bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of order relation based on pansystems measures
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Lin He , Li Yongli
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the order relation of existing in computer science, define and analyze macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order in pansystems theory, and explored the relationship between macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order. It is an attempt to analyze problems in computer science by using pansystem's philosophy with mathematics and technology (PMT)‐combination.

Design/methodology/approach

Sorting is an important operation in computer science. The main task of the sorting operation is to rearrange the random serial of records into an ordered serial of records according to some keywords. The authors know that there are many sorting methods in computer science. The authors discussed the essence of semi‐partial order and macroscopical‐order and the transformation between semi‐partial order and macroscopical‐order from the point of panscale's view; the essence of this transformation is revealed. By combining the PMT (PMT‐combination), it is easy for the authors to get a deep understanding of the technology in computer science.

Findings

The need for application of the order relation, the authors explored the relationship between macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order. Combined with PanScale, the authors analyzed the essence of the transformation between macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order. And applied it to the computer science.

Research limitations/implications

The order relation is an important problem in computer science, as well as existing in our daily life, at the same time this problem has a scale concept in it, the authors need to further research and study.

Practical implications

A very useful method for research of the order relation in computer science.

Originality/value

To explore the relationship between macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order. Combined with PanScale, the authors analyzed the essence of the transformation between macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order. And applied macroscopical‐order and semi‐partial order to the computer science.
Application of Wuli‐Shili‐Renli system methodology in knowledge management
Authors: Lin Xiangyi , Zhang Qingpu , Han Xiaolin
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to utilize “Wuli‐Shili‐Renli (WSR)” system methodology to analyze complexity of knowledge and knowledge management and create models for knowledge management system (KMS) synthetically.

Design/methodology/approach

As a complex system, knowledge management should be analyzed and established by system methodologies. There are many system methodologies. Owing to WSR is characteristic of oriental culture; the paper introduces concept and working process of WSR system methodology in knowledge management from WSR perspective.

Findings

WSR system methodology can be used to analyze contents of WSR in KMS and to establish an effective KMS.

Research limitations/implications

How to define WSR in KMS is a little difficult for users.

Practical implications

A new approach for system analysis and establishment of a successful KMS.

Originality/value

The paper shows how the WSR system approach can integrate quantitative approach and qualitative analysis to analyze and establish a KMS synthetically.
Combined models for day‐ahead electricity price forecasting based on improved gray correlation methodology
Authors: Da Liu , Dongxiao Niu , Yuanyuan Li , Guanjuan Chen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

To combine the forecasting by single method using influence information fully, other than regular combined methods only focusing on historical forecasting errors.

Design/methodology/approach

To combine the single methods based on the analysis of improved gray correlation, with more related information being considered to enhance the price forecasting precision, such as the trend of the prices, the historical forecasting errors, and the temporal influence factors on prices.

Findings

A case of PJM market of USA shows that the proposed method has better performance than any other combined methods, and all single models as well.

Research limitations/implications

The combined performance depends on the forecasting precision of single methods, and the correlation between the single methods, as well as the number of single method that to be combined.

Practical implications

It is a novel idea for combined method to forecasting the time series data, such as electricity prices, electric power loads.

Originality/value

The proposed method considers all the following factors: the similarity between the trends of the single forecasting, the errors of the single models and the temporal influence.
Grey dynamic model GM(1,N) for the relationship of cost and variability
Authors: Youxin Luo , Xiao Wu , Min Li , Anhui Cai
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the deficiency of the current GM(1,N) such as low‐prediction precision, extend the scope of GM(1,N) and provide an effective grey dynamic model GM(1,N) for the relationship of cost and variability.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between two factors of variety and the cost of manufacturing system is studied on the basis of the variety reduction program theory. Based on the Grey system and the gradient algorithm, a Grey dynamic model GM(1,N) is proposed between cost and variety by optimizing the coefficient and background value of the model which is used to check validity for the relation of plasm‐yarn machine product and variety.

Findings

The proposed Grey dynamic prediction model GM(1,N) for the relationship of cost and variability has high precision and easy‐to‐use.

