Research on the logistics development level and spatial differentiation in node city with gray target decision model

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wuyong Qian ◽  
Lizhen Wang ◽  
Jue Wang ◽  
Qianqian Chen

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to master the development process and the construction effectiveness of backbone circulation network in an all-round way, formulate regional logistics development planning as well as promote the development of logistics industry by scientifically evaluating the logistics development of node cities with a view to analyzing their spatial differentiation features.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, an integrated evaluation model is constructed by adopting factor analysis, gray target decision-making model based on cone volume and other methods so as to evaluate the logistics development of node cities. The dimensionality of three-dimensional panel data is reduced by factor analysis at first. Then, the gray target decision-making method based on cone volume is adopted to evaluate the development of node cities, whose evaluation results are carried out through the clustering analysis. The clustering analysis is used to determine the development level of node cities and to extract the spatial differentiation features of node cities.FindingsThe results show that the proposed model can comprehensively evaluate the logistics level of node cities and clarify the overall logistics development and spatial differentiation of node cities, which could provide objective evidence for formulating national policies as well as promoting the balanced and coordinated development of regional logistics in China.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in overcoming the disadvantages of existing methods assessing the logistics development level, such as principal component analysis and factor analysis, which are not applicable to panel data.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-212
Author(s):  
Manika Kohli ◽  
Suveera Gill

Purpose As widely known and well established, strategic decision-making at family firms is an interface between business interests and family considerations. The purpose of this paper is to understand the underlying basis of decision-making in setting corporate strategy and designing chief executive officer (CEO) compensation at founder- vis-à-vis descendant-led family firms in the Indian pharmaceutical sector. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 106 BSE-listed pharmaceutical companies have been studied over the period 2012–2017 resulting in a total of 636 firm-year observations. Impact of family involvement in business (FIB) on corporate strategy and CEO compensation has been analysed by constructing multivariate panel data regression models. To deal with the problem of endogeneity, Arellano-Bond (1991) dynamic panel data estimation procedure has moreover been conducted. Findings Supporting stewardship theory, founder-owned and governed firms have been found to favour “growth” strategy and distribute “conservative” executive pay, thereby exerting a positive moderating impact on the strategy-compensation linkage. On the contrary, descendants/second-generation entrepreneurs have put forth a “conservative” stance for growth and innovation, and have rather been observed to favour a “liberal” compensation policy, thereby showcasing the application of behavioural agency theory. Originality/value The research is a novel attempt to unravel the interaction between corporate strategy and CEO compensation in a family firm backdrop carried out in the context of an emerging economy. The study, moreover, adopted an all-encompassing definition of FIB (ownership, management and governance).


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naqeeb Ur Rehman ◽  
Arjona Çela ◽  
Fatbardha Morina ◽  
Kriselda Sulçaj Gura

PurposeWestern Balkans countries (WBCs) have a great potential for growth and among the main focuses of entrepreneurial activity is small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector. Moreover, SMEs are believed to contribute in the economy by stimulating employment, increasing production, transferring new technologies and so forth. Due to this crucial importance the purpose of this paper is to analyze the barriers that hinder labor productivity (LP) of SMEs in WBCs.Design/methodology/approachThe research method employed to discover solution to this research problem is quantitative analysis by using survey data of World Bank. Research methodology applied in this paper found it correctly to use cross-sectional data and conducts a factor analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) regression as the best procedure for this type of data.FindingsThe results show variability for different countries access to finance, tax rates, tax administration, corruption, inadequately educated labor force, competition in informal sector and political instability appear to be some of the main obstacles that are negatively affecting LP of SMEs in WBC.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis better results could be obtained with larger samples and panel data.Practical implicationsThe policy implications of this study suggest that in order to boost productivity of these firms there must be a reduction of the barriers and improvement of business environment. Although, this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis and contributes as insight to policy makers, better results could be obtained with larger samples using panel data.Originality/valueDifferently from previous studies this work uses explanatory factor analysis and method OLS to estimate regressions for all barriers in each country of Western Balkan region.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 2884-2913
Author(s):  
Emre Cengiz ◽  
Funda Cengiz ◽  
Muhittin Cavusoglu ◽  
Cihan Cobanoglu

