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This paper examines the impact of data-driven innovation (DDI) on firm performance, based on an exploratory case study of a manufacturing firm in China's textile and apparel industry. It explores the influence of various contextual variables on the firm's DDI and suggests ways to enhance DDI and thereby firm performance. Extending the literature on DDI, the paper proposes and validates a theoretical framework that incorporates the influence of various contextual factors on firms' DDI. The findings show that (1) individual context is associated with DDI; (2) organizational context is associated with DDI; and (3) DDI is associated with firm performance. This paper extends our understanding of how firm performance can be improved through DDI and shows that DDI should match a firm's contextual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on a case study of a three-generation family business, this paper explores the antecedents and consequences of female leadership in contemporary Chinese family business. Our findings suggest that institutional change in contemporary China affects the role of female family members in the family system, which eventually gave rise to female leadership in China’s family businesses. We also propose that in comparison to male leadership, female leadership in Chinese family business is more concerned with balancing work-family conflict; more dependent upon the family’s endowment of resources; and more likely to favor a participative (rather than authoritative) decision-making style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass customization (MC), which is popular in the fashion industry, is proposed to provide customers with products with a high degree of adaptation and a price comparable to a mass product. Both the manufacturer and customers can benefit from it. However, how to properly apply the MC strategy when facing challenges in the real world needs more exploration. In this paper, we first review the related operations research literature. Then, we conduct a real case study of a fashion company adopting MC in China. We highlight the challenges and critical successful factors for implementing apparel MC. We identify important technologies in fashion MC systems. We also propose future research opportunities on MC operations in the fashion industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Geological Strength Index (GSI) is an important parameter for estimating rock mass properties and can be estimated either through direct observations or by using a quantitative GSI chart or equations. This study aims to discuss the applicability of the RMR89 method and the latest version of GSI|2013 by applying them to a case study and to the data published in the earlier papers. The relevant rock mass properties, including blockiness and discontinuity conditions, of the walls of 15 exploratory adits with a total length longer than 1100 m in a hydropower project in China have been assessed to provide data for the analysis. In addition, a repeat analysis of the earlier published data has been conducted to validate the results derived from the case study. The results show that the GSI values calculated with the RMR89 are generally larger than those obtained from the qualitative GSI chart, with an average magnitude of about five. The GSI values predicted from the values of JCond89 and RQD are consistent with those derived through the qualitative observational method for a medium-quality rock mass but are relatively smaller or larger for a poor-quality (i.e., GSI<45) or a high-quality (i.e. GSI>65) rock mass, respectively. By comparing the results of the RMR89 method and the qualitative GSI chart method and analyzing the classification factors considered by the two methods, two new equations based on the RMR89 system have been developed for estimating the GSI. Their application to the case study and the published data prove that these two equations have higher predictive accuracy than the original RMR89 method and the latest version of GSI|2013. It is expected that the acquisition of more engineering examples will enable the two formulas to be further verified and improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a highly volatile environment, i.e., the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) context, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can develop and adapt their resource bases through partner relations, extending the emerging theorization of dynamic capabilities. We explore the detailed nature and antecedents of these dynamic capabilities based on a multicase study by tracing the development of 6 BOP-oriented SMEs in the pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, agricultural product processing, and distribution fields. The research was conducted between June 2019 and November 2020. First, our rich qualitative data indicate two distinct types of dynamic capabilities that are pivotal for short-term performance advantage and sustainable competitive advantage. Adaptation dynamic capability relates to activities of resource deployment and renewed operational capability, which is supported by local legitimacy and trust mechanisms, constructed by strong ties with noncommercial partners. Shaping dynamic capability relates to activities of path-creation and innovation capability, which is supported by the heterogeneous information and cost advantages, generated by weak ties with commercial partners. Second, SMEs give priority to the development of adaptation dynamic capability as the basis of shaping dynamic capability, while their sequencing explains how SMEs create, leverage, and enhance them over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the risks around IT outsourcing in Chinese financial institutions. We build a framework that explains the conduction paths from risk factors to risks, and from risks to resulting losses. Our framework describes relationships among 8 risk factors, 7 risks and 4 kinds of losses. Through case study we find that the main risk factors faced by Chinese financial institutions during IT outsourcing include limited IT literacy, limited choices of contractors, cultural conflict and objective misalignment with the contractors. These factors comprise the main differences between developing and developed countries in their financial institution IT outsourcing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines ownership decision of Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) with a focus on the choice between a wholly owned subsidiary and a joint venture entry mode. Based on literature review and findings from our case study of ten Chinese outward investing firms, we develop a conceptual framework that integrates the resource-based and institution-based views of international business strategy. The framework reflects special characteristics of Chinese outward FDI. On the resource side, Chinese outward FDI is both asset exploiting and asset augmenting, and accordingly, both transaction costs and strategic intents have an impact on the FDI ownership decision of Chinese firms. On the institution side, when investing overseas, Chinese firms adjust their entry strategies to attain regulative and normative institutional legitimacy in host countries. Meanwhile, they also need to comply with the rules set by the Chinese government, which provide incentives to and impose restrictions on Chinese firms' FDI ownership decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with their rapid progress, developing countries have had to deal with more environmental problems, which have been a cause for concern among policy makers and the public in general. This study cites two accidents that happened in China in 2006 that caused serious environmental problems in nearby communities and discusses the problems these accidents created and the resulting disputes among the concerned people. Pollution-causing accidents not only pose threats to the health of the victims but also give rise to environmental disputes that jeopardise national security and social stability. Conflicts normally ensue following a pollution-causing accident, which are more likely to happen within a development zone or industrial park. Few environmental conflicts in the past decades were resolved through litigation. Nevertheless, there are lapses in the regulatory system, which have to be addressed to ensure that the public's rights and interests are protected. Currently, reports on pollution-causing accidents are difficult to obtain and are often released very late. A majority of industrial firms operate without environmental clearance, thus highlighting the government's inefficiency in environmental management. It is about time that the Chinese government takes seriously the use of the Environmental Impact Assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid pace of natural resource depletion and environment deterioration is a cause of concern worldwide. Remanufacturing offers a promising option for reduction in the waste and the resources consumption. As a rapidly developing economy, China initiated remanufacturing efforts in the 1990s. While focusing on the evolution of remanufacturing in China, using a game theoretic setup, we analyze manufacturer and retailer's decisions to enter remanufacturing industry. Entry decisions are determined based on evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) for both parties in different phases of remanufacturing in China. The model uses replicator dynamic system to establish ESS. We find that a different ESS is suitable in different phase of evolution. As our model reveals, over time, additional new players have entered the industry. Finally, we conclude that remanufacturing industry in China is well prepared to increase its scale and help alleviate the concerns of waste and environment deterioration. This could be primarily attributed to the government policies, subsidies, and incentives that have played an important role in kick-starting the industry. To verify theoretical results, a case study was conducted involving a prominent manufacturer and retailer. Based on the mathematical findings and case analysis, we make several suggestions for government policymakers, practitioners, and enterprises to enable additional companies enter the market and increase the scale of remanufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an innovative model for infrastructure and public service delivery, public–private partnership (PPP) has become increasingly more popular around the world. PPP is facing the dilemma of development direction and value orientation since current studies and practices are mostly performed from an economic perspective. PPP leads according to sustainable development goals. This study briefly reviews the development of China's PPP and summarizes the characteristics of PPP in China through the theory of evolutionary economic geography. Secondly, a conceptual framework of sustainability-oriented PPP is proposed with three phases named PPP1.0, PPP2.0, and PPP3.0. Thirdly, a case study named the Taizhou commuter-rail Line S1 PPP project has been adopted to verify the theoretical framework of the sustainability-oriented PPP. Lastly, the theoretical framework is analyzed and discussed based on the four dimensions: driving force, subject, process, and object. The results show that the sustainability-oriented PPP framework explains the development process and trend of PPP, not only meeting the PPP development needs in China, but also providing a reference value for other developing countries. This study has implications for decision making in China's PPP policy and makes an innovative contribution to the global PPP knowledge body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies unique corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions and develops a framework to analyze different levels of institutional dynamics in understanding CSR in China. Based on multiple case studies of 16 firms, the article examines the CSR philosophy and approach in China's emerging market. The findings suggest that Chinese CSR understanding is largely grounded in the context of ethical and discretionary actions. This focus is mainly attributed to the dominant role of ethical leadership, governmental dependency, and cultural traditions in Chinese CSR. Moreover, the weakness or the absence of conducive social normative environment and positive peer pressure, and misalignment between CSR and organizational design further contribute to a lack of systemic and institutionalized approach to CSR in China. Our study implies that CSR is still evolving at a preliminary stage in China, and institutional infrastructure and cultural ethics are exerting abiding influence on CSR approach in the emerging economies. The article also suggests the implications for practice and policy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]