Research limitations/implications

A Grey model GM(1,N) for prediction is proposed.

Practical implications

The proposed model should also have potential for multifactor system prediction in engineering.

Originality/value

The deficiency of the current GM(1,N) is overcome, the scope of GM(1,N) is extended and the proposed Grey dynamic model GM(1,N) has high‐prediction precision.
The optimization of road building schedule based on budget restriction
Authors: Weng Kerui , Qu Bo
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model to determine which roads to be built in each stage with limited budget.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage network discrete expansion model with budget restriction is formulated and a heuristic algorithm is developed by the technique of comparing the original shortest paths and the sum of crossed shortest paths to avoid computing the shortest paths matrix repeatedly.

Findings

The optimal approach has a very significant effect in finding which roads to be built by the largest net benefit.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses a new multistage network discrete expansion problem is the main research implications.

Practical implications

The optimal choice for road building schedule of new urban district when budgets were limited.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model and an algorithm for the optimization of road building schedule based on budget restriction.
New sufficient criteria for Schur D‐stability of interval matrices
Authors: Shi Gui‐Ju , Han Jin‐Fang , Gao Jun‐Ling , Wang Qing‐Yin
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Schur D‐stability and the vertex stability of interval matrices (including point matrix obviously). Some new sufficient conditions (criteria) are proposed which guarantee the interval matrix is Schur D‐stable. This results are shown to be less conservative than those in recent literatures. In addition, two equivalence relations between the Schur D‐stability and the vertex stability of interval matrices will be proposed and a new Schur D‐stability range of an interval matrix presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Matrix eigenvalues theory and matrix measure approach.

Findings

Several simple sufficient conditions (criteria) for guaranteeing the Schur D‐stability of interval matrices are derived, two equivalence relations between the Schur D‐stability and the vertex stability of interval matrices are proposed, and a new Schur D‐stability range of an interval matrix is presented.

Research limitations/implications

Control theory or stability theory. These stability criterion possess simple forms and provide useful tools to check Schur D‐stability of interval matrices (including point matrix) at first stage.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful tools to check Schur D‐stability of interval matrices (including point matrix) at first stage.

Originality/value

Two equivalence relations between the Schur D‐stability and the vertex stability for general interval matrices (including point matrix) are proposed, such that the conditional limitations for tridiagonal matrix in recent papers are broken. A new Schur D‐stability range of an interval matrix is presented, and several simple sufficient conditions are obtained which guarantee the Schur D‐stability of interval matrices (including point matrix).
A fuzzy evaluation system for web services selection using extended QoS model
Authors: Tong Hongxia , Cao Jian , Zhang ShenSheng , Mou Yujie
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to define an extended QoS model to accurately describe the quality of web service in the open distributed environment and propose a fuzzy evaluation approach for services selection based on the extended QoS model.

Design/methodology/approach

The extended QoS model classifies the quality criteria of web service as five composite quality criteria, and each composite quality criterion is composed by one or more sub‐quality criteria. Considering the multiple forms of representation for the quality criteria and different types of quality value could not be compared directly, a scaling fuzzy measure for quality criteria is introduced. Based on the scaling fuzzy measure of the quality criteria, a fuzzy synthetic evaluation system for services selection is proposed.

Findings

The quality of web service has multiple facets and multiple forms of representation. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation system can deal well with the fuzzy and implicit concepts about quality evaluations and provides higher expressive force and adaptability.

Research limitations/implications

The quality of service in this paper is static preset.

Originality/value

The extended QoS model and the synthetic fuzzy evaluation system cover the shortage of the related researches and lay the foundations for QoS‐oriented service description and services selection.
Optimal portfolio model under compound jump processes
Authors: Wan Shuping
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the optimal portfolio proportion for the optimal investment model and the optimal consumption investment strategies for the optimal consumption investment model under compound‐jump processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditionally, the price of risky security or asset is often modeled as geometric Brownian motion. However, the analysis of stock price evolution reveals sudden and rare breaks logically accounted for by exogenous events on information. It is natural to model such behavior by means of a point process, or, more simply, by a Poisson process, which has jumps of constant size occurring at rare and unpredictable intervals. Assume that the price of risky security stock is modeled by a compound‐jump process, the renew process theory is chosen to solve the optimal investment model, the HJB equation is chosen for the optimal consumption investment model.

