Why are they no longer speaking Yichun dialect? A case study on dialect inheritance, usage, and local identity of Generation Z in Jiangxi, China based on structural equation modeling

The trust crisis among stakeholders is very serious in construction projects, and this has affected the smooth implementation and benefit of projects. The existing literature has identified many types of trust. An important framework to understand the variety of trust is provided by Hartman, who distinguishes three types of trust: Competence-based trust, integrity-based trust and intuitive-based trust. In this paper, while considering China’s national conditions and cultural differences, by adopting questionnaire survey, vis-a-vis interview, structural equation modeling and a case study in China, we readjusted integrity-based trust into Guanxi-based trust. We also conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses by using SPSS 17.0 and AMOS 17.0. The result suggest that both scale and model had good reliability and validity, consolidating the theoretical foundation and providing a new perspective for further research on the interaction mechanism between trust and control among stakeholders of construction projects. Key words: Construction project, trust, dimension, structural equation model (SEM), China.

The aim of this article is to analyse the influence of supply chain risk on supply chain sustainability. Entekhab Industrial Group (EIG) has been considered for case study as the most famous home appliance producer of Iran. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the senior and middle managers of EIG. Data analysis was done using partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings indicate that supply chain risk has significant influence on supply chain sustainability. Other relationships among latent variables which generally relate nine dimensions to two major variables of supply chain risk and supply chain sustainability are found significant indicating appropriate explanation of major variables by the dimensions.

The aim of this article is to determine the factors influencing the performance of world class supply chains in order to facilitate integration and flexibility in the food industry in which, products have high sensitivity for maintaining community health and sanitation. For this purpose, logistical, procurement, communication and information technology factors have been investigated in a number of food industry factories of Khorasan Razavi Province of Iran using structural equation modelling. Findings indicate positive influence of the studied factors on the performance of world class supply chains in the food industry at 95% confidence level.

The transformational leadership is known as one of the most important and effective factors on organizational behaviors of the employee. Creation of the motivation and energy in the employees requires a leader with inspirational qualities. On the other hand, the organizational citizenship behavior is a factor in shaping. The current study was aimed at investigating the effects of transformational leadership on the employees’ organizational citizenship behavior. In addition, some personality traits are revealed in this study to be one of the main factors shaping the behaviors and to be moderating variables. The current study is of applied type in terms of the objective and a descriptive-correlational study in terms of data collection procedures. The data needed for the purpose of the study were collected by the use of questionnaire distributed among The 242 persons of statistical population, and these data have been analyzed by Structural Equations Modelling. The results indicated that all six hypotheses of the study were approved. In other words, the transformational leadership has positive and significant effects on both individual and organizational aspects of the organizational citizenship behavior. Also, the positive moderating role of neuroticism and extroversion in effects of transformational leadership on the individual and organizational aspects of organizational citizenship behavior was approved. The results show that the statistical community can utilize its human resources potential to create competitive advantage and develop the voluntary activities of its employees, provided that it is able to optimally implement transformational leadership style.

Background: digital technology plays an important role in higher education institutions. Objective: this study investigates how students and instructors are using digital tools, for what purposes they use digital technology and to what extent digital technologies adopted in higher education. Methodology: structural equation modeling was used; triangulation approaches, data have been collected from the students (n=168), instructors (n=64) using a survey questionnaires and an in-depth interviews with students, instructors. Data was analyzed using SPSS v26. Result: Based on the data analysis more than 88.09% of students use digital tools for non-academic purposes (for entertainment), like playing games, online chatting with their friends, watching videos (movies), telegram, face book for personal or social use. However, digital tools have a great impact on student academic achievement especially for students who score in GPA are greater than 3.5. Conclusion: higher education students have access to digital tools like the internet, desktop computers (1:6), laptops (4.16%) and mobile devices (97.61%). However, 88.09% of learners use educational technology for enjoyment purposes. The digital competency of instructors and students are very low. (74.21% of instructors do not use digital tools in the Classroom).

Construction Cost Index (CCI) is introduced to enhance cost forecasting in construction projects. However, the effectiveness and its application in the developing countries are limited. Therefore, a case study is conducted in Malaysia to investigate the effectiveness of CCI in developing country. In order to achieve the aim, the objectives of the study are to identify the CCI implementation factors, challenges of CCI that hindering its implementation and to justify its applicability in developing countries. Quantitative approach is selected for data collection. 1000 sets of questionnaires were distributed to the construction industry stakeholders. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were employed to analyse the collected data. It is found that encouragement from local government plays a vital role in CCI concept. Meanwhile, the reliability and validity of CCI remain as the major CCI implementation challenges in the industry. From the SEM, a causal relationship framework of CCI implementation factors and CCI functions is developed. The framework is important to serve as an implementation guideline for the stakeholders. This study is significant to provide an insight overview of CCI to the stakeholders to enhance cost estimating efficiency.

