Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of land approval decentralization on energy efficiency and then analyze the mechanisms that land decentralization improves energy efficiency. Design/methodology/approach This paper has been based on the dynamic slack based measure (DSBM) method to measure energy efficiency using input-output data at the city level in China. In the empirical analysis, this paper employed difference in differences (DID), instrumental variable (IV), propensity score matching–difference in differences (PSM–DID) and triple differences (DDD) to examine the research hypotheses. Findings Firstly, this paper finds unexpected good news and shows that decentralizing land approvals significantly improves regional energy efficiency. Secondly, this paper explores two mechanisms for this effect, one is the mitigation of land misallocation and the other one is the cleaner allocation of land resources across industries. Thirdly, this paper provides micro-evidence from Chinese listed firms and finds that the decentralization of land approvals similarly improve firms’ energy efficiency. Originality/value Existing studies have mainly explored the environmental impacts of land marketization reforms, with limited attention to decentralization of land approval. As a result, the promotion effect of decentralization of land approval on energy efficiency is still unclear, and the mechanism need to be further refined. Based on empirical analysis, this paper not only helps to clarify the relationship between land decentralization reform and energy efficiency, but also explores the mechanisms of transmission.

Purpose This study investigates the influence of the wisdom of the crowd (WSC), trust and perceived value on consumer purchase intentions within social commerce (s-commerce) platforms. By constructing a novel theoretical model, the research aims to delineate the interrelationships among these variables, addressing an emerging area in social interactions and information technology. Design/methodology/approach To empirically test and validate the proposed model, the study collected data from 442 Facebook users familiar with online shopping. The analysis employed Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to test the hypotheses and examine the relationships between WSC, trust, perceived value and purchase intentions. Findings The findings confirm that WSC significantly influences trust, perceived value and the intention to purchase on s-commerce platforms. Both perceived value and trust are substantial determinants of purchase intentions. Notably, the PLS analysis revealed that WSC accounts for 36.8% of the variance in trust and 33.1% of the variance in perceived value related to purchasing decisions on s-commerce platforms. Originality/value This research contributes uniquely to the ongoing discourse on s-commerce adoption by integrating WSC as a pivotal factor in understanding perceived value and consumer adoption intentions. It provides a fresh perspective on how collective intelligence affects consumer behavior in digital marketplaces, enriching the theoretical and practical understanding of s-commerce dynamics.

Purpose The maturity of artificial intelligence technology and the emergence of AI-generated content (AIGC) tools have endowed college students with a human-AIGC tools collaboration learning mode. However, there is still a great controversy about its impact on learning effect. This paper is aimed at investigating the impact of the human-AIGC tools collaboration on the learning effect of college students. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a hypothesized model was constructed to investigate the effects of dependence, usage purpose, trust level, frequency, and proficiency of using AIGC tools on the learning effect, respectively. This paper distributed questionnaires through random sampling. Then, the improved Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign weights and normalize data. Lastly, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analyses were used to measure and analyze variables, revealing the mechanism of influence. Findings The usage purpose, frequency, and proficiency of using AIGC tools have a significant positive effect on learning. Being clear about the usage purpose of AIGC tools and matching the specific study tasks will enhance the learning effect. College students should organically integrate AIGC tools into each learning process, which is conducive to building a learning flow applicable to oneself, improving efficiency, and then enhancing learning effects. The trust level in AIGC tools is significant, but positively and weakly correlated, indicating that college students need to screen the generated content based on their knowledge system framework and view it dialectically. The dependence on AIGC tools has a negative and significant effect on learning effect. College students are supposed to systematically combine self-reflection and the use of AIGC tools to avoid overdependence on them. Research limitations/implications Based on the findings, the learning suggestions for college students in human-machine collaboration in the AIGC era are proposed to provide ideas for the future information-based education system. For further research, scholars can expand on different groups, professions, and fields of study. Originality/value Previous studies have focused more on the impact of AIGC on the education system. This paper analyzed the impact of the various factors of using AIGC tools in the learning process on the learning effect from the perspective of college students.

Purpose Prior studies have put much emphasis on using the uses and gratification (U&G) theory to find out why people use games, social media, the Internet, e-shopping, etc. Despite past research efforts, the root causes underlying this phenomenon still need to be discovered as to why people use interactive virtual rides (vrides) entertainment services, especially when incorporating the hedonic consumption perspective (i.e. playful-consumption experiences). Considering the knowledge gap in the vrides’ context, this study aims to use the UGT to find out why people use the vrides entertainment service from a hedonic consumption point of view. Design/methodology/approach With 217 usable responses, the research model was tested using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings Findings reveal that only perceived enjoyment, arousal and sensory experience derive continuous intention behavior to consume vride entertainment service. Findings using the fsQCA revealed multiple causal configurations for the proposed outcome. Originality/value This study contributes to extending the assumption of UGT via incorporating the hedonic consumption perspective to explore the potential motives and intention to consume vrides entertainment services. Our study also discusses the important theoretical/practical implications of our findings. Besides, this study is unique because it shows both symmetrical and asymmetrical connections that help us understand why people keep using vrides entertainment service.

