bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial skills in leadership and human resource management evaluated by apprentices in small tourism businesses
Authors: Peters Mike
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the leadership skills and entrepreneur's or owner/manager's ability to motivate apprentices and other young employees. Specifically, the artical investigates young employees' perceptions about leadership and motivational behaviour in small‐ and medium‐sized hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper provides a literature review of entrepreneurial skills in general and human resource management in particular. The second part presents a survey that was carried out in 2003 in the Alpine region of South Tyrol to assess apprentices' evaluation of entrepreneurial leadership behaviour in small‐ and medium‐sized hotels.

Findings

The findings show that entrepreneurs in small‐ and medium‐sized hotels cannot meet young employees' job expectations – difficulties in communication and planning as well as low motivation and insufficient career options are mentioned as core problems in tourism enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

It is argued that some stakeholder groups within an enterprise, such as young trainees or apprentices, might have deeper insights into entrepreneurial processes and leadership skills. However, more research is needed to support these findings as the study is limited by its sample size and focus on the Alpine region of South‐Tyrol, Italy.

Practical implications

The results suggest that entrepreneurs should establish better motivational structures within their enterprises. In particular, they must consider that the development of career paths is a very important instrument in motivating young apprentices to work in the tourism industry.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the main characteristics of small business entrepreneurs in tourism and reports associated skills in the management of human resources. This paper also presents a survey that was carried out in 2003 to assess the evaluation of trainees of leadership behaviour in small‐ and medium‐sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs).
Training and developing an age diverse workforce in SMEs
Authors: Beaver Graham , Hutchings Kate
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of strategic human resource development (HRD) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with specific reference to key issues around training, development and education as well as an emerging issue of significance, age diversity management.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach undertaken in the paper is to draw upon relevant literature and research as well as the authors' own analysis of the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM), HRD and SMEs based on prior research.

Findings

The findings of the research and analysis is that SMEs which take a strategic approach to training and development of their human resources will profit not only from a competitive position in their marketplace but also be well placed to adjust to changing and often uncertain external influences on the business environment presented to organisations in the twenty‐first century.

Practical implications

It is envisaged that SMEs should make changes to their current practices and adopt a more strategic approach to the development of their people based on the practical implications outlined within the paper as to how organisations can implement HRD practices linked to broader corporate strategy.

Originality/value

The paper adds value in broadening the existing focus of SHRM and HRD on large corporations to engendering the need to also develop good HRD practices within emerging and growing SMEs and recognising the important role that they can play in developing an age diverse workforce.
Paradoxes in entrepreneurship education: chalk and talk or chalk and cheese?
Authors: Hartshorn Christina , Hannon Paul D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present the challenges raised within a UK HEI between business and non‐business educationalists engaged in the provision and integration of entrepreneurship education.

Design/methodology/approach

Shows a single case experience with biology science undergraduates and educators at an English university.

Findings

Clearly more institutions are making more entrepreneurship education offers to their students. Embedded within these offers are fundamental and diverse beliefs about the meaning of enterprise and entrepreneurship. Such differences create a number of key issues concerning what should be offered, where it should be positioned institutionally, to whom it should be offered and by whom, and how it should be delivered. Such issues relate to conceptual and philosophical challenges, design options, and institutional capacity and capability factors.

Research limitations/implications

A single case approach is contextually bounded. However such contexts are likely to apply across other UK HEIs and hence the findings have relevance and utility.

Practical implications

There are numerous challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators and there is a need for enhancing learning from experiences and for exploring how the learning modes that are embedded within the practice offered within many entrepreneurship education activities are adopted.

Originality/value

No other published UK study has explored the relationships between educators across different disciplines in embedding entrepreneurship education with university students.
Learning through online collaboration by SME staff
Authors: Allan John , Lawless Naomi
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to research the stress caused to small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) staff by online collaboration. It aims to investigate online team roles as possible stressors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on research carried out on online collaborative teams by the authors in the Open University Business School, and on existing literature on stress and collaboration. The paper uses MTR‐i™, a commercially used team role analysis tool, and Myers‐Briggs personality types to postulate reasons for stress caused by online collaboration in SMEs.