Purpose and Design: This paper develops and empirically validates a SMART-based SEFVF framework to reform Egypt’s existing financial valuation standards (EFVS). Using a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative analysis and embedded case studies, the study benchmarks SEFVF against IVS and IFRS. The results show that the proposed SEFVF substantially improves valuation accuracy, transparency, and ethical consistency, reducing disputes compared to current practices. Method and Approach: “We analyze a stratified sample of 50 Egyptian listed and large unlisted firms and conduct six embedded case studies to examine implementation frictions”. We benchmark the proposed SMART-based SEFVF against IVS/IFRS requirements and Egypt’s EFVS. Quantitatively, we build composite indices (e.g., Transparency, Ethical-Compliance) and estimate a confirmatory SEM to test the causal links among SEFVF adoption, valuation accuracy, and reporting quality. Comparative benchmarking is performed against International Valuation Standards (IVS) and IFRS guidance, while Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and scenario analysis test the hypotheses and framework validity. Findings: The results reveal that the SMART-based framework significantly improves valuation accuracy, reduces variation among valuers, enhances compliance with international standards, and increases stakeholder confidence in reported values. Case studies demonstrate that applying SMART principles leads to better risk management, fairer asset pricing, and improved decision-making in privatization, mergers, and capital market transactions. SEFVF is associated with significantly higher valuation accuracy and report transparency relative to EFVS; results are robust in the SEM (standardized paths > 0.30, p Originality and Value: This study is the first in Egypt to propose a comprehensive SMART framework for valuation reform, combining advanced digital tools, international benchmarking, and applied evidence from local case studies. It provides both academic and policy contributions by linking theory with practice. Theoretical Practical and Social Implications: Theoretically, it extends asset valuation theory by embedding SMART criteria. Practically, it equips regulators, auditors, and valuers with a structured methodology for consistent valuation. Socially, it contributes to protecting public wealth, reducing corruption opportunities, and fostering investor trust in Egypt’s financial markets.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of organizational and human factors on human resource productivity with the mediating role of agility factors (case study: North Drilling Company). In this regard, the concepts of human resources, productivity, and agility were reviewed, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method was employed to examine the impact of organizational and human factors on human resource productivity with the mediating role of agility factors. The study population includes all employees of the North Drilling Company. The sample size was determined to be 333 individuals using Cochran's formula based on the statistical population. A questionnaire was used for data collection, whose validity was confirmed through content validity by experts, and construct validity and structure were verified through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using SmartPLS software. The reliability was assessed and confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability (CR) in SPSS software. For data analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check normality, and CFA and SEM were employed to test hypotheses and validate the model. The results indicated that human and organizational factors influence organizational agility, which in turn enhances the level of organizational agility strategies and, consequently, improves employee productivity. Furthermore, the findings revealed that agility drivers and challenges in human resource management influence productivity through agility strategies.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the use of case studies in teaching an undergraduate course of Internet for Business in class, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. The study provides the empirical evidence about the effect of case-based teaching method integrated the revised Bloom’s taxonomy on students’ incremental learning, measured by the four constructs: knowledge application, higher-order thinking, practice evaluation knowledge and knowledge improvement.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, learning activities associated with the revised taxonomy-based learning strategy were proposed to support the development of higher-level cognitive skills. Revised application scale, higher-order thinking scale, practice evaluation knowledge scale and knowledge improvement scale were used to measure students’ perception of skills corresponding to their level of application, analysis, evaluation and creation, respectively. After completing each task pertinent to case studies, students were encouraged to complete the survey questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between constructs. Students participate in a course where case studies are employed as the main learning activities to promote higher-order thinking. Upon completing the course, they fill in a survey to evaluate the four constructs of incremental learning: level of knowledge application, higher-order thinking, practice evaluation knowledge and knowledge improvement. The relationships between the four constructs are then examined using SEM.FindingsAnalysis reveals that with the use of case-based learning activities, knowledge application creates a positive impact on higher-order thinking. Higher-order thinking has positive influence on practice evaluation knowledge. Eventually, practice evaluation knowledge produces a positive effect on knowledge improvement. The results show the desired effects of incremental learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies designed for teaching the Internet for Business course might not be suitable in terms of content for other courses, which limit the implication of the findings.Practical implicationsThe key implication is that cognitive process is enhanced by using case studies where learning activities are designed, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy.Originality/valueThe paper offers a comprehensive perspective on incremental learning where students’ knowledge of Internet for Business moves developmentally towards the higher-order cognitive process dimension of the revised Bloom’s taxonomy.

