Project Reference No.: UGC/IIDS14/P01/18
Project Title: Symposium in Reliability Theory and Industrial Statistics
Principal Investigator: Ms MO Elaine Yee-lam (HSMC)
Abstract
In the past decade, international organizations began to pay more attention to data driven mechanical technology and reviewed their internal practices. Useful information can be extracted from data and automation processes are formulated. The reliability of system thereby became a subject undergoing intense study. Yet, some organizations in Hong Kong are still grounded in traditional practice due to few publicity of reliability methods. The proposed symposium served as a platform to promote the field of reliability theory and industrial statistics and facilitate the exchange of ideas among experts.
To encourage the exchange of research ideas and increase publicity of system reliability and industrial statistics, local and international speakers are invited to share their views on the cutting-edge methodologies. Each session includes a discussion period where participants can exchange views with the experts and foster future development in Hong Kong.
Project Reference No.: UGC/IIDS15/B01/18
Project Title: Fueling the Proactivity by Emotions "Energy": Through Understanding the Functions of Discrete Emotions in Different Social Settings
Principal Investigator: Dr PENG Kelly Zheng-min (Shue Yan)
Abstract
Sparked by Pekrun and Frese (1992) and Ashforth and Humphrey (1995), by the beginning of the 21st century, "the affective revolution in organizational behavior" (Barsade, Brief, & Spataro 2003, p. 3) was under way. There is "a shift in emphasis to balance the interest in moods with an interest in discrete emotions" (Brief & Weiss, 2002, p. 298) and "…the focus would be on what is driving each of the processes and the different outcomes resulting from that particular discrete emotion." (Ashkanasy, & Dorris, 2017, p.70; discrete emotion is generally defined as a particular subjective feeling toward a certain target). This revolution goes further beyond the tendency of previous research which classifies moods/emotions as either positive or negative, and/or transforms the early belief that emotions are barriers to rationality at work (e.g. Barsade & Gibson, 2007).
Despite that the emotion studies in organizational behaviour have taken central stage over the past two decades, we still lack of knowledge on how discrete emotions are functional in the workplaces (see, Gooty, Gavin, Ashkanasy, 2009). In 2017, there is special topic forum in Academy of Management Review (Vol. 42, No. 2) to call for "Integrating Emotions and Affect in Theories of Management". In this most recent stepping stone in the "affective revolution", the functional process of discrete emotion, esp. negative ones (e.g. anger, fear), are discussed across different contexts and levels of organizational settings (Ashkanasy, Humphrey, & Huy, 2017). Unquestionably, the significance of researching on discrete emotion functions in organization is timely.
During the past two decades of "affective revolution", human being had been encountering the changing workplace and organisations. The increasing interdependence and uncertainty represent the most critical changes at work and employees are challenged to extend their job responsibilities to face with (Griffini, Neal, & Parker, 2007). Proactive behaviour (proactivity) - self-initiating, future-oriented behaviour adopted to change work situations (Parker, Bindl, & Strauss, 2010) - has become crucial at work. As one of important motivational pathway for proactivity (Parker, et. al, 2010), this emotion "energy" may be even more crucial in such highly interdependent and uncertain work environment, as it serves communicative and social functions (e.g., Keltner & Haidt, 1999). However, the pathway is still relatively less explored with the inconsistent empirical evidences in the proactivity literature (e.g., Den Hartog & Belschak, 2007; Fay, & Sonnentag, 2012).
In the purpose of understanding how discrete emotions can be functional for proactivity at the more and more interdependent and uncertain work environments. We would like to invite the four prestige researchers who are leading figures in the "affective revolution" to look to the future research on discrete emotion, esp. in proactivity. Furthermore, to get more insights and understandings on the emotional functions in other social settings, we would also invite the other six famous researchers in social psychology and educational psychology to deliver seminars/workshop on how discrete emotion would make people more proactive in the various social/interpersonal settings. For example, how moral emotions (e.g. disgust or anger) motivate people to engage in more change initiative, or achievement emotions (e.g. pride or enjoyment) motivate students to be more proactively seek knowledge, which could definitely inspire future research and practices in management. The invited presentations will constitute the basis of chapters for a book on this theme. By publishing the book, this project will have wider and longer impact to generate more insightful research idea and evidence-based practices on functions of discrete emotions in proactivity in various social settings.
Project Reference No.: UGC/IIDS14/B03/18
Project Title: A Symposium on Electronic Word-of-Mouth in China: Cultural and Linguistic Perspectives
Principal Investigator: Dr YANG Morgan Xin (HSMC)
Abstract
A recent report suggests that, in China, over 40 percent of goods sold online are counterfeits (Xinhua News, 2014). Yet, this has not deterred online shopping in China, with 467 million Chinese consumers spending $750 billion online in 2016—more than the US and UK combined (Statista, 2017). Arguably, a major factor sustaining consumer confidence in China and thus driving the country's online economy is the dynamic and diverse electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) networks embedded in a myriad of social media and product review platforms.