Findings

If team roles are not taken into account then the entrepreneurial members of an SME team may well find online collaboration stressful and so may not be able to fully participate in collaboration, or support others to do so.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research are that so far the research has been carried out on relatively small numbers. A much wider scale study is needed.

Practical implications

The research so far indicates that online collaborative learning in SMEs (whether formal, or informal) needs to take into account the team roles usually carried out by individuals at work if full use is to be made of in order to optimise online collaboration.

Originality/value

This paper links Myers‐Briggs personality types to the ability of SMEs and entrepreneurs to collaborate online. It will inform educators and SME entrepreneurs.
Researching entrepreneurship and education
Authors: Matlay Harry
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article is the first in a series of conceptual and empirical contributions that, individually and cumulatively, seek to analyse, develop and link two important fields of research: “entrepreneurship” and “entrepreneurship education”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes a critical literature review and a methodical evaluation of current knowledge on topics related directly and indirectly to “entrepreneurship” and “entrepreneurship education”.

Findings

A critical evaluation of the literature on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education has highlighted a number of definitional, conceptual and contextual weaknesses inherent in these two interrelated fields of research. Importantly, both fields of knowledge share similar definitional weaknesses and methodological inadequacies. The paper proposes an encompassing working definition of entrepreneurship (including intrapreneurship) and a basic typology of relevant entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial activities. This converging approach combines the two units of analysis, i.e. the entrepreneur and/or the intrapreneur as well as the entrepreneurial and/or intrapreneurial firm. In terms of a basic typology, the paper recommends Westhead and Wright's suggestion that entrepreneurs can be categorised into three broad groups: “novice,” “serial,” and “portfolio,”. This “converging approach” to entrepreneurship would bridge the most obvious aspects of empirical discord and provide better comparative and more generalisable research.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation and interpretation of emergent results represent the author's own perceptions, experiences and biases – and should therefore be viewed with caution. Thus, this article is subject to the usual bias and singular perspective which is generally attributable to “viewpoint” articles.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an encompassing working definition of entrepreneurship and a basic typology of relevant entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial activities.
Improving performance in very small firms through effective assessment and feedback
Authors: Lorenzet Steven J. , Cook Ronald G. , Ozeki Cynthia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve assessment and feedback processes in the training practices of very small firms, thereby improving the firms' human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews research and practice on effective assessment and feedback.

Findings

Based on this paper, human resources are increasingly seen as a potential source of sustained competitive advantage, and well‐trained workers can boost the performance of even very small firms. Hence, a method is provided which very small firms can use to create and implement a structured assessment tool that builds on observation of critical incidents to illustrate the differences between poor, average, and good performance.

Practical implications

The paper shows that readers can use the provided tools to assess and improve employee performance, thereby enhancing their firm's competitive position.

Originality/value

This paper can be used by very small firms to evaluate employee performance and provide employees with both positive and constructive feedback. Additionally, suggestions are provided that allow these firms to use this feedback to effectively set employee performance goals and action plans.
Graduate entrepreneurship education in the United Kingdom
Authors: McKeown Julie , Millman Cindy , Reddy Sursani Srikanth , Smith Kelly , Martin Lynn M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the progress made by UK higher education institutions (HEIs) to deliver the enterprise education agenda. The key areas for research included the type, content and delivery methods of graduate enterprise education being offered in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was e‐mailed to 123 HEIs in the UK, together with a brief introduction stating the purpose of the research. These were followed up by telephone calls to request responses.