Using aboveground vegetation attributes as proxies for mapping peatland belowground carbon stocks

Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of innovation on enhancing technological capability in organizational performance. Method: This study is practical in nature as its findings can be used by the Agricultural Bank of Tehran and is cross-sectional in terms of time. The research population consisted of headquarters managers and all senior branch managers of the Agricultural Bank of Tehran, totaling 32 headquarters managers and 460 deputy and senior branch managers, with a total of 115 branches. Therefore, the total number of senior managers is estimated to be 500. Accordingly, the sample size for this research is estimated to be about 217 individuals, based on Morgan's table. The sampling method used in this research was stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with 64 questions. The validity of the questionnaire was examined in terms of content validity and construct validity, and reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. The conceptual model presented by the researcher was tested using structural equation modeling and the SMART-PLS software. Results: Results showed that external stimuli have a significant positive impact on internal stimuli, open innovation, and closed innovation. Internal stimuli have a significant positive impact on closed innovation but no impact on open innovation. Also, open innovation does not affect technological capabilities. Closed innovation has a significant positive impact on technological capabilities, and technological capabilities significantly positively affect technology adoption. Ultimately, it was found that the impact of technology adoption on organizational performance is significant and positive. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights for managers and policymakers in the banking sector, particularly those looking to leverage innovation for technological advancement and superior organizational outcomes.

از معضلات سازمان‌های امروزی وجود رفتارهای ضد شهروندی سازمانی همچون کم‌کاری، پرخاشگری، قلدری، لجبازی و کینه‌توزی است. این رفتارها هم بر عملکرد سازمان‌ها و هم بر روابط بین شخصی و روحیه همکاری کارکنان تأثیر می‌گذارند. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی تأثیر بیگانگی با کار در بروز رفتار ضد شهروندی سازمانی با واسطه‌گری فرسودگی شغلی انجام شده است. مطالعه از نظر هدف کاربردی و از نظر روش پژوهشی همبستگی مبتنی بر مدل معادلات ساختاری است. جامعه پژوهش همة مدیران و معاونان مدارس متوسطه اول و دوم شهر زاهدان در سال تحصیلی 98-1397 بودند. به شیوة نمونه‌گیری تصادفی- طبقه‌ای تعداد 252 مدیر و معاون مدارس متوسطه شهر زاهدان مورد مطالعه قرار گرفتند. برای جمع‌آوری اطلاعات از سه پرسشنامه رفتارهای ضد شهروندی سازمانی (رحمانی، 1392)، فرسودگی شغلی (مسلش و جکسون، 1981) و بیگانگی با کار (اقتباس از صداقتی‌فرد و عبداله‌زاده، 1388) استفاده شد. برای تجزیه‌وتحلیل داده‌ها از مدل معادلات ساختاری با کمک نرم‌افزار SPSS16 و لیزرل استفاده شد. یافته‌ها نشان داد بیگانگی با کار هم به‌طور مستقیم و هم به‌طور غیرمستقیم و با واسطه‌گری فرسودگی شغلی در بروز رفتارهای ضد شهروندی سازمانی اثر مثبت و معنادار دارد؛ بنابراین می‌توان با اقداماتی از قبیل برقراری نظام پیشنهادها، تفویض اختیار، تنوع شغلی و مشارکت دادن کارکنان در تصمیم‌گیری‌ها، ضمن کاهش بیگانگی با کار، موجب کاهش فرسودگی شغلی و رفتارهای ضد شهروندی سازمانی شد.

Electrification of transport industry in China presents several new prospects to fulfil requirements, which are necessary to encounter increasing issues of energy security, air quality, and to lower the dependence on fossil fuels. The Chinese government is paying significant attention in increasing EV market penetration and consumer adoption through numerous demonstration programs/plans with attractive transportation policies. In this study, key factors included in adoption barriers and EV policies are comprehensively reviewed, which can enhance consumer intention to adopt EVs. This research study extensively demonstrates the significant and positive impact of two distinguished types of EV policies including financial policies and preferential policies on consumer's intention to adopt EVs by implementing an extended and improved version of Theory of Planned behavior (TPB). A case study in Shanghai is performed through survey of 314 respondents, which is further evaluated by structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the aspects of EV policies on consumer adoption. In particular, construct items of TPB including attitude, subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are investigated in detail to present their joint impact on purchasing intention of consumers. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling are performed in AMOS for assessment of survey findings. The research findings from survey analysis reveal that financial and preferential EV policies have a considerable impact towards shaping the attitude of consumers and significantly related to adoption intention of EVs. However, for Shanghainese, preferential policies are more positively associated with consumer purchase intention in comparison with financial policies. Consequently, preferential policies are playing a crucial role in controlling the adoption intention of EVs in China. The principal policy suggestions for various aspects provide multifaceted perceptions for stakeholders to envision electrified transportation.

Public transport equity in Shenyang: Using structural equation modelling

Integrating partial least square structural equation modelling and machine learning for causal exploration of environmental phenomena.