustainable markets.

Originality/value

The authors deploy an approach advocated by Blanchet and Depeyre (2016) and use controversy to explore the evolution of policy for sustainability and market shaping in the English vegetable sector agora. In doing so the authors create a novel explanation of why policy, which aimed to usher in a sustainable market, fell short of its aims and contribute to an under-researched area examining policy for sustainability in a B2B context.
From channel management towards network coordination – changing perspectives on distribution arrangements
Authors: Gadde Lars-Erik
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the transformation of the perspective applied to distribution structures in the late 1900s. This change implied that the previous focus on channel management by a channel captain was abandoned because of changes in the business reality. This perspective was replaced by models and concepts featuring collaboration and joint coordination between actors and relationships embedded in networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Changes of perspectives on phenomena are assumed to occur through the dynamic interplay between business reality, the conceptualisation of this reality and the managerial recommendations derived from this conceptualisation. The study is based on a thorough longitudinal literature review.

Findings

Shifts of perspectives occur when there is an increasing mismatch between the current business reality and mainstream conceptualisations. In this transformation, new constructs are required to illustrate new aspects of the business reality, exemplified in the study by interaction and networks. Some established concepts lose their significance, illustrated by the channel captain. Others may be re-interpreted, as is the case with the power concept. The study also shows that “forgotten” conceptualisations can be re-wakened, exemplified by the view of distribution structures as network constellations. In turn, these changes in the conceptualisation of distribution impact the managerial recommendations.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there are no previous studies analysing how the perspective on a certain phenomenon changes through the dynamic interplay between business reality, conceptualisations and managerial recommendations.
Early stage network engagement strategies in the network capability development of new ventures
Authors: McGrath Helen , O'Toole Thomas
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the early stage network engagement strategies that new ventures use to gain traction in interaction in the development of network capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 24 new ventures in the micro-brewing industry in Ireland, Belgium and the USA as an empirical base, the authors use an inductive case study approach owing to the exploratory nature of the research aim and the lack of prior literature in the area.

Findings

The findings suggest five early stage network engagement process strategies in network capability development: business-to-business network prospecting; co-branding/co-promoting activities; from maker-mindset to adapting; social media platforming; and recognition and activation of network role.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to the micro-brewery sector at one point in time, although in multiple country contexts. Analyzing other sectors and taking a temporal view of strategizing, analyzing the sector at another time point, would show how dynamics in engagement change as the actors acquire new experiences from interaction.

Practical implications

The potential to gain from network resources and the paucity of these resources in new ventures makes early stage engagement strategizing for network capability development an attractive business strategy for new firms. All firms are born within a social network that has economic importance. Identifying the five early stage network engagement strategies can mitigate the challenge for the new venture in moving from the initial social network to collaborating within wider business networks to gain access to resources, technology and customers.

Originality/value

Strategizing in new venture contexts is a relatively new stream of research for the industrial marketing and purchasing group. This paper adds to the growing body of literature that places interaction, relationships and networks at the heart of strategy making and provides important insights for new ventures, which may lead to earlier and greater success for the firms. The authors respond to calls for increased research addressing capability development in a new venture context and for research to take a more interactive perspective on new venture processes.
An exploratory study of Western firms’ failure in the Chinese market: a network theory perspective
Authors: Bilro Ricardo Godinho , Cunha João Fortes da
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the external factors that lead Western firms to fail in the Chinese market, proposing to reveal the main challenges they face in this market, such as culture, guanxi or others. Based on network theory, the authors propose to group failure attributes and actions to predict business failure.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research based on in-depth interviews is conducted, with a sample of 21 individuals, from former/current managers that did or are currently doing business in China and a person from the Chinese Government. This research resorts to inductive reasoning and to Atlas.ti software to perform the analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that it is possible to cluster seven distinct categories of external factors. Additionally, Chinese culture, local partnerships and the “catching-up effect” by Chinese firms are also external factors to be considered. The role of guanxi in China is changing, taking another format, and international companies in the Chinese market must take this into account.

Research limitations/implications

Several limitations arise in this research, such as information availability and time constraints, sample size and the characteristics of Chinese society (i.e. type of government). This study also proposes further confirmatory research to test the seven clusters proposed.

Practical implications

Managers can understand patterns of business failures when targeting the Chinese market and use the seven clusters as a tool to address this market appropriately in the future.

