bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating privacy impact assessment methods: guidelines and best practice
Authors: Vemou Konstantina , Karyda Maria
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to practically guide privacy impact assessment (PIA) implementation by proposing a PIA process incorporating best practices from existing PIA guidelines and privacy research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically reviews and assesses generic PIA methods proposed by related research, data protection authorities and standard’s organizations, to identify best practices and practically support PIA practitioners. To address identified gaps, best practices from privacy literature are proposed.

Findings

This paper proposes a PIA process based on best practices, as well as an evaluation framework for existing PIA guidelines, focusing on practical support to PIA practitioners.

Practical implications

The proposed PIA process facilitates PIA practitioners in organizing and implementing PIA projects. This paper also provides an evaluation framework, comprising a comprehensive set of 17 criteria, for PIA practitioners to assess whether PIA methods/guidelines can adequately support requirements of their PIA projects (e.g. special legal framework and needs for PIA project organization guidance).

Originality/value

This research extends PIA guidelines (e.g. ISO 29134) by providing comprehensive and practical guidance to PIA practitioners. The proposed PIA process is based on best practices identified from evaluation of nine commonly used PIA methods, enriched with guidelines from privacy literature, to accommodate gaps and support tasks that were found to be inadequately described or lacking practical guidance.
A look at the dynamics of personal growth and self-employment exit
Authors: Beutell Nicholas J. , Alstete Jeffrey W. , Schneer Joy A. , Hutt Camille
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a model predicting self-employment (SE) personal growth (learning opportunities and creativity) and SE exit intentions (exiting to work for someone else and exit likelihood) based on the job demands-resources model.

Design/methodology/approach

SEM was used to examine SE demands and resources, strain, and engagement predicting growth, exit intentions, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction. SE type (owners with employees and independent owners without employees) was a moderator variable. Data were analyzed from a national probability sample (n=464 self-employed respondents for whom SE was their primary work involvement), the National Study of the Changing Workforce.

Findings

Overall support for the model was found. Work–family conflict (demand) and work–family synergy (resource) had the strongest relationships with strain and engagement. Strain was positively related to both growth and exit intentions while engagement was inversely related to exit intentions but positively related to growth. The model was significantly different for business owners and independently self-employed.

Practical implications

These results provide guidance to researchers and educators regarding the challenges of self- employment engagement and strain with implications for selecting business types that minimize exit likelihood while maximizing work engagement and personal growth potential.

Originality/value

This study breaks new ground by testing a structural model of engagement and growth for self-employed individuals while also investigating two types of exit intentions. The authors report findings for growth and exit decisions that have received scant attention in the literature to date. Type of SE was a significant variable.
A stakeholder-based risk assessment and intervention framework for international construction projects
Authors: Wang Tao , Gao Shangde , Liao Pinchao , Ganbat Tsenguun , Chen Junhua
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a two-stage risk management framework for international construction projects based on the meta-network analysis (MNA) approach. A plethora of international construction studies seems to assume risks as independent and therefore, risk intervention strategies are usually critiqued as ineffective.

Design/methodology/approach

In the risk assessment stage, a multi-tiered risk network structure was developed with the project objectives, risk events, risk factors and stakeholders, and critical risk factors were selected based on a series of calculations. In the risk intervention stage, targeted risk intervention strategies were proposed for stakeholders based on the results of the first stage. A highway construction project in Eastern Europe was selected as a case study.

Findings

The results showed that 17 risk factors in three categories – external, stakeholder-related and internal – are critical, and the project manager, construction management department, supplier and contract department are the most critical stakeholders that affect the entire project performance. Based on the critical risk factors and project stakeholders, targeted risk intervention strategies were proposed. The risk assessment results of MNA were found to be more reliable and consistent with the project conditions than the risk matrix method; the risk intervention strategies of MNA can effectively address project objectives.

