bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision making in online auctions
Authors: Huang Yi‐Chun , Jim Wu Yen‐Chun , Wang Yu‐Chun , Boulanger Nolan Christopher
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study was to draw on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and attempt to identify the factors influencing the customer decision to purchase via online auctions, focusing on how managers selling via online auctions can modify product positioning and promotion decisions in order to make their offerings more congruent with these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a survey instrument to collect data from Yahoo!Kimo website consumers in Taiwan, obtaining 450 samples which were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Attitude toward online auctions, perceived behavioral control and past related experiences significantly and positively influence the intention to purchase on online auctions, whereas subjective norm does not have such influence. Additionally, past related experiences have a positive effect on perceived behavioral control.

Research limitations/implications

There has been a relative dearth of work on online auction customer behavior. By applying the TPB to online auction research, it was empirically supported that behavioral intention to purchase via online auctions is determined by attitude and perceived behavior control. Past related experiences were further integrated, discovering that they can strengthen perceived behavioral control.

Practical implications

Recommendations are put forward in order to help better align product positioning and promotion decisions in online auctions with customer attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and past related experiences. These constructs may also be capable of explaining employee actions in general managerial contexts, thus extending the contribution of the paper beyond the limited world of online auctions.

Originality/value

This study integrated online auctions, the theory of planned behavior and consumer decision‐making philosophies in order to develop and empirically test a theoretical framework of consumer decision making in online auctions.
Strategic reactions to technology competition
Authors: Schiavone Francesco
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual decision‐making model aimed at supporting managers' selection of alternative strategic reactions to technological change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a literature review of strategic reactions incumbent firms have made to technological change. This is followed by an analysis and indication of the data needed/available in the strategic reaction decision‐making process.

Findings

The ability for an organization to understand its strategic position with regard to six items: possibility of old product revitalization; extent of disruption of innovation; old market competitive position; difficulty in entering in the new market; dynamic capabilities; old core capabilities; is critical when deciding a course of action in technologically competitive markets. Therefore, the hiring of external consultants (e.g. technology experts) is advisable beyond the normal knowledge managing practices used by the organization.

Originality/value

The paper extends literature on technology competition proposing a model (and a multiple‐item scale) for decision‐makers of incumbent firms in order to strategize when technological competition occurs.
Theory X/Y assumptions as predictors of managers' propensity for participative decision making
Authors: Russ Travis L.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether McGregor's theory X/Y assumptions are determinants of managers' propensity for participative decision making (PDM).

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys measuring theory X/Y assumptions and propensity for PDM were administered to 144 full‐time managers from divergent industries across the USA. The hypotheses were tested using linear regressions.

Findings

Results generally support McGregor's assertion that managers' theory X/Y assumptions are linked to PDM. Findings suggest that theory X managers perceive that PDM negatively impacts their power while theory Y managers perceive a positive consequence of soliciting employee participation on their supervisory power and organizational effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Although respondents represented diverse industries and organizations, the use of convenience sampling may temper generalizability of the findings. Also, the use of self‐reports may have elicited socially desirable responses. Greater attention is needed from researchers and practitioners to understand how managers' assumptions influence the adoption or avoidance of PDM.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that managers' predisposition for PDM is predicted to a large extent by their theory X/Y assumptions. These results provide a compelling case for managers to continuously question their assumptions about employees and critically examine whether their biases influence their decision‐making practices.

Originality/value

This study expands the landscape of PDM literature, adding further evidence that individual‐difference variables, in this case theory X/Y assumptions, greatly influence supervisors' biases about employee participation.
Development of a digital library of manuscripts
Authors: Londhe Nagesh L. , Desale Sanjay K. , Patil Suresh K.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the technical know‐how required for digitisation of manuscripts. It aims to discuss the digitisation process of manuscripts adopted in the Jayakar Library, University of Pune in India and also to evaluate the digitisation software used in this project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains different steps of the digitisation process. It also explains the process for creating metadata fields for easy retrieval of manuscripts and evaluates the digitisation software.

Findings

Digitisation of manuscripts is a difficult process because of the fragility and discolouration (yellowishness) of manuscripts. Creation of metadata and especially subject headings for manuscripts is difficult and time consuming. QuickScan software is good for image capturing and DSpace is good for providing access to digital contents.