Findings

The paper finds that provision of entrepreneurship education is varied, with both entrepreneurship and innovation courses on offer. Entrepreneurship education is most often offered at postgraduate level and on a part time basis. Overall, delivery methods proved to be more traditional than anticipated, with few instances of action learning or the use of technology to support learning. There were differences between pre‐ and post‐1992 HEIs, and little attention was given to topic areas evident in relevant UK policy initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

Supports entrepreneurship education, key capacities need to be addressed within HEIs, at senior and other levels, so that graduate enterprise embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and delivers the expected results of governmental focus and intervention.

Originality/value

This is one of the first surveys to explore how enterprise education is delivered within UK HEIs.
Small business learning through mentoring: evaluating a project
Authors: Barrett Rowena
Published: January 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a small business‐mentoring project, which was delivered in regional Australia. Design/methodology/approach – This paper contains a case study of the mentoring project and focuses on the process and the outcomes of that project from different perspectives. Data collected in semi structured telephone interviews with the Project Manager and the volunteer mentors and a mail and telephone survey of the small business owner/managers who participated in the project, is used to develop a narrative about how the project unfolded and what it achieved. The case study is then examined in light of the literature on small business mentoring. Findings – The case study highlights learning through mentoring can increase self‐confidence while objective outcomes such as increased sales and new jobs are less likely to be outcomes. Research limitations/implications – This paper focuses on one regional area and a single mentoring project while the research was conducted 18 months after the project finished. Evaluation is best conducted during or close to the completion of a project as the lapse in time can lead distort the participants' memory. Practical implications – The case study in this paper highlights some key features of small business mentoring programs: a structured process, mentor training, and the value of other opportunities for interaction between participants during the life of the project. These are all elements future small business mentoring programs can build upon. Originality/value – This paper will be of interest to practitioners involved in the delivery of small business training programs as well as policy makers as it provides an example of a program in operation and the outcomes of such a program.
Delimiting knowledge transfer from training
Authors: Butler Allan , Le Grice Phil , Reed Matt
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of how and to whom knowledge is transferred from training to practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Through recognising the interrelationship between knowledge, social network structure, and relational trust, social network methodology is applied to examine the importance of farmers' social networks in the process of knowledge transfer after engaging in learning through vocational training. The paper shows a synthesis of knowledge, social network structure and trust in relationships provides the basis for a tripartite model of knowledge transfer for which data was collected by conducting in‐depth interviews. Using social network analysis this data maps the personal business networks of individuals that have participated in training explicitly detailing to whom knowledge has been transferred.

Findings

The paper finds that farmers combine training with their tacit knowledge and through discussions with their family, and in some cases with professional contacts, new knowledge initiates various degrees of change within businesses. The familial, social and emotion attributes of business relations may determine the extent that knowledge is transferred in to practice.

Research limitations/implications

Creating a snapshot of knowledge transfer provides valuable insights into the flows of information within a business and how training is deployed. Furthermore, it provides pointers that to improve the injections of knowledge into small land‐based businesses requires more focussed intervention than is currently emphasised on programme based support schemes.

Originality/value

The paper shows that applying social network analysis to small agricultural businesses to examine knowledge transfer is in itself innovative, particularly as the research draws upon a peer‐group of businesses enabling some comparisons to be made.
Just what are tomorrow's SME employees looking for?
Authors: Szamosi Leslie T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to determine what tomorrow's employees (i.e. graduates) are seeking from SMEs in terms of organizational satisfaction and value characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 55 university students who identified SMEs as their best opportunity for their career goals is shown. The survey utilized tested measures of organizational satisfaction and values.

Findings

The paper finds that Generations X and Y are seeking equivalent values and satisfaction outcomes from SMEs. It is seeking very caring, environmentally concerned, and sensitive SMEs. Tangible and intangible benefits, empowerment and respect, workplace involvement, concern for employee welfare and supportive management are critical.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that when researching one can differentiate between what graduates are looking for from their SMEs as opposed to organizations in general. Future research could analyze SME versus MNC or other organizational forms.

Practical implications

The paper implies that in the recruiting process SMEs need to focus on various outcomes that graduates seek in order to attract and retain the best potential employees. There appears to be little need to tailor the workplace for Generations X versus Y.