Originality/value

This study modeled risk priorities based on risk associations and put forward a new method for risk management, supplementing the body of knowledge of international construction. The results of this study are of critical importance in management practices.
Job stress and organizational commitment in hospitals
Authors: Saadeh Inas Mohammed , Suifan Taghrid Saleh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of job stress on perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational commitment in hospitals in Amman, Jordan. It also investigated the mediating role of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional, quantitative survey design to collect data from 500 employees in six hospitals in Amman, Jordan. An Arabic version of a reliable and valid measurement instrument was used. A convenience sample was selected from employees in the targeted hospitals. Mediating effect was tested using the approach proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986). Validity and reliability tests were applied, and regression analyses were used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed a significant negative effect of job stress on POS and organizational commitment. The results also indicated full negative mediating effect of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment.

Practical implications

This research promotes hospitals to implement strategies that reduce employees’ job stress, increase levels of POS among employees working at hospitals, which, in turn, will enhance employees’ commitment to their hospitals.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the proposed effects in Jordan in particular, and the Middle East in general. In addition, it contributes to the literature by examining the mediating effect of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment. Recommendations are provided to practitioners in hospitals based on the study results.
Industrial modernisation through institutional upheaval in a transition economy
Authors: Klarin Anton , Ray Pradeep Kanta
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Russian institutional upheavals on industrial development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a longitudinal case study analysis of three Russian pharmaceutical firms exploring the role of state support in developing a self-sustained competitive innovation-dependent industry.

Findings

Russia’s shock therapy transition to a newly liberalised economy the 1990s without a supportive institutional framework led to severe setbacks in its modernisation process. A weak institutional context was not conducive to development of its fledgling organisations. In late 2000s, Russian Government initiated large-ranging institutional support in favour of strategic industries. This resulted in a shift from short-term profit-seeking arbitrage strategies to long-term investment strategies towards vertical integration, R&D and human resource development. Findings indicate countries that wish to forge competitive industries need to develop a strong supportive institutional mechanism that allows targeted industries to modernise and compete on a global scale. To ensure the effectiveness of execution of strategic policies, coherent communication channels and collaboration between the industry and the state is necessary.

Originality/value

While research on large emerging economies, such as China and India, is extensive, research on Russia and surrounding states is sparse. Most of the research on Russia is based around large resource-sector organisations. This study is novel in its uncovering various phases of development of an innovation-dependent industry.
CRM performance and development of media entrepreneurship in digital, social media and mobile commerce
Authors: Ebrahimi Pejman , Ahmadi Mahsa , Gholampour Abbas , Alipour Hamidreza
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of CRM performance and technological innovation on performance of media entrepreneurs considering firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an analytical study used to empirically test the hypotheses proposed for SEM techniques using PLS and R packages. It used two steps in this way: the assessment of the outer model and the assessment of the inner model. Moreover, a bootstrapping method was employed to test indirect effects. Data were collected by distributing 127 questionnaires between the managers and deputies of active firms across Rasht, Iran.

Findings

The effect of CRM performance on SMEs performance development is partially mediated by media entrepreneurship. Moreover, the effect of technological innovation on SMEs performance development is mediated by media entrepreneurship. Furthermore, permutation test results indicated that there is no significant difference between small- and medium-sized firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study used cross-sectional sampling method that can seriously limit result generalization. Therefore, conducting longitudinal studies is strongly recommended.

Practical implications

The results of IPMA matrix indicated the serious importance of technological innovation, as a variable with the highest importance for SMEs performance development. Nevertheless, this variable has received the lowest importance in the studied population. Therefore, SMEs’ managers should pay sufficient attention to the concepts of “product innovations” and “process innovations.”

Originality/value

This study is of high importance in that it has adopted new and effective indices for statistical analysis. IPMA matrix, permutation test, CTA and FIMIX are examples. In addition, plspm and Matrixpls packages in R were used for the first time in this study.
The moderating role of 360-degree appraisal between engagement and innovative behaviors
Authors: Karkoulian Silva , Srour Jordan , Canaan Messarra Leila
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Engaged employees are a critical asset in any business. This is largely because engaged employees tend to proffer innovative solutions to complex problems in the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between engagement and innovation as moderated by the use of 360-degree evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey targeting employees in Lebanon solicited their perceptions of 360-degree evaluation, engagement and innovative behaviors along with a statement as to whether their firm used 360-degree evaluations or not. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the moderating effect of 360-degree evaluations on the latent variables of engagement and three facets of innovation.