Not only is China's 751 million online population massive—equivalent to that of America and Europe combined (Internet World Stats, 2017), but it represents a unique context germane to new theoretical insights into the culturally and linguistically based eWOM phenomena. First, much of the extant eWOM theory is based on research conducted in a Western cultural context (e.g., Chevalier and Mayzlin, 2006; Packard and Berger, 2017). Given their group orientation and emphasis on "face" (Yau, 1994), Chinese consumers may seek and share eWOM with very different social motives. Second, the distinct lexico-semantic features of the Chinese language should naturally create new issues and opportunities for eWOM research (Huang et al., 2015). All together, the unique traits of the Chinese culture and language have, in all likelihood, given rise to more nuanced eWOM behaviors than extant theory portrays (Huang et al., 2017; Kasabov, 2016).
To advance theory and inform practice, we propose to organize a two-day symposium on eWOM in the Chinese context. The symposium will bring together leading scholars familiar with major Chinese eWOM forums (e.g., Dianping.com), online shopping sites (e.g., Taobao), or social media platforms (e.g., Weibo, WeChat). They will share, from different angles, cutting-edge research pertinent to the peculiarities of the eWOM environment in China. We believe this symposium will, on the one hand, bring inspiration to researchers and practitioners interested in gaining in-depth insights into the distinct eWOM behaviors of Chinese consumers. On the other hand, this symposium will foster collaboration between Mainland, Hong Kong, and overseas scholars in a dynamic and impactful field that has vast implications for business performance and consumer welfare.
Project Reference No.: UGC/IIDS15/B02/18
Project Title: Recent developments in Theoretical and Applied Econometrics Analysis
Principal Investigator: Dr YUEN Wai-kee (Shue Yan)
Abstract
The goal of econometrics is "to put empirical flesh and blood on theoretical structures" (Johnston, 1984, p.5). Modern research in economics and finance demands sophisticated econometric skills and models. The proposed IIDS project will instruct colleagues and other participants on recent developments in econometrics in three areas: 1) model selection strategies, 2) nonlinear econometric methods and 3) dynamic panel data analysis. By equipping colleagues and other participants with knowledge of cutting-edge theoretical and applied econometric analysis methods, the proposed project will improve research and enhance teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programmes.
The proposed project will consist of workshops, seminars and an international conference. All events will be opened to other institutions and to the public.
The workshops will focus on interactive training in applied econometrics. The workshops will cover 1) applications of automated general-to-specific modelling strategies, 2) applications of dynamic and nonlinear panel data modelling and 3) applications of nonlinear econometric methods.
The seminars will focus on instructing colleagues and other participants on new developments in econometrics. The seminars will cover 1) recent developments in automated general-to-specific modelling strategies, 2) advancements in panel data analysis and 3) advancements in nonlinear econometric methods.
The international conference will bring academics and researchers together to share research experiences and knowledge of econometric methods. It will also provide participants with a channel to stimulate discussions of new ideas in econometrics.
The proposed IIDS project will encourage colleagues in other disciplines to learn about recent developments in econometric analysis and to apply econometrics in their research projects. Publications will result from participation in the workshops, seminars and conference presentations by colleagues and other participants. The proposed project will also improve teaching and learning.
References:
Johnston J. (1984). Econometric Methods (3rd ed.). Singapore: McGraw-Hill.
Project Reference No.: UGC/IIDS25/M01/18
Project Title: Seminar on Arboriculture and Sustainable Urban Forest Management
Principal Investigator: Dr ZHANG Hao (THEi)
Abstract
Arboriculture refers to the selection, planting, and care of woody plants while urban forestry is the management of planted and naturally established greenspaces in public land in the communities. Plant management practices should be adjusted with different plant types, species and environmental conditions. Soil in urban area is generally compacted, poorly drained and aerated, and with nutrient loss, thus it is unfavorable to tree growth. Strategic management and plans are therefore important for sustainable urban forest management in the long term.
To achieve successful tree planting in urban greenspaces, selection for qualified tree should come first with considerations on environmental, economic, social and cultural factors. Site preparation, planting techniques and maintenance work are the next foci. In addition to retaining adequate space, soil modification on texture, structure, moisture and chemical characteristics can significantly reduce stress on trees. With the use of soil with desirable properties for plant growth, trees will suffer from fewer stress in despite of the urban environment. Different planting techniques and methods should be applied depending on the locations of the sites, aiming to provide desirable growth conditions for the trees, while minimizing damage in the planting process. Tree maintenance includes pest and disease management, tree pruning and protective measures. Extra care can be reduced if the trees can grow in a healthy condition. Improper tree planting practices may induce damage to the roots or trunk flare, which may cause an extended problem of plant health. Tree planting practices are critical to the health of trees throughout their whole lifespan. Yet, tree maintenance is the step which is always neglected by the public.
The theme of this seminar series is "Arboriculture and Sustainable Urban Forest Management". The seminars will be held on three separate days within a year. The aim is to promote good practices of arboriculture and sustainable urban forest management in our community. Three specific topics, "Soil Science in Urban Environment", "Pests and Diseases and Tree Decline" and "Urban Tree Selection, Planting and Maintenance", will be assigned respectively in each seminar. Four local or international experts will be invited to share their professional experience and knowledge on the above topics in each seminar. Panel discussion will be held to enhance exchange of ideas at the end of each day.