Competition and firm performance: evidence from Vietnam

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of competition on firm performance using a dataset of 352 firms listed on Vietnam's stock exchanges from 2015-2019. Design/methodology/approach – The two-step system Generalized Method of Moments is used to estimate this impact. Findings – The findings reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between competition and firm performance. Competition improves firm performance if its intensity is moderate. However, if the competition intensity exceeds the optimal level, the performance deteriorates accordingly. Research limitations/implications – We have only studied Vietnamese firms due to our limited ability in data collection. It would be better to validate the findings using data from other transition economies. Practical implications – The non-linear relationship between competition and performance implies that government should pay more attention to retaining competition at an appropriate level. Social implications – Firms contribute a lot to the prosperity of Vietnam. Therefore, the findings have a meaningful implication for Vietnam's government to moderate competition to improve its firms' performance. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the extant literature by providing firsthand evidence of the impact of competition on firm performance in Vietnam – a transition economy

Factors Affecting C02 Emission in Vietnam: a Panel Data Analysis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the major factors in the process of economic growth that influence the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission in Vietnam. An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was used to evaluate the impact based on Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and Pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) in 1990–2011. The results indicate that the economic growth, energy consumption, financial development and trade openness  positively influence the CO2 emissions, whereas foreign direct investment has a negative impact in the short term. Coefficient of joining ASEAN is not statistically significant. The findings of this study also support the validity of EKC and PHH in the Vietnamese economy. Therefore, it is important to use green energy, examine requirements for foreign investment and adopt trade-related measures and policies to increase environmental protection

Contribution à la compréhension du comportement des structures renforcées par FRP sous séismes

In the context of the building’s protection against seismic risk, the strengthening technique by FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) plating and wrapping provides a relevant solution. The objective of this thesis is to propose a reliable modeling for determining the quasi-static and dynamic responses of a wide variety of structural elements and to draw advantage in design. The modeling strategies make use of 3D elements or finite elements based on simplified kinematics (multilayer shells or multifiber beams), associated with local damage and plasticity laws for the constitutive materials (concrete, rebar and FRP). The perfect bond assumption between steel-concrete and FRP-concrete allows efficiently calculating the quasi-static and dynamic behaviors of short and slender columns, as well as short and slender walls. The mechanical contribution of FRP plating and wrapping is reproduced in the modeling by adding material (bar type elements with FRP characteristics) and by changing the parameters of the concrete model on the basis of the experience and analytical formula issued from the literature. The relevance of the approach is finally highlighted by comparing the time-history response of real braced frame or wall structures with the experimental results.Dans le cadre de la mise à niveau sismique des bâtiments existants, la technique de renforcement par placage et enrobage de polymères renforcés de fibres (FRP) offre une réponse pertinente. L’objectif de cette thèse est de proposer une modélisation fiable pour la détermination de la réponse quasi-statique et dynamique d’une grande variété d’éléments de structure et d’identifier les apports possibles d’une telle modélisation à la conception. Les stratégies de modélisation s’appuient sur l’utilisation d’éléments finis massifs ou basés sur une cinématique simplifiée (coques multicouches et poutres multifibres), associés à des modèles locaux d’endommagement et de plasticité pour les matériaux en présence (béton, armatures et FRP). L’hypothèse d’adhérence parfaite, d’une part, entre les armatures et le béton, et d’autre part, entre les bandes de FRP et le béton, permet de calculer efficacement les cas des poteaux courants, des poteaux courts, des voiles longs et courts, dans les régimes quasi-statique (pushover) et dynamique. Le renforcement par placage et enrobage FRP pour des structures en béton armé, est reproduit au sein de la modélisation par un apport de matière (éléments de type barre avec les caractéristiques propres des FRP) et des modifications des paramètres de la loi de comportement du béton, justifiées par l’expérimentation et la littérature. La pertinence de l’approche est finalement démontrée en confrontant la réponse temporelle de structures à l’échelle 1, de type ossature ou de type contreventé par des voiles, aux résultats expérimentaux issus de benchmarks internationaux

UNDERSTANDING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE-ORGANISATION MISALIGNMENTS FROM AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE: A CASE STUDY OF A GLOBAL IT-MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FIRM

Inspired by the proposition that Enterprise information systems configurations chosen by the organisations will encode institutionalised principles into these systems (Gosain, 2004: 169), this study seeks to draw attention to potential sources of likely misalignment between Knowledge Management (KM) software and the implementing organisation from an institutional theory perspective. Employing a conceptual framework based on this perspective and the extended theory of structurational properties of technology and using a case study of a global IT-Management consultancy firm, the study elucidates KM software-organisation misalignments as the consequence of differences between organisational and KM technology developer\u27s contexts with due consideration of the case organisation\u27s large and diverse user base. Such contextual differences reflect the different institutional contexts where KM technology developers and adopting organisations operate. Theoretically, this study is arguably the first of its kinds to demonstrate how institutional forces can affect KM technology adoption and implementation in an actual business case, thereby enriching institutional theory. Practically, studies of this nature should assist organisations toward understanding the factors inherent within a successful implementation of KM technology in large firms, particularly those rich in high-value text-based knowledge for making decisions like management consultancies and legal organisations

Understanding Knowledge Management Software Acquisition in Organisations: A Conceptual Framework