Purpose This study aims to report the descriptive statistics of cost-system obsolescence (CSO) in the Turkish hotel industry and contingent factors that affect the CSO. Design/methodology/approach To validate the reflective measurement model, first, an exploratory factor analysis in statistical package for social sciences was conducted. Then, a confirmatory factor analysis using maximum likelihood in analysis of moment structures was performed to establish the reliability and validity of the construct measurements. Findings The results demonstrate that CSO symptoms did not occur frequently in sample Turkish hotels. Turkish hotels were found to operate in intense competition and a significant relationship between competition intensity (CI) and CSO takes place. The hospitability industry has been perceived as rather uncertain. However, perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) had no significant effect on CSO, and there was no mediation effect on the relationship between CI and CSO. Turkish hotels were found to perform market-orientated activities at a mediocre level. However, no significant relationship was found between market orientation (MO) and CSO. Additionally, Turkish hotels with decentralized decision-making structures and “prospector-type” strategies were found to have less CSO. On average, Turkish hotels have centralized decision-making structures and pursue “analyzer-type” strategies. Practical implications This study contributes to previous literature related to accounting information in the hotel industry. It also aims to give additional insight into Turkish hotels’ competitive environment, MO activities, decision-making structures and strategies and their association with CSO. Originality/value The study examined CSO in the Turkish hotel industry and factors that affect CSO. The study results provide additional insight into Turkish hotels’ competitive environment, MO activities, hotel structure and strategy. A new model to test CSO was created and validated using structural equation modeling (SEM).


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-178
Author(s):  
Ian Pownall ◽  
Victoria Kennedy

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the influences that shape the intention of a grading decision at the point at which it is made. This can be particularly important when those influences may vary during the marking process making reflective analyses also difficult to explore. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw upon a small sample of assessed scripts from two UK higher educational institutions and undertake a factor analysis of potentially important influences that shape the grading decision at the cognitive point it is made. Findings The authors’ findings indicate that for the sample analysed, the marker’s most important influences were those associated with the normative view of marking, although they also suggest potential influences from when the script was graded and the fatigue of the marker concerned. Research limitations/implications The work is confined to management students and limited by the sample size. A factor analysis reveals the cluster of influences that contribute to observed grade outcomes but provides less clarity upon relative inter-dependencies between those factors. There are additional constraints in that the constructed data collection tool was self-administered. Practical implications The data collection instrument (VBA Excel workbook) is, the authors believe, quite innovative in capturing immediate cognitive reflections. It could be developed for other decision-making research. The authors also believe there are staff developmental outcomes from the work, to sustain and enhance assurance in the grading process. Originality/value As far as the authors can determine, research that has explored the influences shaping grading and mark allocation tends to be reflective or undertaken after the event. The authors’ research data are constructed at the same time as the grade/mark is determined.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Packiaraj Thangavel ◽  
Pramod Pathak ◽  
Bibhas Chandra

PurposeYoung consumers are recognized as an important and lucrative segment for the businesses across the globe. While initial steps have been taken to understand them, majority of the existing works consider both Millennials and Generation Z as a single and homogeneous market segment. The purpose of this study is to explore the consumer decision-making styles which are prevalent among Indian Millennials and Generation Z e-shoppers, and how significantly they differ from one another on each of those decision-making attributes.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study used the generational cohort theory (GCT) as a framework. The psychographic statements (Questionnaire items) employed were adopted from several past researches on store orientation and catalog orientation, and they were rephrased to suit to the context of Indian online shopping. The principal components factor analysis with promax rotation has been used to unearth the underlying decision-styles among 503 survey participants. Subsequently, the ANOVA model was run to examine the mean differences between the cohorts.FindingsThe factor analysis has revealed that frugality (Price), convenience (Home) and social desirableness are the most dominant shopping orientations (decision-styles) that prevail among Indian (Millennials and Generation Z) online shoppers though in varying degrees. The probing of ANOVA results suggested that, though both the cohorts favor e-shopping, Generation Z are more enthusiastic about online shopping than their Millennial counterparts do.Practical implicationsThough Generation Z and Millennials share few characteristics between them, they exhibit different consumer behaviors. Marketers need to customize their value offerings and marketing communications that resonate well with each generational cohort.Originality/valueAlmost all the existing research works that have been conducted so far on generational cohorts are from Western and European countries and one could confidently say that those findings cannot be applied for the developing nations such as India which is a complex and diverse country in terms of its language, custom, religion and practices with troublesome pasts. Moreover, this is the first empirical work to be conducted to unearth the generational differences that exist between Generation Z and Millennials to the best of authors' knowledge.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinaj Valangattil Shamsudheen ◽  
Saiful Azhar Rosly

