bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new blockchain system design to improve the supply chain of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies – a case study in the oil and gas sector
Authors: Amiri Ara Rashid , Paardenkooper Klara , van Duin Ron 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a new blockchain system design to improve engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies’ supply chain for constructing oil and gas infrastructure, by mitigating cost and time inefficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach
A case study analyses the supply chain of a sample EPC company. First, a literature review is conducted to explore the subject in academic literature. Second, information flows are mapped using responsible, accountable, consulted and informed analysis and cross-functional process mapping. Third, inefficiencies are identified. Fourth, the root causes of the inefficiencies are pinpointed using fishbone and five-times-why analysis. Fifth, a comparison is made between the linear and the blockchain information system via force-field analysis. Sixth, a specific blockchain system design is identified based on three external expert interviews. Finally, the new system is designed and a cost-benefit analysis is conducted.

Findings
Major cost and time inefficiencies in oil and gas infrastructure developments are caused by a poor information flow in the supply chain. The new blockchain system design is a feasible solution, reducing cost inefficiencies by 12.4% and operation lead-times by 36.5%.

Research limitations/implications
The confidentiality of the sample EPC company’s information represents a limitation.

Originality/value
The research introduces a new blockchain system design, reducing cost and time inefficiencies in the project-development supply chain, including implementation processes.
Providing project management knowledge and skills through scaffolding and project-based learning strategy
Authors: Pokharel Shaligram 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Project management skills are important for today’s engineers, as they get involved in various project-based employment roles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a learning model to provide project management knowledge through scaffolding and project-based learning (PjBL) methods in the project engineering course.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses a generic learning model that includes how scaffolding and project-based methods are integrated to provide project management skills to the students. The paper uses the survey method to collect and analyze data on the applicability of the model.

Findings
Statistical analysis of the collected data shows that the respondents positively perceive the value of the learning model to gain project management knowledge and skills. The response shows that the model is useful not only to the current students but also the graduates who use project management skills in their employment.

Practical implications
The learning model can be used by the instructors to provide project management skills to undergraduate and graduate students from all education disciplines.

Originality/value
This paper focuses on the development of a unique learning model, and artifacts used by the students and the instructors for interactive learning and gaining skills on project management.
Mechanical and microstructural behavior of concrete containing marble and nano silica
Authors: Kashyap Vikram Singh , Sancheti Gaurav , Yadav Jitendra Singh 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to perform comprehensive investigation to assess the mechanical properties of nano-modified ternary cement concrete blend. Nano silica (NS) (1%, 2% and 3%) and waste marble dust powder (MD) (5%, 10% and 15%) was incorporated as a fractional substitution of cement in the concrete matrix.

Design/methodology/approach
In this experimental study, 10 cementitious blends were prepared and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and static modulus of elasticity. The microstructural characteristics of these blends were also explored using a scanning electron microscope along with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray reflection.

Findings
The results indicate an enhancement in mechanical properties and refinement in pore structure due to improved pozzolanic activities of NS and the filling effect of MD.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has reported the mechanical and microstructural behavior of concrete containing marble and NS.
Design and evaluation of a refractance window lab-scale dryer
Authors: Ssenyimba Shaffic , Kigozi Julia , Tumutegyereize Peter , Muyonga John H. , Mutumba Raymonds 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Refractance window drying (RWD) has been identified as the method that can give high-quality products at a relatively low production cost. However, knowledge about its use and adoption remains lacking both in academic curricula and industry in the developing world.

Design/methodology/approach
A lab-scale batch RWD of a closed-loop control system was designed, fabricated and evaluated for drying rates, evaporation rate, the energy of evaporation, energy efficiency and throughput. Testing was done using mango and tomato pulps.

Findings
Drying rates at 95°C of 1.32 gg−1min−1 and 0.854 gg−1min−1 at 2 and 3 mm, respectively, for tomato, 0.6 gg−1min−1 and 0.33 gg−1min−1 at 2 and 3 mm for mango pulp were obtained. The dryer had an evaporation rate of 4.63 × 10–4 kg/s and 4.25 × 10–4 kg/s, the energy of evaporation of 1.05 kW and 0.96 kW and thermal energy efficiency of 25.64% and 21.73% while drying tomato and mango pulps, respectively. Dryer throughput of 0.6 kg/h of dried mango Pulp and 0.47 kg/h of dried tomato pulp was obtained.