Findings

SEM results show that 360-degree evaluations serve to enhance engaged employees’ innovative work behavior. However, ideation (creation and implementation) behaviors are more strongly influenced by the presence of 360-degree evaluation as compared to their “tangible” counterpart (technology and financial resource use).

Research limitations/implications

Respondents selected for this research were randomly sampled employees in Lebanon. A stronger study strategy would be to study paired departments within organizations – one implementing 360-degree evaluation and another not implementing it.

Practical implications

Managers, seeking to engender and strengthen innovative behaviors in engaged employees, should utilize 360-degree evaluation processes. Furthermore, the 360-degree evaluations should be designed to probe both tangible (technology and financial resource use) and intangible (idea generation and implementation) facets of innovation.

Originality/value

This study yields a deeper understanding of the relationship between engagement and innovative behaviors in the workplace along with managerial insights into the design and use of 360-degree evaluation.
E-fulfillment performance evaluation for an e-tailer: a DANP approach
Authors: Titiyal Rohit , Bhattacharya Sujoy , Thakkar Jitesh J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

E-fulfillment has a significant role to play within e-tailing, which provides products to a customer, comprising primarily of five components: website quality, customization strategy, distribution strategy, last mile delivery and return management. The purpose of this paper is to provide an e-fulfillment performance evaluation framework for an e-tailer, considering the different performance aspects of information systems (IS), marketing and operations for e-tailers.

Design/methodology/approach

Since quite a few performance aspects (i.e. IS, marketing system and operations) need to be factored in while evaluating the e-fulfillment performance, it may be considered as a complex multi-criteria decision-making problem. This study used decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) based analytic network process (DANP) to investigate the relationship between performance class and performance aspects, and calculated their weights. These designated weights of performance aspects help managers to find the important aspects needing improvement. The understanding of the interrelationship among the performance aspects enables managers to improve the efficiency of an e-tailing system.

Findings

This study provides the e-fulfillment performance evaluation framework to find the important aspects requiring improvement. The results of this study reveal that the important performance aspects of e-fulfillment performance are return policy, pickup method, innovativeness, assortment type, assortment width, trust (privacy and security) and promised delivery date.

Practical implications

This e-fulfillment performance evaluation could be used by an e-tailer to assess the e-fulfillment performance, and identify areas of improvement.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to the present body of knowledge by considering operations related performance aspects except the IS and marketing to evaluate the e-fulfillment performance.
Fatigue crack growth reliability analysis under random loading
Authors: Salari Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fatigue crack growth (FCG) under random loading using analytical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, two methods of cycle-by-cycle technique and central limit theorem (CLT) were used. The Walker equation was used to consider the stress ratio effect on the FCG rate. In order to validate the results in three random loading group with different loading levels and bandwidths, the results of the analysis, such as the mean lifetime of the specimen and the average crack length were compared with the test results in terms of the number of loading cycles.

Findings

The comparison indicated a good agreement between the results of the analysis and the test. Further, the diagrams of reliability and the probability of failure of the specimen were obtained for each loading group and were compared together.

Originality/value

Applying the cycle-by-cycle and CLT methods for the calculation of fatigue reliability of a CT specimen under random loading by the Walker equation and comparing their results with each other is not observed in other researches. Also in this study, the effect of the loading frequency bandwidth on lifetime was studied.
A model for the selection of transportation modes in the context of sustainable freight transportation
Authors: Fulzele Vijayta , Shankar Ravi , Choudhary Divya
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A sustainable freight transportation system involves freight processes that are economically efficient, socially inclusive and environment friendly. For enhancing sustainability in the freight operations, mode selection is a crucial strategic decision. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is selecting the best mode, or a combination of modes based on various criteria to carry shipments from origin to destination.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used an integrated grey relational analysis based intuitionistic fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making process (GRA–IFP) and fuzzy multi-objective linear programming model. Three scenarios have been developed for analyzing sensitivity of decision variables with the variations in parameters under relevant conditions. A real case of Indian third-party logistics service provider has been used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.