Originality/value

The project details and use of different software in this project may be useful for others carrying out digitisation projects.
Automated serials control at the Indian Institutes of Technology: an overview
Authors: Ghosh Tapas Kumar , Panda K.C.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the functional attributes of the automated serials control systems of the libraries in seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and provide a comparative analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Features of the serials control modules of the library management systems (LMSs) in use in the central libraries of the IITs are thoroughly studied by logging into the respective systems.

Findings

The paper finds that five IITs are using LibSys and two use Virtua and Troodon for their LMS. Virtua covers most of the functional attributes that comply with the international standards, LibSys has tried to incorporate the core functionality of serials control although the compliance of standards is limited, but Troodon is lagging behind.

Originality/value

The recommended attributes of the automated serials control system will definitely act as guidelines for the libraries of the IITs to upgrade their existing systems and the developers of the respective library management system software will also take the necessary initiative to make their system fool‐proof by resolving the identified drawbacks.
Institutional repositories in Indian universities and research institutes
Authors: Krishnamurthy M. , Kemparaju T.D.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study of the institutional repositories (IRs) in use in Indian universities and research institutes.

Design/methodology/approach

Repositories in various institutions in India were accessed and described in a standardised way.

Findings

The 20 repositories studied covered collections of diverse types. Most of these collections have unique content.

Originality/value

The goal of this study is to study the IR software and data based on the content type, metadata and characteristics. The paper also describes the collections and some important observations from this study.
AERIS: an integrated domain information system for aerospace science and technology
Authors: Ranjan Hatua Sudip , Madalli Devika P.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the methodology in building an integrated domain information system with illustrations that provide proof of concept

Design/methodology/approach

The present work studies the usual search engine approach to information and its pitfalls. A methodology was adopted for construction of a domain‐based information system, known as Aerospace Information System (AERIS), comprising six distinct steps in identifying and sourcing, evaluating and then technically integrating resources into the information system. AERIS is an integrated gateway for resources in the domain of aerospace science and technology. AERIS is designed to provide information from varied sources such as formal publications (e.g. articles), aggregators (e.g. harvesters) and also informal resources such as blogs and discussion fora. Interaction is provided through a simple user interface.

Findings

The domain‐based information system with focussed collection and services serves patrons with more precision than general web search engines.

Research limitations/implications

At present the AERIS system is populated with a limited number of resources. A fully‐fledged system may be developed based on the same model.

Originality/value

This original research work provides a model for a comprehensive integrated gateway to domain‐based information using open‐source tools.
Use pattern of print and electronic journals at the Kurukshetra University, India
Authors: Gupta Dinesh K.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the use of electronic journals from the INFONET consortium by faculty and research scholars of physics and chemistry at Kurukshetra University, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the results of a questionnaire distributed to all the teachers and research scholars of the two departments.

Findings

The main findings are that the respondents are more attracted towards e‐journals than print journals. However, they depend more on open‐source materials than those available via INFONET. Respondents also identified the need for training in using e‐resources and retrieving information from them from time‐to‐time.

Originality/value

The use of e‐resources, particularly e‐journals, is increasing in the developing countries. Studies such as this one are required to understand the problems faced by the users and to increase the use of e‐resources.
Open‐source tools for enhancing full‐text searching of OPACs
Authors: Anuradha K.T. , Sivakaminathan R. , Arun Kumar P.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

There are many library automation packages available as open‐source software, comprising two modules: staff‐client module and online public access catalogue (OPAC). Although the OPAC of these library automation packages provides advanced features of searching and retrieval of bibliographic records, none of them facilitate full‐text searching. Most of the available open‐source digital library software facilitates indexing and searching of full‐text documents in different formats. This paper makes an effort to enable full‐text search features in the widely used open‐source library automation package Koha, by integrating it with two open‐source digital library software packages, Greenstone Digital Library Software (GSDL) and Fedora Generic Search Service (FGSS), independently.

Design/methodology/approach

The implementation is done by making use of the Search and Retrieval by URL (SRU) feature available in Koha, GSDL and FGSS. The full‐text documents are indexed both in Koha and GSDL and FGSS.

Findings

Full‐text searching capability in Koha is achieved by integrating either GSDL or FGSS into Koha and by passing an SRU request to GSDL or FGSS from Koha. The full‐text documents are indexed both in the library automation package (Koha) and digital library software (GSDL, FGSS)

Originality/value

This is the first implementation enabling the full‐text search feature in a library automation software by integrating it into digital library software.
Sliding wear behaviour of zinc‐based alloy vis‐à‐vis gray cast iron as influenced by applied load and sliding speed
Authors: Prasad B.K.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are to assess the sliding wear response of a zinc‐based alloy over a range of sliding speeds and pressures in oil‐lubricated condition with respect to a cast iron, to understand the role of different microconstituents in controlling the observed wear behaviour and to examine various operating material removal mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Sliding wear tests have been carried out using a pin‐on‐disc machine in oil‐lubricated condition at different speeds and pressures. The wear response has been explained in terms of specific nature of various microconstituents of the specimen materials and substantiated through the characteristics of wear surfaces, subsurface regions and debris particles.