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate scale for ethical decision-making model in marketing that confirms religious–humanistic approach with special reference to ethical philosophy in Islam. Synthesized model of Ferrell and Gresham contingency framework for ethical decision-making in marketing and Al-Ghazali’s ethical philosophy are considered as theoretical background of this study. Design/methodology/approach “Content validity test” and “factor analysis” are used to refine measurement items and define as well as validate the scale, respectively. A total of 362 samples were collected from Islamic banking practitioners in the United Arab Emirates. Findings Item scale of the constructs comprised in the conceptual model defined and validated by using content validity test (CVT). Underlying theoretical dimensions of the constructs were extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and evidence of validation of scale/construct reported through CFA. Research limitations/implications The scope of this paper is limited to development and validation of scale. Future studies are suggested to use the newly validated scale/construct in descriptive model, and examine the hypotheses prescribed in the model. Further, explanations on theoretical background of this paper is limited as the main objective of this paper is to statistically validate the conceptual model adopted. Practical implications Proper application of validated scale of ethical decision-making model in marketing should enable concerned authorities of marketing department to gauge and understand the ethical aspects of individuals in the organizations. Apparently, apprehension of ethical perception of workforces in organizations should benefit in enhancing competence and minimize the costs from unethical behaviour, and, thus, better governance in whole level of management. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an initial attempt to develop and validate the scale of ethical decision-making model in marketing that accommodates both religious and humanistic aspects into a single model to examine the decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of individuals in organizations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Verma ◽  
Santosh Rangnekar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine applicability of the general decision-making style (GDMS) inventory in India, using a sample of managers. In addition the authors identify various decision-making styles (DMS) of Indian managers and explore their association with respondents’ gender, age, education, experience level, annual income, sector, industry and organizational output. Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted responses of 500 Indian managers from public (13 percent) and private (87 percent) sector organizations. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, independent sample t-tests and ANOVA. Findings – All decision-making sub scales (rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant and spontaneous) had satisfactory reliabilities and internal consistencies. Results obtained factor structure that confirmed the original five-factor structure of GDMS. There were also mutual correlations among the styles. Moreover, there were significant differences in the DMS across respondents’ profile variables. Research limitations/implications – This research is based upon survey method and voluntary participation. Hence one can question generalization of findings to larger samples. Practical implications – Results provide insights into DMS of the Indian managers. Organizations may use GDMS as a selection tool, respondents may hone their DMS. Originality/value – A majority of researchers use survey without evaluating validity of the instruments in the selected context and sample. This research contributed to the literature and practice by testing validation of the GDMS inventory in India.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Lotfizadeh ◽  
Kambiz Heidarzadeh Hanzaee

Purpose – This paper aims to determine whether family structure influences decision-making styles (DMSs) of Iranian couples. Design/methodology/approach – A self-administered mall survey was conducted to discover the family structures and DMSs of Iranian couples. Data were randomly collected from a sample of 800 spouses in four big cities of Iran. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multivariate analysis of variance were used to examine proposed hypotheses. Findings – The EFA and CFA results show seven DMSs for Iranian couples. Also, the findings indicate family structure has a significant effect on DMS. In the other words, the results show a difference between DMSs of egalitarian and husband-dominated spouses. Research limitations/implications – One of the limitations of the study deals with product involvement, because consumer DMSs for each product category may vary. Also, children’s influences are not considered in this study, while gender/number of children may be particularly influential in family structure. Therefore, conclusions made from these findings may be limited to spouses with similar demographic characteristics. Originality/value – The present research identifies seven DMSs for Iranian couples. It also examines whether family structure is an effective factor for DMS of spouses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-445
Author(s):  
Pedro Albuquerque ◽  
Gisela Demo ◽  
Solange Alfinito ◽  
Kesia Rozzett

Purpose Factor analysis is the most used tool in organizational research and its widespread use in scale validations contribute to decision-making in management. However, standard factor analysis is not always applied correctly mainly due to the misuse of ordinal data as interval data and the inadequacy of the former for classical factor analysis. The purpose of this paper is to present and apply the Bayesian factor analysis for mixed data (BFAMD) in the context of empirical using the Bayesian paradigm for the construction of scales. Design/methodology/approach Ignoring the categorical nature of some variables often used in management studies, as the popular Likert scale, may result in a model with false accuracy and possibly biased estimates. To address this issue, Quinn (2004) proposed a Bayesian factor analysis model for mixed data, which is capable of modeling ordinal (qualitative measure) and continuous data (quantitative measure) jointly and allows the inclusion of qualitative information through prior distributions for the parameters’ model. This model, adopted here, presents considering advantages and allows the estimation of the posterior distribution for the latent variables estimated, making the process of inference easier. Findings The results show that BFAMD is an effective approach for scale validation in management studies making both exploratory and confirmatory analyses possible for the estimated factors and also allowing the analysts to insert a priori information regardless of the sample size, either by using the credible intervals for Factor Loadings or by conducting specific hypotheses tests. The flexibility of the Bayesian approach presented is counterbalanced by the fact that the main estimates used in factor analysis as uniqueness and communalities commonly lose their usual interpretation due to the choice of using prior distributions. Originality/value Considering that the development of scales through factor analysis aims to contribute to appropriate decision-making in management and the increasing misuse of ordinal scales as interval in organizational studies, this proposal seems to be effective for mixed data analyses. The findings found here are not intended to be conclusive or limiting but offer a useful starting point from which further theoretical and empirical research of Bayesian factor analysis can be built.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document