Findings

The most relevant criterion emerged out in this study for multi-mode selection problem is costs. It can be concluded from the study that multi-modal freight transportation has the potential to improve the sustainability of freight transportation by reducing the costs, damages, emissions, traffic congestion and by increasing the speed of delivering the shipment. The sensitivity analysis further shows that road is the economical mode, whereas sea and rail together are the greenest as well as socially responsible modes of transportation.

Originality/value

This study provides an integrated tool, which can be used by freight transporters to decide upon the sustainable modes of transportation for their various shipments.
Anxiety attachment and avoidance attachment: antecedents to self-gifting
Authors: Rippé Cindy B. , Smith Brent , Weisfeld-Spolter Suri
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance current understanding of motivations for self-gifting by suggesting that an individual’s attachment state from childhood upbringing impacts self-gifting behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 301 consumers living in the USA. Results were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings reveal that insecure anxious and insecure avoidant individuals are inclined to self-gift for reward and as compensation for personal disappointment.

Practical implications

Retailers can leverage the results to customize promotional messages that reference self-gifting in relation to an individual’s attachment style. For example, messaging geared towards attachment avoidance might emphasize acceptance of one’s imperfect self and situation. Messaging with sensitivity to attachment anxiety might emphasize positive self-reflection and self-worth. Per the authors’ findings, a promotional message geared towards attachment style may better motivate self-gifting.

Originality/value

This research is the first known empirical research to specify a psychological antecedent of self-gifting behavior, which is an emerging area in the literature and retail environment. The findings explain nuances of self-gifting behavior by theoretically connecting insecure attachment style as a driver of self-gifting purchases for reward and personal disappointment.
Technological learning modelling towards sustainable energy planning
Authors: Neshat Najmeh , Hadian Hengameh , Rahimi Alangi Somayeh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Obviously, the development of a robust optimization framework is the main step in energy and climate policy. In other words, the challenge of energy policy assessment requires the application of approaches which recognize the complexity of energy systems in relation to technological, social, economic and environmental aspects. This paper aims to develop a two-sided multi-agent based modelling framework which endogenizes the technological learning mechanism to determine the optimal generation plan. In this framework, the supplier agents try to maximize their income while complying with operational, technical and market penetration rates constraints. A case study is used to illustrate the application of the proposed planning approach. The results showed that considering the endogenous technology cost reduction moves optimal investment timings to earlier planning years and influences the competitiveness of technologies. The proposed integrated approach provides not only an economical generation expansion plan but also a cleaner one compared to the traditional approach.

Design/methodology/approach

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far there has not been any agent-based generation expansion planning (GEP) incorporating technology learning mechanism into the modelling framework. The main contribution of this paper is to introduce a multi-agent based modelling for long-term GEP and undertakes to show how incorporating technological learning issues in supply agents behaviour modelling influence on renewable technology share in the optimal mix of technologies. A case study of the electric power system of Iran is used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed planning approach and also to demonstrate its efficiency.

Findings

As seen, the share of the renewable technology agents (geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar, biomass and photovoltaic) in expanding generation increases from 10.2% in the traditional model to 13.5% in the proposed model over the planning horizon. Also, to incorporate technological learning in the supply agent behaviour leads to earlier involving of renewable technologies in the optimal plan. This increased share of the renewable technology agents is reasonable due to their decreasing investment cost and capability of cooperation in network reserve supply which leads to a high utilization factor.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far there hasn’t been any agent-based GEP paying attention to this integrated approach. The main contribution of this paper is to introduce a multi-agent based modelling for long-term GEP and undertakes to show how incorporating technological learning issues in supply agents behaviour modelling influence on renewable technology share in the optimal mix of technologies. A case study of the electric power system of Iran is used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed planning approach and also to demonstrate its efficiency.
An integrated framework using VSM, AHP and TOPSIS for simplifying the sustainability improvement process in a complex manufacturing process
Authors: Soltani Mohyiddine , Aouag Hichem , Mouss Mohamed Djamel
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated approach for assessing the sustainability of production and simplifying the improvement tasks in complex manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach has been investigated the integration of value stream mapping (VSM), analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). VSM is used as a basic structure for assessing and improving the sustainability of the manufacturing process. AHP is used for weighting the sustainability indicators and TOPSIS for prioritizing the operations of a manufacturing process regarding the improvement side.