Findings

The wear rate increased with the sliding speed while load produced a mixed influence. Further, the friction coefficient and frictional heating were influenced by the test duration, load and speed in a mixed manner. Moreover, the zinc‐based alloy attained lower wear rate but higher friction coefficient than that of the cast iron while frictional heating followed a mixed trend.

Practical implications

The paper further establishes a zinc‐based alloy as a potential substitute material system to a well‐known cast iron in tribological applications and enables further understanding of the wear mechanisms.

Originality/value

The present paper assesses the sliding wear performance of a lighter zinc‐based alloy as an effective potential substitute material system to cast iron in tribological applications. An attempt has also been made to understand the role played by different microconstituents in controlling the wear behavior and substantiate the wear response through the characteristics of wear surfaces, subsurface regions and debris.
On the mechanism of the synergistic effect of PTFE and copper in a lithium grease lubricant
Authors: Krawiec Stanisław
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a reason of a very high lubrication effectivity of a lithium grease filled with PTFE and copper powders when used as a lubricant between contacting steel surfaces under mixed friction conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of the differential thermal analysis (DTA) of a lithium grease lubricant filled with 6 wt% PTFE and 6 wt% Cu and of a 1:1 mass mixture of PTFE and copper powders alone. The chemical composition analysis of post‐DTA residual substances was carried out using the x‐ray microanalysis. The same method was employed for the examination of the chemical composition of the post‐test friction area in the balls of a four‐ball apparatus. The balls were lubricated with three greases: without any fillers (the base 1S lithium grease), with one filler (6 wt% Cu), and with two fillers (6 wt% PTFE and 6 wt% Cu). For the latter compound, the load was 500 daN, for the remaining compositions, the load was 126 daN.

Findings

The results of the analyses done confirmed a thesis that the synergism of PTFE and Cu in the tested grease under mixed friction conditions is possible due to the thermal decomposition of PTFE and creation – as a result of a reaction of this decomposition products with an earlier formed platering layer – of new layers that are (to a high probability) complexes containing copper, fluorine, and sulphur.

Practical implications

PTFE and copper powders when used as fillers for a lithium grease form a very effective lubrication compound for steel sliding pairs. The application of this compound results in an overall reduction of friction and wear that is greater than a simple summation of gains obtained when using these two additives separately.

Originality/value

It was proved that a dominant factor contributing to the synergistic effect of PTFE and copper in a lithium grease when used for the lubrication of steel surfaces is the fluorine that originate from the thermal disintegration of PTFE and not sulphur from the base grease.
Design for static stiffness of hydrostatic plain bearings: constant compensations
Authors: Kang Yuan , Lee Jian‐Lin , Huang Hua‐Chih , Lin Ching‐Yuan , Lee Hsing‐Han , Peng De‐Xing , Huang Ching‐Chu
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to determine whether the type selection and parameters determination of the compensation are most important for yielding the acceptable or optimized characteristics in design of hydrostatic bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes the equations of flow equilibrium to determine the film thickness or displacement of worktable with respect to the recess pressure.

Findings

The stiffness due to compensation of constant‐flow pump increases monotonically as recess pressure increases. Also, the paper considers which is larger than that due to orifice compensation and capillary compensation at the same recess pressure ratio.

Originality/value

The findings show that the usage range of recess pressure and compensation parameters can be selected to correspond to the smallest gradient in variations of worktable displacement or film thickness.
Oil film hydrodynamic load capacity of hydro‐viscous drive with variable viscosity
Authors: Xie Fangwei , Hou Youfu
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the characteristics of hydrodynamic load capacity and torque transferred by oil film with variable viscosity, and the effect of groove number, width and depth on the hydrodynamic load capacity and torque transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The radial temperature of friction pair and viscosity of YLA‐N32 hydraulic oil were measured through experiments, and a viscosity‐diameter expression was deduced using polynomial fitting method. Analytical expressions for hydrodynamic load capacity and torque of the oil film were deduced based on hydrodynamic lubrication theory.