Purpose Today’s one of the most important difficulties is tackling climate change and its effects on the environment. The Paris Agreement states that nations must balance the amount of greenhouse gases they emit and absorb until 2050 to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases and to support sustainable development. According to the agreement, each country must determine, plan and regularly report on its contributions. Thus, it is important for the countries to predict and analyze their net zero performances in 2050. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate European Continent Countries' net zero performances at the targeted year. Design/methodology/approach The European Continent Countries that ratified the Paris Agreement are specified as decision making units (DMUs). Input and output indicators are specified as primary energy consumption, freshwater withdrawals, gross domestic product (GDP), carbon-dioxide (CO2) and nitrous-oxide (N2O) emissions. Data from 1980 to 2019 are obtained and forecasted using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) until 2050. Then, the countries are clustered based on the forecasts of primary energy consumption and freshwater withdrawals using k-means algorithm. As desirable and undesirable outputs arise simultaneously, the performances are computed using Pure Environmental Index (PEI) and Mixed Environmental Index (MEI) data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. Findings It is expected that by 2050, CO2 emissions of seven countries remain constant, N2O emissions of seven countries remain stable and five countries’ both CO2 and N2O emissions remain constant. While it can be seen as success that many countries are expected to at least stabilize one emission, the likelihood of achieving net zero targets diminishes unless countries undertake significant reductions in emissions. According to the results, in Cluster 1, Turkey ranks last, while France, Germany, Italy and Spain are efficient countries. In Cluster 2, the United Kingdom ranks at last, while Greece, Luxembourg, Malta and Sweden are efficient countries. Originality/value In the literature, generally, CO2 emission is considered as greenhouse gas. Moreover, none of the studies measured the net-zero performance of the countries in 2050 employing analytical techniques. This study objects to investigate how well European Continent Countries can comply with the necessities of the Agreement. Besides CO2 emission, N2O emission is also considered and the data of European Continent Countries in 2050 are estimated using ARIMA. Then, countries are clustered using k-means algorithm. DEA models are employed to measure the performances of the countries. Finally, forecasts and models validations are performed and comprehensive analysis of the results is conducted.

Purpose In this study, a conceptual model was developed and analyzed to test the mediating role of positive psychological capital (PPC) in the impact of organizational support perceived by employees who continue their professional lives in the port sector, which is an important sub-branch of the maritime sector, on employee performance (EP). Design/methodology/approach The data for the analysis of the model in question were collected through a survey method from employees in the work site and units of 14 port enterprises in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye. A total of 406 usable data were analyzed with the SmartPLS 4 analysis program. Findings The analysis did not confirm the significant positive effect of perceived organizational support (POS) on EP. On the other hand, the analysis found that POS had a significant positive impact on PPC. Likewise, the significant positive effect of PPC on EP was confirmed. The analysis also concluded that PPC was the full mediator variable in the impact of POS on EP. Practical implications This study helps managers find out how they can improve employees' EP with qualified POS and PPC. Originality/value The current study reveals the role of PPC in the mechanism underlying the controversial relationship between POS and EP and, thus, contributes significantly to both literature and practice.

Purpose Supply chain management has become critical in today’s globalized environment, with growingly intense competition on the international level. The particular characteristics of modern trade have led companies to globalize and devise increasingly sophisticated supply chains to meet customer demand worldwide. Motivated by the need to address these challenges, we have developed a new model for a global supply chain that incorporates uncertainties in exchange rates, demand fluctuations, and the quantity of produce. Design/methodology/approach The objective of the proposed model is to maximize supply chain profitability. Our model optimizes several critical decisions in the proposed global supply chain, including the location of domestic and foreign distribution centers, allocating the centers to customers, transportation mode selection, storage temperature, optimal farm purchase quantities, product flows across the network, and the shelf-life of products. Scenario-based stochastic programming approach is employed to account for the inherent uncertainties within the model. A pistachio supply chain is examined as a case study in this article, and the efficiency of the proposed model is demonstrated through computational results. Findings The model was solved using the CPLEX solver in GAMS and the results, the Sirjan DDC and Turkey FDC have been selected. In general, 40% of demand for customers from FDC (turkey) and 60% of demand from DDC (sirjan) is provided. Changes in the demand of foreign customers make the net profit more effective than changes in the demand for domestic customers. The decrease in exchange rate decreases the network profit with a higher slope and the increase in exchange rate will increase network profit with a relatively stable slope. Originality/value While research on GSCs for perishable products has been ongoing for several years, the importance of the subject necessitates continued investigation in this area. This paper aimed to address this gap by presenting an optimization model for designing GSCs for perishable products under uncertainty and with various transportation modes. The proposed model was designed with the aim of improving supply chain performance and real-world applicability.