Findings

The results carried out from this study help the managers’ staff in organizing the improvement phase in the complex manufacturing processes through computing the importance degree of each indicator and determining the most influential operations on the production.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitations of this paper are that one case study was considered. In addition, to an average set of sustainability indicators that have been treated.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is expressed by the development of an extended VSM in complex manufacturing processes. In addition, the proposed approach contributes with a new improvement strategy through integrating the multi-criteria decision approaches with VSM method to solve the complexity of the improvement process from sustainability viewpoints.
Expanding university entrepreneurial ecosystems to under-represented communities
Authors: O’Brien Emma , M. Cooney Thomas , Blenker Per
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Entrepreneurship education has moved from an elitist view focussing on a start-up and picking-the-winners philosophy towards a broader enterprising behaviour approach; recognising entrepreneurship as an activity of relevance for everybody. The purpose of this paper is to extend this development and identify how university entrepreneurial ecosystems can be expanded to support communities that are under-represented in entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an integrative literature review (Torraco, 2005), this paper draws together and synthesises literature from the field of entrepreneurship, higher education studies and under-represented communities in an integrated fashion, leading to the development of a new conceptual model.

Findings

This paper challenges the traditional role of universities in supporting entrepreneurship as focussing mainly on economic growth and new venture creation, and identifies how universities are also positioned to provide greater civic support to entrepreneurial learning amongst under-represented communities. Through a critical analysis of the literature, the conceptual model proposed identifies six key considerations in the expansion of university entrepreneurial ecosystems for under-represented communities.

Practical implications

There are currently 96.6m people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the EU (OECD, 2017) and an estimated 43.1m Americans (US Census Bureau, 2017). This paper explores how university entrepreneurial ecosystems can be expanded to support minority and disadvantaged communities who are under-represented in terms of entrepreneurial activity.

Originality/value

Given that there is little research regarding how universities might activate inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives amongst under-represented communities, this paper expands existing knowledge as it identifies the key considerations encompassing university-led community collaborative enterprise support.
Segmentation of quantity surveying professional services for focus strategy and diversification
Authors: Adesi Michael , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Boateng Frank
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Notwithstanding that numerous studies have focused on strategy in quantity surveying (QS) professional service firms, there is a paucity of investigation on the segmentation of QS professional services. The purpose of this study is to investigate the segmentation of QS services for diversification and a focus strategy formation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the positivist stance and quantitative approach in which a simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. In total, 110 survey questionnaires were administered to registered professional QS, out of which 79 completed questionnaires were returned for analysis.

Findings

The paper identifies three main QS service segments characterised by low, moderate and high competition. In addition, this study found that the concentration of traditional QS services in the building construction sector is due to the unwillingness of QS professional service firms to diversify into the non-construction sectors such as oil and gas. The diversification of QS services in the low competitive segment requires the adoption of agile approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to numeric analyses and so would be complemented by qualitative research in the future.

Practical implications

This paper is useful to QS professional service firms interested in diversifying their services into the non-construction sectors to enhance the pricing of their services.

Originality/value

Segmentation of QS services is fundamental to the formulation of focus strategy for non-construction sectors such as oil and gas and mining to enhance the pricing of QS professional services.
For ethical reflection, establish a clear technical foundation
Authors: Huff Chuck
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This viewpoint aims to highlight the necessarily technical nature of ethics in software development, propose a label (ethical bypassing) for ethical analysis that does not lead to ethical action and introduce a philosophical foundation for technical analysis that leads to ethical software development.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is one of technical analysis that is aware of social science and philosophical knowledge bases.