Findings

Derive the analytical optimal portfolio proportion for the reduction model of optimal investment. The optimal consumption investment strategies are given by some equations for the optimal consumption investment model.

Research limitations/implications

Accessibility and availability of data are the main limitations which model will be applied.

Practical implications

The results obtained in this paper could be used as a guide to actual portfolio management.

Originality/value

The new approach for the optimal portfolio model under compound‐jump processes. The paper is aimed at actual portfolio managers.
Emerging technologies: software‐intensive systems and other current developments
Authors: Rudall B.H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to the emerging technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics is given, and studies in software‐intensive systems are highlighted.

Findings

The paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Machine consciousness, ambisonics
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review machine consciousness (MC) and machine modelling of consciousness (MMC) with acknowledgement that their study may contribute to understanding of biological consciousness. The death of Peter Fellgett, the first Professor of Cybernetics in the UK, is noted, with a brief reference to his work on infra‐red spectroscopy and slightly more on his work on ambisonics, or surround‐sound audio reproduction. The work of his collaborator in this, Michael Gerzon, is shown to be well represented on the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

It is suggested that the evolutionary advantages of consciousness do not get the attention they should and also that reconciliation is needed with the “Cambrian Intelligence” viewpoint of Brooks. Only two fields of activity of Peter Fellgett are mentioned, particularly since his achievements will certainly be featured in a later issue ofKybernetes.

Practical implications

Speculation about MC may well contribute to understanding of the biological variety as well as to robotics techniques as such. Fellgett's contributions to spectroscopy are immensely valuable in astronomy and elsewhere and his work with Gerzon on audio reproduction is a classic study, even if commercially unsuccessful.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
The decomposition method applied to systems of linear Volterra integral equations of the first kind
Authors: Ngarasta Ngarkodje , Rodoumta Koina , Sosso Henri
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve systems of linear Volterra integral equations of the first kind by the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). An elegant and reliable technique is outlined to find canonical form of ADM.

Design/methodology/approach

The approximate solution of systems of linear Volterra integral equations is calculated in the form of series with easily computable components. In this work, some methods based on substitution techniques are presented to permit the application of ADM to systems of integral equations of the first kind.

Findings

The approach developed in this work is valuable as a tool for scientists and applied mathematicians. It provides immediate and visible symbolic terms of analytical solution as well as its numerical approximate solution to systems of integral equations of the first kind, without linearization or discretization. The presented technique has many advantages over the traditional methods because it takes into account some systems of integral equations of first kind where the kernels present some singularities.

Research limitations/implications

A reliable method for obtaining approximate solutions of linear systems of integral equations of the first kind using the ADM which avoids the tedious work needed by traditional techniques has been developed.

Practical implications

The research provides a new efficient method for solving systems of integral equations of first kind using ADM. The convergence result is investigated also and some numerical examples are given to illustrate the importance of the analysis presented.

Originality/value

The technique is both innovative and efficient, and an original approach for solving any kind of systems of linear Volterra integral equations of the first kind.
Politicians versus managers: roles and interactions in accounting cycles
Authors: Liguori Mariannunziata , Sicilia Mariafrancesca , Steccolini Ileana
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the new public management (NPM) literature by investigating how politicians and managers perceive their relationships and respective roles during the accounting cycle and using multiple cases of Italian local government (LGs).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on public administration and public management literature, the paper depicts models of interaction between managers and politicians through the analysis of the cases of five Departments in three Italian LGs.

Findings

Results show that, in contrast with NPM claims, no model of neat separation between politicians and managers can be depicted in the analyzed cases. Rather, alternatively patterns of sequential or reciprocal integration emerge, together with some cases of “confusion”.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in order to investigate the factors that can explain the types of interactions and roles.