Originality/value

A series of outcome variables has been specifically identified for graduates who want to work in SMEs.
Managers' perceptions of management development needs in manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Macpherson Allan , Wilson Alison
Published: January 2007

Purpose

In this paper empirical research is presented that investigates managers' perceptions of a variety of component management skills and techniques. The aim is to identify which management development needs manufacturing SME managers perceive as most important for their continued development, and to consider contextual factors that might impact on those perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross sectional survey of 198 UK small‐medium manufacturing firms is reported using factor analysis, linear regression test, ANOVA, Chi‐square and simple descriptive statistics.

Findings

The paper finds that managers of small‐medium sized manufacturing enterprises perceive six discrete and important areas where management development is necessary. The results indicate that development needs change as the firm grows, but the relationship is more complex than stage models of growth suggest. In particular, there are key leverage points where the perceptions of skills need change. Research is needed on the influence of a variety of contextual variables that might impact on perceptions of SME management development needs.

Originality/value

This research has provided an insight into the management development component skills and techniques for manufacturing SMEs.
Seeing stars: human resources performance indicators in the National Health Service
Authors: Kolins Givan Rebecca
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper examines the functioning of performance ratings of the human resources (HR) function of National Health Service (NHS). In particular, it looks at the star ratings system and the response of workplace HR managers to this system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative, cross‐sectional methodology. Human resource managers in 17 different NHS trusts, as well as senior civil servants, were interviewed.

Findings

The paper finds that poor data quality and inconsistent incentives make the ratings of limited relevance in either evaluating or driving the performance of the hospital HR function.

Research limitations/implications

The research highlights the value of assessing government policies from the perspective of those affected by them.

Practical implications

The evidence shows that the application of performance indicators does not meet the stated government objectives. Also, the unanimity across managers in differently rated trusts shows that criticisms are not limited to those who received poor ratings.

Originality/value

In examining the perceptions and practice of performance indicators, from their formulation to execution, the paper shows that problems with these ratings may occur at a number of points in the process.
Role redesign: new ways of working in the NHS
Authors: Hyde Paula , McBride Anne , Young Ruth , Walshe Kieran
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the introduction of role‐redesign in the NHS and highlight implications for employment relations.

Design/methodology/approach

A 12‐month independent evaluation (2003‐2004) of a role redesign initiative in the NHS is reported. The study followed a developmental, case‐study design and included secondary data analysis, semi‐structured interviews and observations at five case‐study sites.

Findings

The role redesign process involved four types of change to job content: skill‐mix changes; job widening; job deepening; and development of new roles. Each of these changes had implications for employment relations in terms of remuneration, management and accountability, and education and training.

Research limitations/implications

The research involves one initiative in the NHS and was evaluating a developing programme. Whilst implications are suggested for efforts at role redesign generally the research specifically relates to NHS organisations.

Practical implications

Three aspects of employment relations are identified as important when attempting role redesign: remuneration, management and accountability, and education and training.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first account of this national NHS role redesign initiative.
Best value and workplace partnership in local government
Authors: Richardson Mike , Tailby Stephanie , Danford Andrew , Stewart Paul , Upchurch Martin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper explores employee experiences concerning job security/insecurity, workload, job satisfaction and employee involvement in the aftermath of Best Value reviews in a local authority.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques employees' experiences of Best Value reviews in a local authority are compared and contrasted with council staff employed elsewhere in the authority to establish the extent to which workplace partnership principles have taken hold under a Best Value regime.

Findings

Little evidence of positive outcomes was found from partnership at work under a Best Value regime. The constraints imposed by central government, under which managers in the public sector operate, contributed significantly to partnership at work remaining little more than a hollow shell.