Originality/value
The designed RWD can be adequately used in laboratory experiments on different products to produce powders. This will enable the transfer of knowledge about RWD technology in developing countries.
Fuzzy preference programming formulation in data envelopment analysis for university department evaluation
Authors: Mirasol-Cavero Dyanne Brendalyn , Ocampo Lanndon 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
University department efficiency evaluation is a performance assessment on how departments use their resources to attain their goals. The most widely used tool in measuring the efficiency of academic departments in data envelopment analysis (DEA) deals with crisp data, which may be, often, imprecise, vague, missing or predicted. Current literature offers various approaches to addressing these uncertainties by introducing fuzzy set theory within the basic DEA framework. However, current fuzzy DEA approaches fail to handle missing data, particularly in output values, which are prevalent in real-life evaluation. Thus, this study aims to augment these limitations by offering a fuzzy DEA variation.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes a more flexible approach by introducing the fuzzy preference programming – DEA (FPP-DEA), where the outputs are expressed as fuzzy numbers and the inputs are conveyed in their actual crisp values. A case study in one of the top higher education institutions in the Philippines was conducted to elucidate the proposed FPP-DEA with fuzzy outputs.

Findings
Due to its high discriminating power, the proposed model is more constricted in reporting the efficiency scores such that there are lesser reported efficient departments. Although the proposed model can still calculate efficiency no matter how much missing and unavailable, and uncertain data, more comprehensive data accessibility would return an accurate and precise efficiency score.

Originality/value
This study offers a fuzzy DEA formulation via FPP, which can handle missing, unavailable and imprecise data for output values.
Retaining social and cultural sustainability in the Hudson river watershed of New York, USA, a place-based participatory action research study
Authors: Balsas Carlos J.L. 
Published: October 2021

PurposeSocietal problems have impacted the northeast of the USA for various generations. This paper aims to analyse various sustainability aspects in the Hudson River watershed of New York by highlighting a temporal progression from environmental sustainability at the watershed level in the 1970s to growing concerns with more localized cross-border social and cultural sustainability in recent decades. We discuss an engagement with the Rapp Road Historic District and a documentary screening series as potential ways to eliminate racism and embrace diversity.Design/methodology/approachThe research was based on fieldwork and classroom teaching conducted mostly since summer 2014. It included mixed methods combining document analysis and reviews with the examination of case studies, and the assessment of public policy priorities.FindingsFormal training has to be combined with a substantial dose of realism, humility and motivation to recognize that what the authors teach and research in the community matters. Future learning experiences within a place-based education paradigm could include: Having students help devise urban rehabilitation strategies whilst suggesting integrative measures with the surrounding built and natural environments; students could also help improve public spaces in the neighbourhood; and finally, they could also help to strengthen the cultural identity of the district by augmenting urban design features endogenous to the African American community.Practical implicationsOpportunities could be further augmented with service-learning projects and programmes, internships and even full-time jobs for recent graduates in local community development organizations.Social implicationsThe study served to raise the community’s awareness of its own natural, ecological and human assets, and to create place-based real-world opportunities for students and faculty in environmental and cultural sustainability studies.Originality/valueEnvironmental sustainability is discussed with the creation of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, whilst the public engagement with the Rapp Road Historic Association in the Capital Region of upstate New York, the identification of an emerging creative cluster in the Berkshires-Hudson region, and a documentary and discussion series on striving for diverse cities serve to demonstrate current concerns with social and cultural sustainability.
Relationship between psychological suzhi and internet addiction among chinese college students
Authors: Hu Yuan-yan , Wang Peng , Wang Xin-qiang , Hu Tian-qiang 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Despite concerns about the effect of internet addiction, little is known about how psychological suzhi impacts the internet addiction of college students. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between psychological suzhi and internet addiction among college students.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the college student psychological suzhi scale and internet addiction test, 2,070 college students from 11 universities in North China, East China, South China and Southwest China were tested.

Findings
The detection rate of internet addiction in this college sample of students was 18.8%. There was a significant negative correlation between students’ psychological suzhi and internet addiction (r = −0.408, p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that adaptability and individuality in psychological suzhi significantly negatively predicted college students’ internet addiction tendency (p < 0.001).