Originality/value

The paper fills the gap in NPM literature that gives scant importance to the political dimension and its relationship with management in public organizations. It addresses the diversity in the perceptions of politicians and managers as to their roles and relationships.
A case study into planning and change management within the UK National Health Service
Authors: Drummond‐Hay Robin , Bamford David
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical case study which was undertaken to examine planning and change management within a UK National Health Service (NHS) multi‐site hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was undertaken within a UK‐based NHS hospital trust. Having reviewed the available literature, the research collated and analysed existing planning and change implementation within the hospital using multiple collection methods. This culminated in specific recommendations.

Findings

It was established that the following were all factors of influence: articulating change in the NHS; preparing for the 18‐week patient pathway; choose and book: managing patient demand; and payment by results: financial accountability at all levels. These were all high profile issues requiring specific and immediate attention, if the proposed plans and changes were to be implemented according to the objectives set.

Research limitations/implications

The case study methodology applied was appropriate, generating data to facilitate discussion and to draw specific conclusions. A perceived limitation is the single case approach; however, Remenyi et al. argue that this can be enough to add to the body of knowledge.

Practical implications

From the research, a number of key influences were identified to have a significant impact on planning and managing change within the NHS. Specific recommendations are made.

Originality/value

The core contribution of the research adds to the body of knowledge about planning and the management of organisational change within healthcare.
An exploratory study of competitive strategies among hotels in a small developing Caribbean state
Authors: Jönsson Cristina , Devonish Dwayne
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a typology of competitive strategies, which has not been extensively researched in the context of the accommodation sector in Barbados, a small developing island state in the Caribbean.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is collected through self‐administered questionnaires from 51 per cent of the hotels in Barbados. Respondents are Human Resource Managers, General Managers or Managing Directors.

Findings

Hotels in the five‐star and higher category place substantial strategic focus in the area of defining service standards and performance, as compared with hotels in the one‐star category. This study suggests that hoteliers should focus on a combination of different strategies advanced by Vandermerweet al.as a means of securing a competitive advantage. Changes in strategy should be accompanied by training employees as the service and the quality of hotels change. As their customers' demands change, and as the competition changes, the competitive strategies of hotels will change.

Research limitations/implications

Due to cultural differences among the islands in the Caribbean, the findings in this study need to be confirmed by undertaking similar investigations in other islands. Future research should consider the use of a more qualitative approach to better understand the nature of these competitive strategies in the hotel sector. Future research should examine the link between these strategies and company performance in order to determine the best combination of competitive strategies needed for maximum organisational performance.

Practical implications

This study highlights many challenges to be met and opportunities to be seized by managers in Barbados's accommodation sector. Systematically linking different strategies highlighted by Vandermerweet al.and proactively managing the hotel is one way to do both.

Originality/value

Few studies in this area have been undertaken in small developing island states in the Caribbean. This study attempts to fill this gap by comparing and contrasting the competitive business strategies employed by hotels in Barbados.
The case for trust as the foundation for restoring growth
Authors: Deutsch Lynette
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to advance the view that trust has emerged as fundamental to business survival in the current turbulent times. It also aims to examine why trust breaks down and what can be done to rectify this.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reveals the results of research, commissioned by the author's company, among organizations employing more than 500 people in the UK. More than 5,114 employees participated and the results were released at a conference in January 2009 by keynote speaker and global authority on trust, Stephen M.R. Covey.

Findings

The study indicates that almost half of UK employees do not trust their chief executive, and a similar proportion does not trust other senior management either. It examines the reasons behind this decline in trust and suggests strategies to help to reverse this trend. The paper catalogues the 13 behaviors of highly‐trusted leaders.

Originality/value

The paper examines key areas in organizations that can cause a breakdown in trust as well as how to foster a trust culture and/or rebuild trust where it has been diminished.
Find out what your people really think
Authors: Lusty David
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the ways in which employers can maximize responses to their employee‐satisfaction surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper deals, in turn, with each of the factors that determine response rates: engagement; involvement; relevance; experience; expectation; method; convenience; anonymity/confidentiality; the questionnaire itself; contentment; despair; incentives; urgency; reminders; and coercion.