Originality/value

This paper intends to shed light on Western firms’ business failure in the Chinese market. The authors argue that several external factors linked to network surroundings contribute to Western firms failing in this market and that network failure attribution is still an understudied topic.
The role of infrastructure on economic growth in belt and road participating countries
Authors: Chin Mui-Yin , Ong Sheue-Li , Wai Chew-Keong , Kon Yee-Qin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to delve deeply into the role of infrastructure on economic growth in 59 belt and road initiative (BRI) participating countries from various regions of the world as the main objective of BRI is to encourage the participating countries to improve investment and trade facilitation via infrastructure. Besides, the development of infrastructure is in line with the United Nations’ 2030 sustainable development goals (SDG).

Design/methodology/approach

This study encompasses all of the important physical infrastructure factors to compute a composite infrastructure index. Thereafter, this study used both the panel cointegration and the panel Granger causality tests to investigate the impact of the infrastructure index and other essential factors on economic growth.

Findings

The empirical results signify the importance of infrastructure development on economic growth in both the long-run and short-run. Besides, it is evident that capital, expenditure on health and education, as well as exports, will accelerate economic growth.

Originality/value

The findings of this study could contribute to the literature regarding BRI in two ways. First, it will provide insight to the policymakers of China and the BRI participating countries on whether infrastructure development is worthy of huge investment so as to enhance the success of the BRI. Second, the outcome of this study will give policymakers a better understanding of the determinants of economic growth, which, in turn, will help them in designing effective policies.
Television viewing and conspicuous consumption of households: evidence from India
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Kumra Rajeev
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the effect of television viewing duration of a household on its annual category-level conspicuous consumption and also the enhanced level of this relationship for the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) households.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses formulation was guided by cultivation theory and the concept of compensatory consumption. The hypotheses were later examined by using ordinary least square (OLS) regression on the data from the large nationally representative India Human Development Survey, 2011 (IHDS-II) database.

Findings

Television viewing duration of the household exerts a positive effect on its annual category-level conspicuous consumption expenditure. The nature of this relationship is enhanced for the BoP households. The annual category-level conspicuous consumption for the BoP households increases by close to four percent for every hour increase in their television viewing duration while such increase for other households is close to one and a half percent only.

Research limitations/implications

Findings can be further strengthened by using time-lagged dependent variable taken at monthly intervals, as well as survey data linking household television viewing duration with desirability of conspicuous goods.

Practical implications

Managers can rely on television for reaching BoP consumers while being cognizant of the negative effects of promoting conspicuous consumption among them. They need to adopt a responsible marketing approach. Besides regulating television, policymakers need to work toward increased provisioning of educational and financial services for BoP households. They can leverage television for promoting beneficial behavior in BoP households.

Originality/value

The study empirically establishes the external validity of cultivation theory at the household level in an emerging economy by using a large nationally representative database. It also establishes the higher vulnerability of BoP households to increase category-level conspicuous consumption in response to television viewing. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically examine the effect of television viewing duration of household on its annual category level conspicuous consumption.
The effects of matching empty ad space color to featured product’s color on consumer buying impulse
Authors: Sharma Nazuk
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how matching an ad’s empty space color specifically to that of the advertised product’s color (instead of leaving it white) impacts consumers’ product buying impulse. It tests two competing hypotheses, where the salience explanation proposes a positive effect of empty space–product color matching on product buying impulse, while the contrast account predicts an opposite effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from US-based MTurk panelists under three experimentally designed studies. The proposed effects were tested across multiple product categories, colors and online advertising formats. Qualitative responses from experienced marketing executives were also assessed for managerial insights.

Findings

Across all studies, findings reveal that using a product-colored (vs white) empty space in an ad increases consumers’ product buying impulse, favoring the salience rather the contrast explanation. Increased ad salience owing to an enhanced exposure to product color (an important sensory aspect), in turn improving the product’s hedonic appeal work as serial processes explaining this effect.

Originality/value

This research is not only the first to investigate the effects of using colored empty space (where limited prior research has only focused on white empty space), but also the first to study its impact on impulse buying intentions. Counter to prior advertising research which suggests using greater contrast by using white empty space to achieve positive effects, this research empirically tests and finds that using a product-colored empty ad space instead has a positive impact on product buying impulse.