Originality/value
This study is the first to show a relationship between psychological suzhi and internet addiction in college students. In detail, the adaptability and individuality of college students’ psychological suzhi are protective factors related to internet addiction. The results also suggested that the authors can prevent and intervene in internet addiction by modifying college students’ adaptability and individuality.
Gift card types and willingness to spend more
Authors: Lim SangGon (Edward) , Ok Chihyung “Michael” 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study aims to provide a better understanding of how gift card receivers react to the types of gift cards. This study examined the effect of gift card types (intangible experiences vs less intangible experience vs tangible goods) on a recipient’s willingness to spend more through emotions and perceived effort (Study 1) and on feeling of appreciation (Study 2).Design/methodology/approachStudy 1 adopted a scenario-based 2 (tangible vs intangible) × 3 ($100 vs $200 vs $300) between-subjects design. Study 2 narrowed the scope of gift card type (intangible vs less intangible).FindingsReceivers tended to perceive less effort in gift card selection and feel less emotion when receiving gift cards for intangible experiences than when receiving gift cards for both tangible and less intangible products. However, as face value increased, gift card receivers for intangible experiences felt more pleasure and, in turn, rated higher willingness to spend more money than face value than those with gift cards for tangible products.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies can rule out alternative explanations related to brand-related effects, previous experiences and personal preferences.Practical implicationsService providers should put more effort into tangibilizing the intangibles to reduce receivers’ uncertainty. Also, they can increase their profitability by stimulating gift card receivers’ willingness to spend more money through pleasure.Originality/valueAnswering research calls for examining consumers’ perceptions of different gift card types, this study might be the first to unveil the differential effect of gift card types associated with the tangibility of products on purchase behavior and the underlying emotional mechanism.
The impact of cloud-based human resource and supply chain management systems on the performance of multinational organizations
Authors: Dong Xiaobo , Salwana Ely 
Published: October 2021

PurposeOne of the significant dimensions in organizations is the human resource discussion and its related procedures. Human beings have a special place and particular importance in modern management to focus on organizational behavior and human resource management. The cloud-based human resource (CBHR) can be converted into human capital and impressive contributions to health, education and moral valence. Also, one of the most robust operational paradigms is the cloud-based supply chain management (CBSCM) for developing the competitive pros of service and manufacturing organizations to give the same attention to those who manage the supply chain or those operating in it. The present investigation's target is to check out whether CBHR and CBSCM enhance the performance of multinational organizations.Design/methodology/approachMultinational organizations consist of numerous integrated applications, including manufacturing, logistics, marketing, accounting, distribution, human resources, finance, supply chain, etc. This paper proposes using CBHR and CBSCM to improve financial, marketing and collaborative performances. We focus on the applications in multinational organizations. This study has utilized the SEM to estimate the measurement model's validity and reliability and assess the causal model. The offered model and the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and LISREL.FindingsThe research results showed that CBSCM influences the companies' performance. Additionally, the outcomes showed that CBHRM affects the performance of companies. The results support the proposition that CBSCM and CBHRM are both necessary and good for financial performance, marketing performance and collaborative performance.Research limitations/implicationsUsing a questionnaire to mentally measure some of the variable dimensions of a firm's financial performance and market performance for which objective data are available can be helpful. However, since such information is considered confidential in companies, it is not possible to access it.Originality/valueOur innovation is the primary attempt of applying CBHR and CBSCM to elevate performance in multinational organizations.
Integrated reporting and analyst behaviour in diverse institutional settings
Authors: Rossignoli Francesca , Stacchezzini Riccardo , Lai Alessandro 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Given the limited studies that have started to focus on contexts where integrated reporting (IR) is voluntarily adopted, this paper aims to explore the moderating role of institutional characteristics on the association between voluntary report release and analyst forecast accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a quantitative empirical research method grounded on voluntary disclosure theory to provide empirical evidence on an international sample of companies choosing to release integrated reports. Preliminarily, a cluster analysis is used to group countries according to institutional patterns. Multivariate analyses detect the associations between report release choice and analysts’ forecast accuracy across clusters. Multiple econometric approaches are used to address the endogeneity concerns.