Findings

The paper provides examples of good and bad practice, while revealing that there is no single “best way”.

Practical implications

The paper looks, in particular, at the differences between web‐based and paper questionnaires.

Originality/value

The paper provides plenty of useful information for employers to gain an accurate picture of employees' feelings about their experience at work.
Hiring and firing with ethics
Authors: Hussein Magdy
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the benefits to the organization and its workforce of having human resource (HR) specialists who act ethically.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the ways in which the changing role of HR – particularly in an era of outsourcing and globalization – puts a premium on ethical behavior.

Findings

The paper shows that strategically, the way a company manages its human capital significantly affects its financial performance.

Practical implications

The paper draws attention to the increasingly strategic role HR can play in helping the organization to reach the right decisions on outsourcing.

Originality/value

The paper advances the view that, when HR specialists treat employees with dignity and compassion, they help to create a trusting and inclusive work environment free of harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination.
Searching for competitive advantage with the aid of the brand potential index
Authors: Vukasovič Tina
Published: May 2009

Purpose

In recent years, the world food market has undergone an accelerated process of concentration and consolidation. These intensive processes increase the competitive advantage of operating activities on the global market and are the result of numerous changes in the period of new economy. What is the meaning of brand management and how is it dealt with in practice? What is the importance of positioning in the light of brand image and identity? Which are the ways to measure the brand strength with the aid of the brand potential index (BPI) and to identify the characteristics (key drivers) which have the greatest influence on brand strength? All these are questions for which this paper seeks to provide answers.

Design/methodology/approach

The answers to the research questions were gained using the GFK target positioning research with which a brand analysis of high‐volume products was carried out in the light of its key characteristics: brand as a product, opportunities and risks involved in the brand on the market, competition analysis, analysis of brand's personality, target group analysis (market segmentation), and marketing cluster analysis.

Findings

Based on the case study, the paper demonstrates the applicability of the research in the process of brand evaluation, determining the positioning and communication guidelines on the example of food products brands.

Originality/value

The paper is important in identifying the sources of brand value.
Exploring brand sabotage in retail banking
Authors: Wallace Elaine , de Chernatony Leslie
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore managers' and employees' views about service brand sabotage at the front line in retail banking. The current literature emphasises the role of the employee in service delivery, and advocates the cultivation of brand ambassadors – employees who support the service brand through their performance. Yet there also exist saboteurs – employees who actively work against the brand, and there is a dearth of literature exploring the nature of this group. Moreover, much of the extant literature explores service performance from the perspective of the consumer and little is known about employees' views. This paper seeks to present managers' and employees' views about service performance, and service sabotage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study incorporates findings from in‐depth interviews with bank managers, and a survey of 438 branch employees reveals sabotage drivers in the “job for life” banking environment in Ireland.

Findings

The paper identifies employee fear, overwork and compliance demands as issues which influence job dissatisfaction, consumer resentment and employee insecurity.

Research limitations/implications

The research is exploratory. The paper advocates further research to confirm the components of service sabotage, and test the influence of these components on consumers' perceptions of the service.

Practical implications

The paper offers suggestions to help managers to better manage sabotage in this sector, and recommend future research in other highly structured services sectors.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insights into the constraints on the banking employee that may lead to service sabotage. It also offers advice to managers that may help them better harness employees as brand ambassadors.
The impact of intra‐brand platform sharing on brand attractiveness
Authors: Olson Erik L.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the brand impact of intra‐brand platform sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses two real platform‐sharing examples from the automobile and consumer electronics industries in an experimental setting.

Findings

The study finds that intra‐brand platform sharing caused no damage to brand equity in either setting.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses a student sample, although all product classes and brands tested are popular with this demographic which is a key target market for the tested industries. The study also tests intra‐brand platform sharing where the price differences are 20 percent between higher and lower level platform applications, and the findings may not hold for larger price gaps.

Practical implications

Platform sharing has been shown to damage brand equity in inter‐brand applications, but the current findings suggest that intra‐brand platform sharing is safe for the brand, and allows managers to also benefit from the cost savings in product design, manufacturing and servicing that have made the technique popular.