Findings

The investigation shows the hydrodynamic load capacity and transferred torque with variable viscosity are much less than that with constant viscosity. Load capacity increases with the increase of groove depth which is the most significant influence factor, while it has the least influence on torque. Groove width has great influence on load capacity and torque. The load capacity increases with the increase of groove width; contrarily, torque decreases with the increase of groove width. Groove number has little influence on load capacity, while it has great influence on torque. The torque decreases with the increase of groove number.

Originality/value

In this paper, analytical solutions for hydrodynamic load capacity and torque of the oil film with variable viscosity are deduced. The paper reveals the relationship between hydrodynamic load capacity, torque transfer and groove number, width and depth.
Student‐community engagement and the development of graduate attributes
Authors: Mason O'Connor Kristine , Lynch Kenny , Owen David
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of student‐community engagement in ensuring relevance of higher education to civil, social, economic and moral issues. It reviews the literature around three inter‐related themes: calls for higher education institutions to engage with their communities; the kinds of attributes university graduates should possess for employability and citizenship; and the pedagogies of experiential learning and reflection informing student and community engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates and draws together international literature related to three areas: calls for universities to engage with their communities, attributes which students engaged in co‐generative community relations might develop, and pedagogies which inform and develop such engagement.

Findings

The paper draws a number of conclusions related to pedagogy, citizenship and the need to develop quality indicators of engagement and impact. The overarching conclusion is that student‐community engagement founded on principles of mutual reciprocity enhances student attributes and is an important aspect of the modern university. Higher education needs to both retrieve the traditional civic role of the university, and also look forward to creating new approaches, so that universities are “of” the community and developing graduates as citizens.

Practical implications

The paper includes policy implications for curriculum development in relation to fostering graduate attributes and citizenship.

Originality/value

Through an exploration and integration of literature related to themes of university community engagement, graduate attributes and pedagogies of experiential reflective learning the paper signposts an agenda of change for universities in the twenty‐first century.
Service‐learning and the development of empathy in US college students
Authors: Wilson Judy C.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of a service‐learning experience on the personal development of college students, particularly focusing on the expression of empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflective writing papers were evaluated using a rubric with definitions for three types of understanding, as defined by Wiggins and McTighe in 2005, perspective, empathy, and self‐knowledge. The results were analyzed using Fisher's exact test to determine if there were significant differences in the expression of these types of understanding between the service‐learning group and the group that did not do service‐learning.

Findings

Students involved in the service‐learning assignment were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to express empathy in their reflective writing than the students who did not participate in service‐learning. There were no significant differences between the groups in the other two types of understanding.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small study in two classes taught by the researcher so the findings are limited by these factors. The self‐selection of the students into the two assignment groups also limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the findings.

Practical implications

Personal development can be fostered by service‐learning assignments that include opportunities to interact with people in need so that understanding through empathy is likely to be experienced.

Originality/value

This study focused on the type of service‐learning experiences that are likely to lead to experiencing empathy which contributes to personal development. This type of development is a component of the general education goals for undergraduates in the USA.
Student internships bridge research to real world problems
Authors: Hynie Michaela , Jensen Krista , Johnny Michael , Wedlock Jane , Phipps David
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to report on student perceptions of 24 graduate student internships funded in 2007‐2008 by York University's Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) Unit. These internships provided opportunities for students to engage in research with community agencies around real world problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal sources of data were semi‐structured student interviews, conducted as part of an overall evaluation of the unit by an evaluation team, and student responses to surveys administered by KMb staff.

Findings

The significant findings were that students reported acquiring research and professional skills, plus a new understanding of theoretical knowledge, and that projects generated concrete outcomes for their community partners. Several students maintained ongoing relationships with their organizational partners beyond the terms of their internship, creating opportunities for ongoing benefits to both students and community partners. Students also identified areas of potential improvement, notably, there is an opportunity to strengthen the experience through integration into a formal curriculum.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations to this study are the relatively small sample size (n=20) and reliance on self‐report measures.

Practical implications

As universities explore their relationships with their local communities, graduate student internships appear to have tremendous potential for supporting research and knowledge‐based needs of local communities, while providing valuable skills and training to a cohort of students in bridging academic research to real world solutions.