The increasing importance of Knowledge Management (KM) has prompted many researchers to examine facets of the topic. However, understanding the acquisition of KM software in organisations and particularly the factors and conditions that affect the acquisition process has been largely ignored in the literature. Here we argue that incorporating an understanding of issues relating to KM software acquisition into KM frameworks could have real business benefits such as substantial savings in terms of cost, time, and improved administrative procedures, and could lessen the risk and uncertainty associated with KM software. The paper first examines KM definitions, KM processes and frameworks. Then, it briefly reviews evaluation criteria for acquiring KM software. A conceptual framework is introduced to describe the nature of the KM software acquisition process. Lastly, that framework is illustrated using two case studies to highlight its usefulness. This framework can also be used as a tool to explore the appropriateness of a particular software solution to an organisation by analysing the solution against the factors and conditions depicted in the framework. Empirical examination of the factors identified in our framework could also lead to a better understanding of the critical success factors of KM initiatives

Investigating brand image and brand trust in airline service: Evidence of Korean Air

Purpose: Branding is a predominant part of a marketing strategy. When the brand building is implemented effectively, it delivers customer satisfaction, nurtures customer loyalty to a higher level, and ensures greater airline success. This study explores the relationships of price, safety, and in-flight service quality with airline customers’ perceptions of the brand image and trust and clarifies their impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Methods:A sample of 367 valid responses adopting a convenience sampling method was collected from customers of Korean Air. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares SEM method. Results:The findings connote that price, safety, and in-flight services are the core factors determining the creation of a strong impression in customers’ minds about airline brands and have different impacts on customer satisfaction and loyalty. The mediating effects of brand trust and customer satisfaction on the relationship between brand image and customer loyalty were also highlighted. Implications:This study underlines that airlines should focus on controlling and maintaining the brand stance in consumer perception. Therefore, there is a need to provide a flight experience that meets consumer expectations in terms of providing a positive brand image and building brand trust in order to generate customer satisfaction and loyalty

A situated knowledge work context perspective on knowledge management software-organisation misalignments

Underpinned by the work of Schultze and Boland (2000) on situated knowledge work context, and using Bourdieu’s (1990) theory of practice, this paper draws attention to potential sources of likely misalignment between Knowledge Management (KM) software and the implementing organisation. Using the case of a global IT-Management consultancy firm, the paper elucidates KM softwareorganisation misalignments as the consequence of differences between organisational and KM technology developer’s ‘situated’ knowledge work contexts with due consideration of the case organisation’s large and diverse user base. Such contextual differences reflect the differing ‘situated’ knowledge work structures that KM technology developers and adopting organisations deliberately acquire and evolve over time. Theoretically, by giving a more comprehensive account of how knowledge work structures were emergent and then embedded into the organisation that either develops or implements the technology, we wish to provide readers with insights into the sources of misalignment, thereby enriching theory of KM technology implementation. Practically, studies of this nature would help make organisations more aware of the factors that can influence KM software package implementation, particularly in the case of large firms that are characterised by high-value, text-based knowledge for decision-making, such as consultancies, R&D, healthcare or legal organisations

SELLER-BUYER TRUST IN CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL

We conceptualize and propose a theoretical model of sellers’ trust in buyers in the cross border e-commerce context. This model is based on by signalling theory, which is further refined by using trust theories and empirical findings from prior e-commerce trust research. _x000D_ _x000D_ Keywords: buyer-seller trust, cross-border, e-commerce, signalling theory, trust theory, small and medium sized._x000D

A THEORETICAL APPROACH TO ONLINE REVIEW SYSTEMS: AN INFLUENCE OF REVIEW COMPONENTS MODEL

Effective online review component design plays a critical role in facilitating online transactions. Although there is abundant evidence that consumer reviews have significant impact on product sales, the design of consumer review systems and its impact on consumers’ beliefs about online reviews and subsequent purchase decisions have not yet been thoroughly examined. Little theoretical knowledge is available about how review components may influence consumers’ beliefs, attitudes and behavior. In this paper, we develop a conceptual model for measuring the impact of review components on the beliefs and behavior of online customers. In developing the theoretical model (called the influence of review components model, or IRCM), we synthesize the theory of reasoned action with theories in social psychology, consumer behavior, and trust to categorize review components and conceptualize the salient beliefs of consumers toward online reviews. We expect that IRCM and its empirical results provide an initial guideline for a rigorous approach to designing online review systems and testing their effectiveness before full deploymen

Combined effects of a simulated marine heatwave and an algal toxin on a tropical marine aquaculture fish cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Ongoing global warming is one of the major challenges for the development of aquaculture in the tropical regions where species are already cultured in the water temperature close to their upper physiological thresholds. Furthermore, warming can trigger blooms of toxic algae, yet we do not know how extreme warming such as a marine heatwave (MHW) and algal toxins may affect marine aquaculture species. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of a simulated MHW in combination with exposure to trans-4-trans-decadienal (PUA), a diatom-derived toxin, on survival, growth, development and biochemical composition of cobia larvae and juveniles. Cobia larvae were exposed for 48 hr to one of two temperatures (29 vs. 34°C) and two PUA treatments (0 vs. 0.5 µM). Surviving larvae from each treatment were divided into two subsets: three replicates were used for the feeding test and five replicates were used for the recovery test in a non-contaminated environment at the respective temperatures of 29 or 34°C. Survival of cobia larvae was reduced by 16% in either MHW or PUA, but it dropped by 60% when both stressors were present, indicating a synergistic effect. MHW, but not PUA, reduced the feeding of cobia larvae. PUA had no delayed effects on growth rate and biochemical composition of the fish. MHW strongly reduced specific growth rate, body protein and lipid contents in cobia. Our results provide the first empirical evidence of how MHW and toxic algae may interact and challenge cobia and marine aquaculture production in tropical countries.publishedVersio