Originality/value

The paper builds on earlier platform‐sharing research and shows where the technique can be safely practised from the standpoint of protecting brand equity.
Crisis management
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges presented by the global economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on effects as they pertain to the author's institution as well as the larger library community.

Findings

The paper suggests libraries and library associations must develop new ways of performing business.

Originality/value

The paper describes an initiative of the International Coalition of Library Consortia to work with publishers to contain costs, placing in context the challenges noted above.
Applied digital library project management
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define and describe Pareto analysis as a method for identifying and addressing the factors that have the most impact in a digital library project's success.

Design/methodology/approach

Using theory and example, the author relates the use of Pareto analysis to the successful completion of a digital library project.

Findings

Pareto analysis is useful to project managers and project teams alike as a means for identifying, prioritizing and addressing the factors that have the most impact in a digital library project. It is particularly useful to a web redesign team as a mechanism for prioritizing changes and improvements that need to be made to a web site.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of a useful tool in identifying and prioritizing the steps and factors in a project that most contribute to its success.
Understanding and teaching future consciousness
Authors: Lombardo Tom
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the main forms and components of future consciousness, to identify the important values for enhancing future consciousness, and to describe a variety of educational strategies for heightening future consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a historical review of the development of future consciousness and a psychological review of recent theory and research on its components and benefits, and argues for a teaching philosophy and strategy based on positive psychology and the development of virtues and wisdom.

Findings

Future consciousness is multi‐dimensional and involves all the major capacities of the human mind. A set of different forms of future consciousness has evolved over time, encompassing practical and social intelligence, mythic narrative, rationality and emotionality, science fiction, and future studies. Psychologically, future consciousness involves human emotion and motivation, learning and memory, all major forms of cognition, and self‐identity. Psychological processes that contribute to expansive, optimistic, and creative future consciousness can be effectively taught. The development of virtues necessary for enhanced future consciousness can be facilitated through future‐focused self‐narrative activities.

Originality/value

This paper provides a succinct and comprehensive review of the major historical forms of future consciousness and its basic psychological components, and develops an educational approach to teaching future consciousness based on this comprehensive review. The approach is unique in that it is grounded in comprehensive historical research, contemporary psychology, and recent thinking in the study of the future, and creates a virtue and wisdom based approach to teaching future consciousness that subsumes and transcends all traditional educational approaches.
Tales of adventure and change: academic staff members' future visions of higher education and their professional development needs
Authors: Tynan Belinda , Lee Mark J.W.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore future consciousness, in particular the desire for adventure and change, in light of the literature and ideas around academic development in higher education teaching and learning, and with a particular focus on supporting staff in their engagement with technologies in new ways.

Design/methodology/approach

The article builds on and extends recent work by the authors Barnes and Tynan; and Tynan, Lee and Barnes, as well as that of other researchers and theorists. A case study approach is adopted, in which the narratives or “stories” of academics at an Australian university relating to issues surrounding learning technologies are analysed. The themes that emerge from the preliminary analysis are synthesised to draw out barriers and potential solutions from the participants' perspectives, especially with regard to their self‐identified future professional development needs, and particularly in relation to their adoption and sustainable use of educational technologies.

Findings

The authors believe that successfully engaging with the goals of innovation and sustainable futures in the age of Web 2.0, the networked society and the millennial learner depends on a concerted effort at all levels of the tertiary/higher education sector.

Research implications/implications

While the preliminary findings of the study may have limitations in terms of their generalisability to institutions and countries beyond the context of the case study, they will no doubt provide a starting point for further research.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the study will serve as a think piece for educational leaders interested in facilitating long‐term initiatives and strategies aimed at cultivating a desire for change and adventure among academic staff, to “reinforce proactive behavior, self‐efficacy, and internal locus of control” in encouraging them to engage with their own futures.
Online personal learning environments: structuring electronic portfolios for lifelong and life‐wide learning
Authors: Barrett Helen C. , Garrett Nathan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to outline a vision for digital stories of development, or online personal learning environments, which may eventually replace what we currently call “electronic portfolios” in education.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual article that provides a lifelong, life‐wide perspective on electronic portfolios based on the authors' research, focusing on some of the issues that need to be addressed to make this vision a reality.