Purpose It is only logical that a firm aims to make a profit after entering the market. However, some firms enter the market with the goal of market expansion and even burn money to pursue market share, which is counterintuitive in practice. To explore the theoretical foundations behind this rare phenomenon, this paper focuses on discussing the impact of the market expansion entry strategy on the entrant firm and the incumbent firm. Design/methodology/approach Using a game theory model of a supply chain with an incumbent and an entrant, this paper explores the mathematical conditions for the entrant to adopt either the traditional or the market expansion entry strategy and investigates the incumbent’s benefits and losses under different entry strategies. Findings The results show that when the market-expansion effect and the selling price ceiling are moderate, the entrant firm always adopts the market expansion entry strategy, and the incumbent firm obtains a free ride from the entrant firm and benefits from it. The entire industry profits and the industry consumer surplus are increased. In particular, we further investigate the cases in which the incumbent firm has a first-mover advantage or there is a troublesome cost, and the results confirm the aforementioned conclusions. Originality/value By considering market share as the entrant’s goal, this paper contributes to the dual-purpose literature. Moreover, based on the model’s mathematical results, this paper offers relevant management insights for the entrant and its stakeholders in the e-commerce platform.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the conflict in Ukraine led to a sustained downturn in tourist arrivals (TA) in Russia. This paper aims to explore the influence of geopolitical risk (GPR) and other indices on TA over 1995–2023. Design/methodology/approach We employ a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to analyze the effects, capturing both the positive and negative shocks of these variables on TA. Findings Our research demonstrates that the NARDL model is more effective in elucidating the complex dynamics between macroeconomic factors and TA. Both an increase and a decrease in GPR lead to an increase in TA. A 1% negative shock in GPR leads to an increase in TA by 1.68%, whereas a 1% positive shock in GPR also leads to an increase in TA by 0.5%. In other words, despite the increase in GPR, the number of tourists coming to Russia increases by 0.5% for every 1% increase in that risk. Several explanations could account for this phenomenon: (1) risk-tolerant tourists: some tourists might be less sensitive to GPR or they might find the associated risks acceptable; (2) economic incentives: increased risk might lead to a depreciation in the local currency and lower costs, making travel to Russia more affordable for international tourists; (3) niche tourism: some tourists might be attracted to destinations experiencing turmoil, either for the thrill or to gain firsthand experience of the situation; (4) lagged effects: there might be a time lag between the increase in risk and the actual impact on tourist behavior, meaning the effects might be observed differently over a longer period. Originality/value Our study, employing the NARDL model and utilizing a dataset spanning from 1995 to 2023, investigates the impact of GPR, gross domestic product (GDP), real effective exchange rate (REER) and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on TA in Russia. This research is unique because the dataset was compiled by the authors. The results show a complex relationship between GPR and TA, indicating that factors influencing TA can be multifaceted and not always intuitive.

Purpose Organizations working in high-hazard environments contribute significantly to modern society and the economy, not only for the valuable resources they hold but also for the indispensable products and services they provide, such as power generation, transportation and defense weapons. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to develop a framework that outlines future research on systems safety and provides a better understanding of how organizations can effectively manage hazard events. Design/methodology/approach In this research, we developed the high hazard theory (HHT) and a theoretical framework based on the grounded theory method (GTM) and the integration of three established theoretical perspectives: normal accident theory (NAT), high reliability theory (HRT) and resilience engineering (RE) theory. Findings We focused on the temporal aspect of accidents to create a timeline showing the progression of hazard events and the factors contributing to safety and hazards in organizations. Given the limitations of the previous theories in providing a coherent explanation of hazard event escalation in high-hazard organizations (HHOs), we argue that the highlighted theories can be more complementary than contradictory regarding their standpoints on disasters and accident prevention. Practical implications A proper appreciation of the hazard nature of organizations can help reduce their susceptibility to failure, prevent outages and breakdowns of systems, identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance performance. Originality/value By developing HHT, we contribute to systems safety research by developing a new, refined theory and enrich the theoretical debate. We also expand the understanding of scholars and practitioners about the characteristics of organizations working in high-hazard environments.