Findings

The findings establish a clear technical foundation that is crucial to ethical analysis that will actually inform software development.

Research limitations/implications

The idea that beginning with technical expertise is the best way to begin ethical reflection on a technical implementation has been often suggested, but not really empircally tested. Research using cases or other qualitative approaches would need to be done to add credibility to the claim.

Practical implications

This approach suggests that collaboration between technically informed ethicists and ethically informed technical experts should begin with the exploration of the technical questions rather than with ethical speculation.

Social implications

A common approach to ethical education is to concentrate on ethical theory and its application in technical contexts. This approach suggests that this may lead to ethical bypassing by the student, the avoidance of the making technical decisions by extensive ethical reflection.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new term, ethical bypassing, to the literature on the ethics of software development.
Understanding knowledge exchange processes among diverse users of coworking-spaces
Authors: Bouncken Ricarda , Aslam Muhammad Mahmood
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Coworking spaces use the idea of spatial co-location that improves communication and knowledge sharing among independent knowledge professionals. Fluid work structures and a sense of community can facilitate work satisfaction, creativity and entrepreneurship. Fundamentals to those positive outcomes are the knowledge sharing processes between users of coworking spaces. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge sharing processes in this setting where researchers still have very little understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an inductive research methodology, qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews with a variety of users (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and firms) incumbent in various coworking spaces in Germany.

Findings

Co-location of individuals in coworking spaces is first about physical proximity and second about socialization and collaboration opportunities, which then advance cognitive proximity. Thus, co-location can facilitate tacit knowledge exchange, ignite the social disembodiment of ideas, synthesize domain-related knowledge sharing and promote inter-domain learning. The institutionalization of knowledge management services will allow coworking spaces to increase these positive outcomes.

Practical implications

Findings of this study are interesting for managers of shared spaces and traditional firms that use spatial co-location. The authors propose institutionalized knowledge management services to enable multifaceted and multidisciplinary knowledge creation in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the role of spatial co-location in knowledge sharing processes among independent knowledge professionals in shared office spaces. Thereby, this study provides valuable insights into a phenomenon that has received little attention even though its practical importance is high.
Performance measurement for knowledge management project: model development and empirical validation
Authors: Oufkir latifa , Kassou Ismail
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a model for measuring the performance of knowledge management (KM) projects in enterprises. No such model has been proposed in the literature thus far. The activities, factors and outcomes of KM are the main constructs of the model. Their operationalization and interactions are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted of 120 respondents from SME firms in Morocco. A structural equation modeling (SEM) technique called partial least squares (PLS) was used to assess the validity of the constructs and verify the hypotheses. A performance index for KM projects was derived from the model constructs.

Findings

The results support the model designed for KM activities and related interactions. The effects of KM activities on its outcomes are significant as well. The results also confirm that KM factors are predictors of KM activities and that the effects of these are significant. Furthermore, a performance importance analysis (importance performance map analysis [IPMA]) was performed on the data to expand the results of the PLS-SEM by identifying under-performing KM drivers that require managerial action.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to propose a generic performance measurement model for KM projects. Additionally, it is a pioneering study in the use of IPMA for KM performance measurement.
Decision-making method for evaluating solar desalination options: the case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shannak Sa'd , Alnory Malak
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Solar as an energy source has a massive potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in Gulf Countries (GC). One attractive application of solar energy is solar-powered desalination, which is a viable method to produce fresh water. The most significant factor determining the potential deployment of this application is economics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the classical economic analysis model has been modified to assess the penetration of solar technology to power desalination plants at different periods during the project lifetime. Furthermore, the environmental and financial values were combined to assess the incentive of powering desalination plants with solar energy in Saudi Arabia. Three systems of solar technologies accompanied with water desalination based on technical applicability were modeled and economically analyzed to understand the impact of various design and operation parameters.