Findings

Based on the concept of “lifetime personal web space,” this online archive of a life's collection of reflections, memories, digital artefacts and memorabilia, both personal and professional, has the potential to change the current paradigm of electronic portfolios, mostly institution‐bound, and focus instead on the individual or the family as the center for creating a digital archive, which can be used in a variety of contexts across the lifespan, from schools to universities to the workplace. Finally, this archive can be used to develop personal histories and reflective narratives to preserve our stories for future generations. A possible scenario is followed by the challenges faced when developing this service for widespread dissemination. This is not a formal research paper with analysis, discussion or results. The paper is meant to provide a vision or future direction for electronic portfolios that could be stored in the internet “cloud” for a lifetime and beyond.

Practical implications

This paper encourages individuals as well as institutions to explore new ways to construct electronic portfolios in the Internet “cloud” so that the owner of the portfolio has access across their lifespan. This paper could also be used by Web 2.0 developers to improve the development of tools, making them more useable and accessible across the lifespan, from early readers to the elderly.

Originality/value

This paper provides a future vision of the potential for cloud computing to be used as a lifetime store of memories and digital memorabilia, as well as a broader vision of the electronic portfolio process across the lifespan.
The education of a transcendent generation
Authors: Chowdhury Debashis
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework for understanding and integrating future consciousness at a global level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper makes a case for transcendence beyond routine ways of teaching and learning by developing a holistic framework to examine educational practices and means.

Findings

Based on the ancient Indian Ashrama system, and borrowing from Taoist philosophy, a four segment Tao cycle framework is proposed to engage people across a transcendent learning arc.

Originality/value

This integrative conceptual framework is a possible lens through which the individual may project their own development throughout the life cycle. It offers a potential alternative, non‐Western diaspora for enhancing future consciousness.
Are US consumers ready to adopt mobile technology for fashion goods?
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Jin Ma Yoon , Park Jihye
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of ease of use, usefulness, and enjoyment, and subjective norm regarding the use of mobile phones on US consumers' attitudes toward mobile communication and mobile commerce, and mobile technology use intention for shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

This work integrates the technology acceptance model of Davis and Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action for its theoretical framework. In total, 341 college students in two large US universities provided usable responses. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed model and research hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that the perceived ease of use, usefulness, and enjoyment, and subjective norm were the significant predictors of attitudes toward mobile communication and mobile commerce as well as mobile technology use intention for shopping. The findings also suggested that attitude toward mobile communication positively influenced attitude toward mobile commerce, which in turn positively influenced mobile technology use for shopping.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of this study is slightly biased by gender and age. However, this demographic segment is meaningful to examine consumer attitudes and mobile technology use intentions for fashion goods due to its extensive usage of mobile services.

Originality/value

This study offers an integrated theoretical framework for future studies investigating consumer behavior in a technologically advanced retail environment.
“EVIPI”: innovation stimulant in niche market for renaissance of resist dyeing industries
Authors: Adedotun Amubode Adetoun
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Tie‐dye/batik produced in Abeokuta has contributed significantly to the Nigerian economy. Unfortunately, the influx of second‐hand clothing and cheap new fabrics from Europe and Asia has had a great negative effect on the industry. Consumers no longer patronize locally produced fabrics. They prefer cheap imported fabrics, either new or second‐hand. However, this paper aims to focus on innovation (“EVIPI” – an acronym for “examine, vision, ideas, prioritize, implementation”) in niche marketing as a strategy for the renaissance of resist dyeing industries (tie‐dye/batik) in Abeokuta to compete favorably in the local market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combined qualitative interviews with tie‐dye/batik practitioners, observation data and literature from secondary sources.

