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We investigated whether marrying and parenting later influences people's happiness. Data were sourced from the Chinese General Social Survey 2017, with an average age when marrying of 25.34 years and an average age when becoming a parent of 27.03 years. Analysis showed that, compared
to parenting later, those parenting at a younger age were happier. However, the effect of age at marriage on later happiness was not significant. Further, the effect of parenting age on happiness was greater among men than it was for women, and greater for rural residents compared with urban
residents. Data analysis revealed three main channels through which parenting age affected happiness: First, parenting later increased labor income, but testing revealed that an increase in income led to a decrease in leisure time, and this lowered happiness; second, later parenting reduced
the number of children born to the couple, and happiness was also reduced as the number of children in the family reduced; and third, later parenting reduced the likelihood of having grandchildren at the same time as other people of the same age, and a reduction in happiness was observed for
those without grandchildren.

We examine the post age-16 educational pathways taken by the 44% of young people who do not gain "good" grades in English and Maths at age 16 years. We then assess the causal effects of attending General Further Education (GFE) colleges on education and labour market outcomes for this group.
We use the Longitudinal Education Outcomes dataset, which comprises linked administrative education, employment and income records for the population of English school pupils aged 16 in 2011. To summarise complex post-16 education trajectories, we present Sankey charts stratified by indicators of disadvantage. We study the effects of attending GFE at age 17 on whether a pupil gains a Level 3 qualification by age 19, and their earnings and employment status at age 24. To estimate a causal impact, we use distance from home to the closest GFE college as an instrumental variable, controlling for a rich set of background characteristics.
Our graphical results highlight the complexity of post-16 educational pathways and transitions, which are differentiated by disadvantage. Over 50% have GFE as their first post-16 destination. Results from instrumental variable analyses show a positive association between attending GFE and gaining a Level 3 qualification by age 19, among pupils who do not gain a "good" pass in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in either English and/or Maths. Restricting analyses to the bottom of the distribution – those who gain an E, F or G grade in both English and Maths - we do not detect an impact of GFE on qualifications at age 19. Among both subgroups, we do not detect any impact of attending GFE on earnings and employment at age 24 years.
While the post-16 pathways taken by disadvantaged, lower-attaining pupils do increase qualification attainment for some, the value these have in the labour market appears limited. These results may indicate the importance of "soft-skills" and early employment experiences for this subgroup of lower-attainers.

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically explore the evolution of servitization and how platforms affect the transition between the stages of servitization.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an in-depth case study of a Chinese manufacturer (i.e. Haier) using a longitudinal design. Three rounds of data collection were conducted between 2014 and 2020. The authors carried out 50 semi-structured interviews and 11 workshops to collect data from senior and middle managers of Haier and its business partners.FindingsThe authors found that Haier's servitization journey includes three stages (i.e. product-oriented solution, integrated solution and smart connected solutions) that evolve in the target of the services and the digital components of the solutions. Haier has also developed three types of platforms (i.e. service platform, supply chain platform and platform ecosystem) to support the implementation of servitization. The empirical evidence reveals that platforms can address the complexities that emerged when Haier implements the different stages of servitization as well as enable Haier to transition from one stage of servitization to the next.Originality/valueThis study enhances the current understanding of the evolution of servitization and the roles of digital technologies in the transition between the stages of servitization. It also provides empirical evidence regarding how the platform approach enables the development of servitization. By clarifying the interplay between servitization and platforms, this study provides guidelines for managers on how to develop platforms to both advance and benefit from servitization.

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationships between power, relationship commitment and customer integration by replicating and extending Zhao et al. (2008) in China and the USA.Design/methodology/approachThis study collects data from 210 manufacturers in China and 202 manufacturers in the USA. In this study, structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data.FindingsThis study finds that normative relationship commitment is positively associated with customer integration and expert and referent power are positively associated with normative relationship commitment in China and the USA. Reward and coercive power are positively associated with instrumental relationship commitment in China, whereas referent power is negatively associated. Referent, legal legitimate and reward power are positively associated with instrumental relationship commitment in the USA, whereas expert and legitimate power are negatively associated.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence on the distinct impacts of different bases of mediated and non-mediated power in China and the USA, contributing to the development of the power-relationship commitment theory. The findings also provide insights into where and when the theory applies. The results can provide guidelines for managers to adjust the use of power to improve relationship commitment and customer integration in China and the USA.

Understanding how the subsurface of Planet Earth works has been a long passionate interest and pursuit of the geologist community. Harnessing this interest and building upon the well-established geoscience knowledge base can unlock opportunities to make available geothermal heating and cooling resources that remain dormant in Northern Ireland (NI). Geothermal energy integration provides a low-carbon alternative to current fossil fuel-dominated energy sources. Building this sector will help contribute towards commitments to the net zero target and transition Northern Ireland towards a just energy future. This report focuses on the confidence-building actions needed to build the geothermal sector in NI. The report has consulted widely and therefore reflects the experiences of those leading out on, or working with, geothermal projects. Despite over forty years of geological evidence gathering; including well operations, sub surface data analysis and detailed geoscience report generation confirming favourable geological conditions for geothermal activity in Northern Ireland, along with over two decades of political discussion, the findings of this report show an absence of awareness and indeed visibility – showcasing – of the geothermal project activity on the ground. For both the journey to net zero by 2050 and growth of the geothermal market sector in NI to be a success, the challenge is as much a market behavioural breakthrough activity as it is a technological breakthrough activity. In markets further afield, geothermal technologies are a proven part of the LZC energy portfolio and solution mix. Therefore, the policy challenge is one of building confidence, shifting attitudes and establishing the link between its potential and the actual working of geothermal projects on the ground. It requires a portfolio-driven policy approach of the energy market. The geothermal sector in NI is presently in an early development niche phase. This report, therefore, invites the geothermal shaper community to build a niche ...

PurposeIn this study, we examine the implementation of purchase order finance (POF) which is an innovative supply chain finance (SCF) solution by an innovative SCF lender (i.e. supply chain service provider (SCSP)). The effect of information integration between the SCSP (lender) and product designers (borrowers) on the lender's POF decisions and the borrowers' new product launch is investigated.Design/methodology/approachWe conduct a case study in the Chinese smartphone industry. A mixed methods design is used, and data are collected from both the supply chain service provider (SCSP) and product designers. We first conduct a qualitative study. Hypotheses are developed concerning the relationships between information integration, in terms of social interaction and information system integration, POF and new product launch. We then conduct a quantitative study. The multilevel structural equation modelling method is used to test the hypotheses.FindingsWe find that information system integration is positively associated with POF but has no significant effect on new product launch. Social interaction is negatively associated with POF but positively associated with new product launch. POF is positively associated with new product launch.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by empirically examining the implementation of POF from both the lender's and borrower's perspectives. We find that information system integration and social interaction have different effects on POF and new product launch. The results thus provide insights into how a lender makes POF decisions and reveal the benefits of POF for borrowers.