Findings

This study shows that PV-RO is currently more competitive at both market and administrated prices in Saudi Arabia, followed by the MED-CSP system and finally CSP-RO system. CSP-RO system starts to generate positive surplus after 11 years, while the base case shows no positive surplus at all during the entire lifetime. Moreover, the same trend continues to hold with MED-CSP and PV-RO systems. The MED-CSP generates positive surplus after six years and PV-RO after five years only. On average, it takes eight years for a project running based on solar (CAPEX and OPEX) and desalination OPEX to generate positive cash surplus.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the debate about incentives for renewable energy in GC and the impact of coupling water production and solar generation. Given that there is no analytical framework built earlier, this paper provides an alternative methodology for policy analysis to understand the role of economies of scope to incentivize solar generation. In other words, the authors are investigating options to reduce the total cost of solar production as a result of increasing the number of different goods produced.
Entrepreneurial participation and performance: the role of financial literacy
Authors: Li Rui , Qian Yanhong
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial literacy and entrepreneurial activities, and the moderating effects of industrial regulation in the relationship between financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the role of financial literacy on entrepreneurial participation and performance is investigated through multi-sourced data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies with manually merged provincial and industrial data from 2014. Four hypotheses are tested based on Probit and Tobit models. Moreover, instrumental variable method and principal component analysis are applied to provide robustness checks.

Findings

The empirical results demonstrate that financial literacy has significantly positive effects on entrepreneurial participation, as well as on entrepreneurial performance. In addition, industrial regulation positively moderates the effects of financial literacy on entrepreneurial participation and performance, which indicates that financial literacy plays a more important role in promoting entrepreneurship in tightly regulated industries.

Originality/value

This study proposes and tests the effects of financial literacy on entrepreneurial activities, which fills an important gap in the literature. The results in this paper provide evidence that financial literacy has positive impacts in both the entry and operation stages of entrepreneurship. This evidence provides theoretical foundations for policy making in popularizing financial knowledge and supporting entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, this research further reveals the effects of industrial regulation in the context of China, suggesting that the government should be more effective in promoting administrative decentralization and reducing unnecessary interventions.
Mixed methods in accounting: a field based analysis
Authors: Lamprecht Christiaan , Guetterman Timothy C.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to advance mixed methods as a research methodology in accounting through three research objectives: develop a typology of mixed methods research (MMR) features from current literature, analyse accounting papers published in two leading South African journals against these features, and offer recommendations for best practice going forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows five elements for a MMR review study: identify the methodological aim and choice of discipline; identify the relevant accounting MMR literature and collect the data; develop a codebook and analysis procedures to assess the reviewed papers against; report on the MMR findings; and discuss the findings and make recommendations.

Findings

The use of MMR as a methodological approach is increasing; however, in many instances published papers revealed limited methodological detail. Furthermore, most accounting MMR studies use a convergent MMR design, with data collected qualitatively using interviews/focus groups and quantitatively using questionnaires. Finally, accounting education studies is the topic within accounting research that mostly use MMR.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a five-year period and the prevalence of applicable MMR articles during that period in two journals.

Practical implications

This paper presents advantages of using MMR in accounting studies and offer recommendations for best practice to answer the complex accounting research questions of today.

Originality/value

This study is the first systematic examination of how mixed methods is used in accountancy research as reflected in South African journals.
Repatriation of academics: organizational support, adjustment and intention to leave
Authors: James Robinson , Azungah Theophilus
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of academic repatriates’ perceived organizational support, adjustment and external employment opportunity on their intention to leave.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from Sri Lankan academics who returned to their home university after completing their work (teaching/research) abroad. The repatriates who involved in teaching and research for one or more years abroad were included in this survey.

Findings

Results indicated that repatriates’ both the perceived organizational support had an important role to play in the prediction of repatriation adjustment and intention to leave. In turn, academics who adjusted to their repatriation better were highly likely to stay at their home university. In addition, repatriates’ perceived organizational support decreased their intention to leave through adjustment. In addition, when repatriates had trouble in adjustment and perceived high external employment opportunities, they reported higher intentions to leave the university than those who perceived fewer external employment opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

This study relied on cross-sectional and self-reported data and was conducted with small number of sample (112).