Findings

The findings reveal that practitioners lack innovative ideas that can help them in the sustainable growth of their businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The study reveals innovation in niche marketing as the strategy required for the renaissance of tie‐dye and batik in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Originality/value

The study is the first to look into the renaissance of the resist dyeing industry in Abeokuta through “EVIPI”, an innovation‐motivating acronym in niche marketing.
Internationalisation of the Spanish fashion brand Zara
Authors: Lopez Carmen , Fan Ying
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Research on the internationalisation of retailing has been mainly focused on market entry issues. This paper attempts to examine the internationalisation process from an international marketing perspective using Spanish fashion retailer Zara as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth case approach was adopted based on extensive secondary research, which includes literature published in English and Spanish as well as internal company documents.

Findings

The internationalisation of Zara seems to follow the classic “stage model” by firstly entering geographically or culturally close markets before taking opportunities in more distant markets. This global expansion was triggered by both push and pull factors. Compared with the competition, Zara has three distinctions: vertical integration to achieve a faster turnaround time; use of franchise and joint ventures for rapid expansion; and use of the store as the main tool for promotion, with low spend on advertising.

Research limitations/implications

The main drawback in case studies is that of limited validity and representativeness, constraining the potential for making generalisations. However, this case is deemed sufficient to provide valuable insights and improve understanding in this area.

Originality/value

Little attention has been devoted to the internationalisation process from an international marketing perspective. Aiming to fill this gap in the literature, this study provides important insights into Zara's internationalisation process.
Designing and managing business communities of practice
Authors: Corso Mariano , Giacobbe Andrea , Martini Antonella
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a model to map the evolution of a business Community of Practice (CoP) in terms of learning and knowledge management processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence is based on seven case studies and the analyses of three best practices from secondary sources. Two of those cases are analyzed longitudinally from inception, while the others are retrospective. Cases were chosen in order to cover different kinds of industries and, especially, to analyze sharing of different kinds of knowledge (from call‐centre operators to complex new products knowledge).

Findings

The article sheds light on the different evolutionary paths that business CoPs follow and the role of the dynamics of the organizational commitment and the people involvement. It was noticed that a high level of commitment from both the organization and its members is related to the effectiveness of the Community in supporting learning and knowledge management processes.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies and best practice examples reported are all based on the experiences of Western companies – although some, if not all, may have global operations. It is possible that some of the conclusions (e.g, levels of organizational commitment and individual participation, evolutionary stages and drivers), may not be valid for Asian‐headquartered companies.

Practical implications

This article aims to develop actionable knowledge to support management in understanding how to manage a business CoP, in order to create value for both the organization and its members. The proposed model can be used for mapping the CoP evolution, while identifying the appropriate governance tools to cultivate, stimulate and drive the Community evolution.

Originality/value

In the model, the evolution of a Community has been assessed in terms of its vitality – i.e. its effectiveness in supporting knowledge management and learning. This vitality depends on the combination of the organization's commitment and members' involvement. Therefore, supporting a Community in its evolution means stimulating and maintaining the commitment (animation and promotions levers) of these two parties.
Leveraging informal networks in knowledge management
Authors: Nirmala Maria , Vemuri Madhava
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace and understand informal knowledge sharing networks for various competencies in project teams. This will help establish a baseline and thereby enable further knowledge management interventions to be outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

Two project teams were identified for this study. While one of the teams had a semi‐structured knowledge management system already in place, the other had not adopted any knowledge management practices. The knowledge network analysis was rolled out for both the teams for the competencies that they were working on. This was more of an exploratory study. The results are compared across both the teams and inferences are made on the knowledge networks for the teams.

Findings

The various measures involved in social network analysis can help from a knowledge management perspective to: identify experts; provide indicators to the extent of knowledge sharing for various competencies; and baseline current knowledge management practices in a team.

Research limitations/implications

This methodology would not be very feasible for large teams with more than 500 people.

Practical implications

This is a very useful diagnostic tool for managers to know more about the knowledge sharing dynamics in their teams. This may help them design interventions to build the capabilities of key team members along specific knowledge areas.

Originality/value

The paper provides indicators on the capability of the teams and their knowledge repositories based on the interactions between them.