Originality/value

This paper provides a recent in‐depth case study of the experience of workplace partnership, which was developed not discrete from but as part of the Best Value modernisation programme in a local authority.
The relationship between personal, role, and organizational variables and promotion to managerial positions in the Israeli educational system
Authors: Cohen Aaron , Granot‐Shilovsky Lilach , Yishai Yael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the cumulative relationship of three conceptual models, a human capital model, a family domain variables model, and a work domain model, on promotion in the Israeli high school educational system. To examine whether the three models are related directly to promotion or whether the variables of work‐family conflict and family‐work conflict mediate the relationship between the three models and promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 414 teachers and principals. Of the total sample, 219 were high school principals, males and females, and 195 were high school teachers.

Findings

The findings showed that the relationship between the three models is mediated by work‐family conflict and family‐work conflict. They also showed a strong effect for two groups of variables – the work domain variables, including organizational support and having a mentor, and the two family‐work conflict and work‐family conflict variables.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a sample taken from one occupation, dominated by public employees. Therefore, we must be cautious in generalizing the findings here to other occupations or to other sectors, such as the private one.

Practical implications

If organizations want more employees with higher abilities to consider a career and advancement with them, they should develop mechanisms that will support and assist employees in their organizational life.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of the correlates of career success.
Self‐perceived employability: development and validation of a scale
Authors: Rothwell Andrew , Arnold John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Employability concerns the extent to which people possess the skills and other attributes to find and stay in work of the kind they want. It is thought by many to be a key goal for individuals to aim for in managing their careers, and for organisations to foster in workforces. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a self‐report measure of individuals' perceived employability. It also seeks to examine its construct validity and correlates.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of relevant literature, this study developed 16 items which were intended collectively to reflect employability within and outside the person's current organisation, based on his or her personal and occupational attributes. This study administered these items by questionnaire to 200 human resources professionals in the UK, along with established measures of career success and professional commitment, as well as questions reflecting demographic variables.

Findings

This article retained 11 of the 16 items for assessing self‐perceived employability. Concludes that self‐perceived employability can usefully be thought of as either a unitary construct, or one with two related components – internal (to the organisation) and external employability. The measure very successfully distinguished employability from professional commitment, and fairly successfully from career success. Only slight variations in employability could be attributed to demographic characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

This research has begun to address the gap in the literature for a brief yet psychometrically adequate measure of self‐perceived individual employability.

Practical implications

This author believes that the scale can be applied to other occupational groups, in organisational consultancy, and in individual career development. It can be used either as one scale or two, depending on the purpose of the investigation.

Originality/value

Concludes that this research represents a psychometrically adequate contribution in an under‐researched field, and will lead to future research with other occupational samples, and in other settings.
Forecasting future competency requirements: a three‐phase methodology
Authors: Robinson Mark A. , Sparrow Paul R. , Clegg Chris , Birdi Kamal
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an integrated three‐phase methodology for forecasting future competency requirements more effectively than existing methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is demonstrated with reference to empirical research conducted by the authors. The methodology consists of three phases: phase 1 – preliminary interviews, phase 2 – questionnaire, and phase 3 – critical incident technique interviews. Outputs from phases 1 and 2 are used to generate a framework through which to elicit future competency requirements during phase 3.

Findings

The empirical findings, although included, are incidental to the current paper; they serve solely to illustrate the methodology. As such, the development and demonstration of this methodology are the main “findings” of the paper.

Research limitations/implications

Methodologies for forecasting future competency requirements should adopt structured integrated approaches to improve predictive accuracy.

Practical implications

The methodology is described in sufficient detail so as to enable its practical application by HR professionals and academic researchers alike. Both groups will find this methodology extremely useful.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to improve upon existing methods for forecasting future competency requirements. By addressing the limitations of existing methods, and also by merging previously independent approaches, it provides an innovative integrated methodology of significant value.
The impact of culture on Chinese employees' work values
Authors: Jaw Bih‐Shiaw , Ling Ya‐Hui , Yu‐Ping Wang Christina , Chang Wen‐Ching
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the detailed relationships between Chinese cultural values (Confucian dynamism, individualism, masculinity, and power distance) and work values (self‐enhancement, contribution to society, rewards and stability, openness to change, and power and status) in an integrated model. Further attempts are also made to explain the above relationship in terms of different cultural exposure experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was collected from China (selected from after‐work classes for Chinese businessmen in China) and Australia (overseas Chinese living or working in Sydney) by questionnaires. Altogether, 185 respondents took part in the study. SEM was used to test the relationship between Chinese cultural values and work values, and difference analysis was employed to test the impact of respondents' Western cultural exposure experiences.

