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Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Xueyuan Wang and Meixia Sun

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), inherently vulnerable entities, prompting a pivotal question of how to enhance SMEs’…

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), inherently vulnerable entities, prompting a pivotal question of how to enhance SMEs’ organizational resilience (OR) to withstand discontinuous crises. Although digital innovation (DI) is widely acknowledged as a critical antecedent to OR, limited studies have analyzed the configurational effects of DI on OR, particularly stage-based analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by the dynamic capabilities view, this study introduces a multi-stage dynamic capabilities framework for OR. Employing Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), digital product innovation (DPI), digital services innovation (DSI) and digital process innovation (DCI) are further deconstructed into six dimensions. Furthermore, we utilized fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the configuration effects of six DI on OR at different stages, using data from 94 Chinese SMEs.

Findings

First, OR improvement hinges not on a singular DI but on the interactions among various DIs. Second, multiple equivalent configurations emerge at different stages. Before the crisis, absorptive capability primarily advanced through iterative DPI and predictive DSI. During the crisis, response capability is principally augmented by the iterative DPI, distributed DCI, and integrated DCI. After the crisis, recovery capability is predominantly fortified by the iterative DPI, expanded DPI and experiential DSI. Third, iterative DPI consistently assumes a supportive role in fortifying OR.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature on DI and OR, offering practical guidance for SMEs to systematically enhance OR by configuring DI across distinct stages.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2016

Li Bian, Meixia Li, Yiwei Lian, Yongjing Hao and Juan Xie

This paper aims to report a novel preparation method of ZnO particles with different structures and their photocatalytic activity.

88

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report a novel preparation method of ZnO particles with different structures and their photocatalytic activity.

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO powders are prepared by a facile, economical and environment-friendly aqueous solution route. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra are used to characterize the products. Photocatalytic activity of the samples is evaluated by degradation of organic pollutant pentachlorophenol under UV-vis irradiation.

Findings

It is found that three-dimensional ZnO hierarchical structures can be prepared via aqueous solution route without using any template or structure-directing agent, and the alkalinity of reaction solution is the key factor. All the as-prepared ZnO products have good catalytic activity under UV-vis light irradiation.

Originality/value

This report presents a simple method for the preparation of ZnO particles with excellent photocatalytic activity. Experimental results could provide useful reference for the treatment of chlorophenols in the future.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

Hua Du, Qi Han, Jun Sun and Cynthia Changxin Wang

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different prefabricated construction (PC) policies using a case study in Wuhan, considering the local context.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different prefabricated construction (PC) policies using a case study in Wuhan, considering the local context.

Design/methodology/approach

The effectiveness of PC policies is falling behind expectations. The main reason lies in an insufficient understanding of the policy impacts. An agent-based model was built by choosing the residential sector in a typical large city of Wuhan, China, as the study case. Different cost reduction scenarios were introduced for investigating the PC policy effectiveness. The proposed model and simulation approach can be used for other cities and generalized to the whole Chinese PC industry with the potential to include more local policies and corresponding data.

Findings

Simulation results show that carbon emission reduction will be between 60,000 and 80,000 tons with policy incentives, nearly double that of the no policy intervention scenario. The target of 30% PC in all new buildings by 2026 in China is achievable with the subsidy policies of linear cost reduction, or cost reduction conforms to the learning curve.

Practical implications

Simulation results of three kinds of policy show that subsidy policy optimization is necessary regarding reducing the level of subsidy needed. The carbon credit policy is not essential since it has little influence on PC development. Implementing the project procurement restriction policy is not recommended if the scale of development of PC is more important than achieving the development target.

Originality/value

This study can help the government and developers make better policy and strategic decisions on PC development and boost the sustainability transition of the construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2022

Peng Xing, Meixia Wang and Junzhu Yao

The paper aims to investigate the optimal service quality and pricing for a mobile application (App) service supply chain (SSC) and analyze the impact of network externality on…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the optimal service quality and pricing for a mobile application (App) service supply chain (SSC) and analyze the impact of network externality on App SSC members' utilities. After that, the corresponding management inspirations and suggestions are put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper developed a SSC consisted of an App service supplier and an App service operator. Our models aim to maximize the SSC members' utilities. By utilizing the game theory, equilibrium solutions are obtained. Numerical examples are used to manifest the impact of parameters on decisions by Matlab. Some management enlightenment could be obtained by comparison analysis.

Findings

Cooperating with an App service operator that asks for a lower revenue sharing ratio will enable the App service supplier to have sufficient funds to provide high-quality update service. With the increase of network externality, adopting a high-quality service strategy can bring higher utility to the App service operator and users. Pouring attention into consumer welfare moderately will improve the App service supplier's utility. Scenario CRS can achieve a win–win goal for App SSC members and consumers.

Originality/value

The innovations of this paper are as follows: Firstly, the authors investigate the optimal service quality and pricing for the App SSC, which has been discussed little in previous literature. Secondly, the authors discuss how network externality and enterprises' attention to consumer welfare affect the optimal decisions and utilities of App service supply chain members. Thirdly, this paper considers four different circumstances and determines the optimal operation scenario for App SSC through comparative analysis.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2018

Xueliang Zhang, Meixia Wang, Binghua Zhou and Xintong Wang

Because of the properties of loess, the occurrence of collapse following deformation of a large settlement is a common problem during the excavation of tunnels on loess ground…

Abstract

Purpose

Because of the properties of loess, the occurrence of collapse following deformation of a large settlement is a common problem during the excavation of tunnels on loess ground. Hence, risk management for safer loess tunnel construction is of great significance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of factors on collapse risk of loess tunnels and establish a risk assessment model using rough set theory and extension theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The surrounding rock level, groundwater conditions, burial depth, excavation method and support close time were selected as the factors and settlement deformation was the verification index for risk assessment. First, using rough set theory, the influence of risk factors on the collapse risk of loess tunnels was calculated by researching engineering data of excavated sections. Then, a collapse risk assessment model was developed based on extension theory. As the final step, the model was applied to practical engineering in the Loess Plateau of China.

Findings

The weights of surrounding rock level, groundwater conditions, burial depth, excavation method and support close time obtained using rough set theory were respectively 10.811 per cent, 18.919 per cent, 24.324 per cent, 40.541 per cent and 5.406 per cent. The assessment results obtained using the model were in good agreement with field observations.

Originality/value

This study highlights key points in collapse risk management of loess tunnels, which could be very useful for future construction methods. The model, using easily obtained parameters, helps in predicting the collapse risk level of loess tunnels excavated under different geological conditions and by different construction organizations and provides a reference for future studies.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2015

Juan Xie, Meixia Li, Yongjing Hao, Xiaocai Meng, Yuan Meng and Zhen Li

Using only zinc nitrate, ferric nitrate and sodium hydroxide as reactants, rod-like and flower-like α-Fe2O3/ZnO composites were prepared via a simple and rapid solution route by…

Abstract

Using only zinc nitrate, ferric nitrate and sodium hydroxide as reactants, rod-like and flower-like α-Fe2O3/ZnO composites were prepared via a simple and rapid solution route by controlling the composition of precursor solution. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared α-Fe2O3/ZnO composites was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light. The results indicated that both α-Fe2O3/ZnO composites possess higher photocatalytic activity than commercial P25 TiO2. In addition, possible reasons why α-Fe2O3/ZnO composites have excellent photocatalytic performance were discussed.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

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