Practical implications

For the academic institutions, this study will help to clarify their role in managing repatriation adjustment and develop appropriate organizational systems that can facilitate repatriates to better adjust to their repatriation which, in turn, reduces their intention to leave. This study signifies the role of management in retaining repatriates.

Originality/value

This study further contributes to the current discussion on repatriation and moves this discussion to academic repatriates. This study, particularly, discusses the issues of retaining repatriates in a Sri Lankan context as a developing country where attracting and retaining academic repatriates are more challenging tasks for universities.
Experimental study on leveling mechanism for material-jetting-type color 3D printing
Authors: Cheng Yih-Lin , Chang Chih-Hsuan , Kuo Chunliang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The material-jetting-type (MJ) 3-D printing technology has advantages in resolution and color printing. During the printing process, a leveling technique is needed to precisely control the thickness and flatness of each layer. Roller-type leveling mechanism has been adopted in commercial MJ 3-D printers, but it is lack of research on roller leveling process parameters and establishing experimental procedures. Therefore, in this study, a roller-type leveling mechanism for a MJ color 3 D printer was developed, and experimental approaches were utilized to determine process parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The roller-type leveling mechanism was chosen to provide functions of flattening and removal of excess material. The parameters studied were roller speed and rotational direction. Surface roughness, Ra, of printed single-layered specimens was measured at 15 locations for plane roughness and along five lines for line roughness to evaluate the leveling results. Adopting suitable parameters, color samples with and without leveling were printed for comparison and verification.

Findings

According to plane roughness results, forward rotation achieved better leveling. Plane roughness was the major criteria to determine roller speed with the assistance of standard deviation of line roughness. The best parameters of the self-developed MJ color 3-D printer were found to be rolling forward at 1,100 rpm. In addition, printed color samples showed great improvement in surface roughness with leveling and no obvious color mixing after leveling.

Research limitations/implications

Leveling is important to achieve desired layer thickness, smooth surface and good color quality in color 3-D printing. For MJ 3-D printing, only patents were revealed regarding roller design, but paper publications have not been presented. This research practically proposed to use experimental approach to understand the effects of roller operating parameters and to find the suitable ones based on surface roughness results.

Practical implications

This research established the experimental procedures and also suggested guidelines of experimentally obtaining suitable roller leveling process parameters. Developers can refer to this study results to design and adjust leveling mechanism in a new MJ 3-D printer.

Originality/value

The experimental approach can be applied to similar MJ 3-D printing systems if different materials are introduced or the platform speed is changed. The observed trends suggested several guidelines to plan limited experiments only to obtain suitable roller process parameters.
Breaking out to break through: re-imagining first-year orientations
Authors: Veach Claire Calderwood
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the conceptualization, design and implementation process of an escape room-style game for first-year student orientation sessions hosted by a combined academic unit including a university library, archives and museum. The game can be customized and adapted for a variety of learning environments and purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

Breakout EDU kits have been used to create escape room-style games to teach curricular content in new and engaging ways. This orientation session was designed to teach new students how to find and use essential collections and resources on each of the unit’s websites by using a fun, collaborative and engaging game.

Findings

According to post-orientation survey responses, an average of nearly 80% of all new students felt that the Breakout EDU orientation game was either “Moderately Effective” or “Very Effective” in preparing them for their first day of classes. Documented observational assessments further suggest that students had fun playing the game and appreciated the hands-on approach to library orientation.

Originality/value

Although the use of both digital and non-digital games in library orientations are heavily documented, there has been very little research conducted on the use of escape rooms in this context, and almost no research has been conducted on the use of Breakout EDU kits for library orientations. This paper provides a practical example of how academic libraries can incorporate a customizable and highly engaging escape room-style game into first-year orientation sessions of nearly all sizes.