Findings

Interesting results are found concerning Chinese employees' cross‐cultural work values. The study not only confirms the impact of cultural values on work values, but also brings some new thoughts on Hoftstede's belief that instead of high masculinity and individualism, Confucian dynamism is the main cultural value to foster self‐enhancement and most work value of Chinese employees.

Research limitations/implications

Because China is a complex country, the limited Chinese sample should not be taken as representative. The current study did not differentiate respondents' demographic differences. Hence some demographic variables may have produced some of the intergroup differences reported in this study.

Practical implications

The findings provide useful input for managers who are seeking to develop effective working relationships with Chinese counterparts.

Originality/value

This paper enriches existing Chinese values studies and serves as a starting point for future research concerning the detailed relationship between Chinese cultural values and work values.
Work‐life balance as source of job dissatisfaction and withdrawal attitudes
Authors: Hughes Joanna , Bozionelos Nikos
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the views of male workers in a male dominated occupation on issues that pertain to work‐life balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was qualitative in nature. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 bus drivers employed by a single company in order to identify their perceptions on the following: whether issues related to work‐life balance were sources of concern and dissatisfaction; how concern over issues related to work‐life balance was compared to other sources of concern and dissatisfaction; and whether issues related to work‐life balance were linked with withdrawal attitudes and behaviours.

Findings

It emerged that work‐life imbalance was not only a source of concern, but also that it was the major source of dissatisfaction for participants. Furthermore, participants made a clear connection between problems with work‐life balance and withdrawal behaviours, including turnover and non‐genuine sick absence.

Originality/value

The study has value at both scholarly and practice level. At scholarly level, the research investigated an important contemporary issue within a neglected group: male workers in a low profile male dominated occupation. At practice level, the findings suggest that work life imbalance incurs tangible costs to organisations; hence, organisations need to establish human resource systems to deal with it. Furthermore, pertinent legislation may need to be developed and enacted.
Evaluate that information
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the need to critically evaluate information, no matter what the source or origin.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines how information is distributed to end users.

Findings

This article notes that changes in business and marketing strategies have caused information to be communicated in more personal ways, yet evaluation criteria should still be applied.

Originality/value

Reinforces the value of evaluating all types of information sources, especially newer forms such as blogs and podcasts.
Google Scholar™ and libraries: point/counterpoint
Authors: Kesselman Martin , Barbara Watstein Sarah
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore and expose some of the many facets of Google Scholar™ that have set the academic library world on edge. Google Scholar™'s impact on reference and information literacy is considered, as are the challenges it poses for the library's web site.

Design/methodology/approach

Includes opinions in a point/counterpoint format, as well as citations to recently published literature.

Findings

Provides arguments about ignoring or leveraging the teachings of Scholar Google™ in conjunction with teaching the library's various subscription databases available through the library's web site.

Originality/value

This paper fills an identified information need by offering original, practical advice to librarians.
A longitudinal study of the development and evaluation of an information literacy test
Authors: Ondrusek Anita , Dent Valeda F. , Bonadie‐Joseph Ingrid , Williams Clay
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to provide an overview of the development, construction and evaluation of an information literacy testing instrument connected with the VOILA! online information literacy tutorials, developed by librarians at Hunter College libraries for students enrolled in the college's first‐year orientation seminar (ORSEMs).