Findings
IR release is not informative for the market unless considering systematic variations across different institutional settings. Analysts’ forecast is more accurate for IR adopters located in strong institutional enforcement settings than for all the other companies. In the strong institutional setting that is also characterized by a pluralistic society, IR release benefits for the market are conditioned by the fact that the choice to release IR depends on environmental, governance and social disclosure-based managers remuneration and disclosure requirements. In weak institutional settings, IR release is not beneficial for the forecast accuracy.

Research limitations/implications
Academics and practitioners can gain understanding of the usefulness of voluntary IR across different institutional settings.

Originality/value
The study advances the understanding of the IR’s informativeness, overcoming the common dichotomous distinctions between strong and weak institutional settings.
The effects of coating colours on base papers
Authors: Engin Merve , Sönmez Sinan , Özden Öznur 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of coating colours and their contents on the fundamental properties of base papers and also evaluate these results in terms of mechanical and wood-free papers.

Design/methodology/approach
A design research approach has been based on the application of various coating colours and analysis of mechanical and optical tests results of the coated mechanical and wood-free base papers.

Findings
This study is confirmed that the coating colours can be easily applied to the surface of the papers. The experimental data have revealed that significant improvements exist in the values of tear resistance (strength), brightness and opacity of the mechanical base papers, especially by the application of the coating colours including kaolin pigment. The results show that mechanical papers can also be used in areas with high brightness expectations by applying coating colour.

Originality/value
The originality of this work is based on understanding and comparing the effects of applying similar coating formulations on mechanical and wood-free base papers.
Intangible assets and business performance in Latin America
Authors: Lopes Fernanda Cristina , Carvalho Luciana 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The intangible assets of a company have been presented by national and international surveys as a resource to influence the creation of value and the increase in organizational performance. In view of this, this study aims to analyze the relationship between intangibility and the performance of companies in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach
For this purpose, multiple regression with panel data was used and three perspectives for measuring intangible resources were defined: representativeness of the intangible asset, accounting measure for measuring the intangible, degree of intangibility and Tobin’ Q, the latter two representing economic and financial measures to determine intangibility. The study covered the period from 2011 to 2017 with a sample of 1,236 publicly traded companies located in some Latin American countries, namely, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

Findings
The results demonstrated the existence of a significant and positive relationship between the variables of intangibility, degree of intangibility and Tobin’s Q, and the performance variables, return on assets, operating margin and asset turnover, reinforcing the study hypothesis that the greater the investment in intangible resource, the greater the company’s performance.

Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study involve the lack of complete information about intangible resources in the financial statements of some companies and some countries, making it hard to analyze the proposed relationship more broadly and accurately. Another limitation involves the causal relationship that may have existed between the regressors of the models defined in the study and their error, thus generating an endogeneity problem in the proposed models. It is recommended for future research to use specific methods to mitigate possible problems of endogeneity in regressions.

Practical implications
Mainly the possibility of deepening the relationship between intangibility and business performance, thus obtaining new knowledge through the reflexes of this relationship on companies in Latin American countries, finding more consistent results.

Social implications
The study contributes to the decision-making process in the business world by informing the primary users of accounting information such as investors, administrators, accountants, regulators and creditors.

Originality/value
This research contributes by addressing a theme whose studies present many gaps, making it possible to deepen the relationship between intangibility and business performance and gain new knowledge through the reflexes of this relationship on companies in Latin American countries.
Micro-loans and financial performance: a case of a Chinese commercial bank
Authors: Alam Jasmine , Ibn Boamah Mustapha , Liu Yuheng 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between a commercial bank’s micro-loaning activity and overall performance over a 10-year period.

Design/methodology/approach
Quarterly data was obtained from the Wind Database, China Minsheng Banks’s official annual reports and annual corporate social responsibility reports from 2009 to 2019, to test the linear relationship between micro-loan activities and the overall financial performance of the bank.

Findings
The results of this study empirically demonstrate that there is a positive relationship between increases in micro-loaning activity and the overall performance of the bank. Some key recommendations for the sector are shared in the conclusion of this paper.

Originality/value
In the financial sector, some corporate social responsibility activities focus on the issuance of micro-loans. It is unclear, however, if this has also served as a means to increase profitability and overall performance for such institutions.