Design/methodology/approach

The VOILA! online information literacy tutorial, developed by librarians at Hunter College, has a test as one of its components. All incoming students registered in the college's orientation seminars (ORSEMs) are required to go through the VOILA! tutorials and take the test. The longitudinal development and evaluation of the test are reviewed, including initial statement of competencies, test creation, test construction (assessment type, question formulation and question type) and test evolution. Validity and reliability are also discussed in detail. Finally, a review of the test results including general statistics and the connection of student performance to test construction is provided.

Findings

Test construction was given a great deal of attention during the development of VOILA!, as librarians wanted an instrument that was valid and reliable. The importance of iterative test design and attention to the details of test construction is stressed in the article, and the methodology used to determine validity and reliability is presented. Those interested in testing information literacy skills must be able to examine the instrument, the results and the design process in a way that contributes meaningfully to the preparation of students to undertake research at the college level.

Research limitations/implications

Librarians will continue to modify the VOILA! test in keeping with evaluation results, and the assessment will continue. Thus the results presented may not fully represent the final evaluative outcome.

Practical implications

This research is useful for information professionals who are interested in test design, construction and evaluation. The longitudinal study presents clear, practical information that can be used as a case study for other libraries interested in this area. The VOILA! test itself is included as an Appendix, and can be used as a model for other libraries to consult.

Originality/value

A literature review revealed a number of articles about testing and information literacy, but very few, if any, articles approached the discussion from a longitudinal test construction standpoint. In this way, the study presents information that is original. The study would be valuable for information professionals who are interested in test design, construction and evaluation.
Library instruction for high‐risk freshmen
Authors: McDermott Dona
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Library instruction is an important component in developmental programs for high‐risk college freshmen. There is little in the literature to describe information literacy programs for these students. Aims to redress this omission.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes a library instruction component that was included in an English department enrichment skills program for university freshmen with low verbal SAT scores. The library component includes instruments used to evaluate library sessions from the viewpoint of both the English department faculty and library faculty. A pre‐session survey was given to students to ascertain their previous experience with using the library. The results of this indicated that library instruction was needed. An assessment quiz given to students at the end of the session evaluated what they had learned.

Findings

Two or three library sessions are required to cover the basic skills of library use. In addition, librarians and English professors need to collaborate closely on assignments for the library sessions so that students will have a practical need to focus on the material presented.

Originality/value

This article adds to the body of literature on information literacy programs for high‐risk students, an often overlooked group.
Moving beyond collections
Authors: Walter Scott
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify opportunities for effective collaboration between academic libraries and student services offices dedicated to providing services to students of color.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research method was used to gather demographic information about students affiliated with one of four “cultural centers” at Washington State University and to generate descriptive statistics regarding their patterns of information use and the degree to which they made use of library resources and services.

Findings

Findings are reported in five tables describing library use by students of color as well as their preferences for targeted library programming. Survey results were used to identify a number of potential service enhancements to encourage more effective use of library and information resources by students of color.

Research limitations/implications

Survey dissemination was limited to those students either actively affiliated with one of four cultural centers sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services, or involved in the Academic Enrichment programs sponsored by that office. Survey results suggest that additional inquiry is needed into the development of substantive and sustainable partnerships between academic libraries and student services offices dedicated to providing services to students of color.

Practical implications

Provides a number of discrete approaches to providing more effective library resources and services to students of color within the framework both of liaison with academic departments and of co‐curricular service frameworks.

Originality/value

Builds a framework for service‐based liaison with student communities of color that transcends the familiar discussions related to building library collections that reflect the history and experience of racial and ethnic minority groups. Insight into minority student use of libraries and into avenues for collaboration with multicultural student service programs may be useful to librarians on any college campus with a well‐defined framework for minority student services.
Using rubrics to assess information literacy
Authors: Knight Lorrie A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an assessment study of undergraduate students' achievement of information literacy learning outcomes in a first‐year research and writing course.

Design/methodology/approach

The object of the assessment was a group of bibliographies compiled by the students. The librarian and other faculty members created a scoring rubric based on course learning objectives and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. The rubric was used to score the bibliographies to determine the students' levels of mastery of the objectives, their use of library‐licensed vs freely available web sources, and differences among the classroom learning environments.

Findings

The paper finds that students' academic work is a useful gauge of their achievement of information literacy‐based learning outcomes. A rubric is a valuable assessment tool that provides a reliable and objective method for analysis and comparison.

Research limitations/implications

Research in assessment offers libraries the opportunity to measure their contribution to the educational missions of their institutions. As there is no “one size fits all” in assessment, it is important to explore and publish a variety of assessment approaches to expand this area of knowledge.

Practical implications

The results of this study led to certain changes in the library's delivery of instruction. Dissemination of the results may also prompt more widespread acceptance of the role of information literacy in higher education. Other libraries may find additional applications for this assessment approach.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the base of empirical research about library instruction, information literacy, and assessment using the ACRL Standards. Although other information literacy rubrics exist, there is a shortage of publications that report the results of their application to student academic work.
Island time
Authors: Tag Sylvia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this guest editorial is to provide an overview of the LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2006 Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

Review the conference, which was hosted by the University of Hawaii and held from June 8‐10 at the Fairmont Orchid Resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island.

Findings

The Conference was a great success, and raised many interesting questions.

Originality value

Gives an overview of the LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2006 Conference, and the issues raised there.
Information Competencies Checklist: a resource for inter‐segmental collaboration
Authors: Klingberg Susan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a model checklist of information competencies for two‐ and four‐year colleges and universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The Checklist was a collaborative project developed by a team of two‐ and four‐year librarians from the California State University and California Community Colleges.

Findings

The Checklist demonstrates that it is possible for two‐ and four‐year librarians to develop a common understanding of student information competencies and use the process to facilitate inter‐segmental cooperation.

Practical implications

The Checklist is useful for planning information competency programs, designing effective library assignments in courses, and developing student learning outcomes throughout the curriculum.

Originality/value

The originality of the project is its collaborative nature and its success in advancing inter‐segmental cooperation in California public higher education, the largest system in the nation.
Using interactive technology to teach information literacy concepts to undergraduate students
Authors: Armstrong Annie , Georgas Helen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to measure the effectiveness of a highly interactive animated tutorial that aims to teach basic information literacy concepts to undergraduates and to determine which factors enhance online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The tutorial was evaluated using 30 undergraduate students. Each test consisted of a pre‐tutorial questionnaire and a post‐tutorial questionnaire.

Findings

Data from the evaluative testing of the tutorial shows that the tutorial is effective in imparting information literacy concepts to undergraduate students. Students responded positively to the interactivity and game‐like nature of the tutorial.

Originality/value

The high degree of interactivity and the game‐like quality of the tutorial are key factors in its success. Thus, developers should aim to incorporate these elements into future online tutorials for undergraduate students.
Encouraging students' lifelong learning through graded information literacy assignments
Authors: Brendle‐Moczuk Daniel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to argue that one of the ways librarians and library information literacy sessions can have a positive impact on students’ lifelong learning is to create and mark assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

If library information literacy sessions are to have a positive impact on students' lifelong learning, it is necessary to clearly define and delineate the term “lifelong learning” into its three components of cognition, behavior and information seeking skills. The three components are not linear, but intertwine. Multiple information literacy sessions must cognitively engage students to realize they have a learning need.

Findings

Information literacy instruction librarians are often overwhelmed with requests for 50‐minute one‐shot library classes which have questionable results in regards to student learning. Instead of having a marginal impact on thousands of students per year, information literacy librarians should use their time and resources by creating graded assignments with multiple IL classes and consider abandoning the 50‐minute one‐shot sessions. However, multiple IL sessions and marking assignments will take time.

Originality/value

By creating graded assignments, information literacy instruction librarians would have a close collaborative relationship with classroom faculty to reach perhaps fewer students but have a greater impact on students' information literacy and lifelong learning.