Originality/value

This article makes an original contribution by focusing on benefits to graduate students in scholarship of engagement programs that prioritize true partnership between students, universities and communities.
Executive coaching in practice: what determines helpfulness for clients of coaching?
Authors: de Haan Erik , Culpin Vicki , Curd Judy
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Executive coaching is gaining in popularity, both as part of personal or organisational development programmes and as a tailored form of individual consulting. The purpose of this study is to examine how various aspects of the executive coaching intervention make a difference to the clients of coaching themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a web‐based questionnaire (163 closed and three open questions) completed by 71 executive coaching clients shortly after the beginning of their coaching contract and by 31 of those again approximately six months later.

Findings

The research found that clients' appreciation of coaching was high. In response to the research question “What determines helpfulness for clients?” a picture emerged of a client valuing the relationship with and the qualities of the coach, while making little distinction between specific interventions of that same coach. The findings support the idea that common factors are at work in executive coaching, so that helpfulness is much less predicted by technique or approach than by factors common to all coaching, such as the relationship, empathic understanding, positive expectations etc.

Research limitations/implications

For further quantitative research into the effectiveness or helpfulness of executive coaching it will become increasingly important to explore the relative effectiveness of the various common factors.

Practical implications

The findings show that professional executive coaches would do well to enhance the common factors in their work, such as the quality of their empathic understanding, the quality of the coaching relationship as perceived by the client, and the expectations of their client.

Originality/value

This research shows that a broad range of techniques are deemed helpful, and equally so. It is therefore not the preference for a specific technique that makes a difference, but rather the ability to employ many techniques, to use them well and at the right moment. This is clear support for a common‐factors perspective on executive coaching
Working time alterations within the Australian construction industry
Authors: Townsend Keith , Lingard Helen , Bradley Lisa , Brown Kerry
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a labour process theory interpretation of four case studies within the Australian construction industry. In each case study a working time intervention (a shift to a five‐day working week from the industry standard six days) was implemented as an attempt to improve the work‐life balance of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on four case studies with mixed methods. Each case study has a variety of data collection methods which include questionnaires, short and long interviews, and focus groups.

Findings

It was found that the complex mix of wage‐ and salary‐earning staff within the construction industry, along with labour market pressures, means that changing to a five‐day working week is quite a radical notion within the industry. However, there are some organisations willing to explore opportunities for change with mixed experiences.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research include understanding the complexity within the Australian construction industry, based around hours of work and pay systems. Decision‐makers within the construction industry must recognize a range of competing pressures that mean that “preferred” managerial styles might not be appropriate.

Originality/value

This paper shows that construction firms must take an active approach to reducing the culture of long working hours. This can only be achieved by addressing issues of project timelines and budgets and assuring that take‐home pay is not reliant on long hours of overtime.
Individual performance appraisal and appraisee reactions to workgroups
Authors: Chen Tingting , Wu Peiguan , Leung Kwok
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships of individual performance appraisal with appraisees' reactions towards their workgroups and the mechanisms underlying these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted involving 185 full‐time employees in China. Regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that developmental and evaluative performance appraisals were related to appraisee reactions to the workgroup, both positive and negatives, respectively. As expected, these two relationships were mediated by perceived cooperative goals and competitive goals, respectively. Furthermore, procedural justice moderated the positive relationship between evaluative performance appraisal and perceived competitive goals in such a way that the relationship was stronger when perceived procedural justice of the performance appraisal was high.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that links individual performance appraisal to group‐oriented appraisee reactions. The mediating effects of goal interdependence can shed light on the mechanisms underlying these relationships. In addition, the paper extends the current literature on the interaction of outcome favorability with procedural justice by considering the role of procedural justice in accentuating the effect of evaluative performance appraisal on competitive goals within a group.
Determinants of job satisfaction in the UAE
Authors: Abdulla Jassem , Djebarni Ramdane , Mellahi Kamel
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting job satisfaction in the UAE. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the relative effects of demographic and environmental factors on job satisfaction among Dubai police employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A scale development process was used. The first stage was a review of the literature on the determinants of job satisfaction in order to generate a pool of items that reflect the job satisfaction construct. A list of items was gathered to cover all aspects of job satisfaction. In‐depth interviews and a focus group were also used to generate additional items.

Findings

Overall, the findings show that, in a collectivist culture such as the UAE, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be a source of job satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Originality/value

Given the importance of understanding the determinants of job satisfaction, and the paucity of research on the topic in the Middle East, this study is of great importance to both scholars and practitioners in the region.
Minding the gap
Authors: Pemberton Anne , Hoskins Jerome , Boninti Caitlin
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a useful model for identifying and addressing employee performance issues in academic libraries, specifically in a Learning Commons.

Design/methodology/approach

The Human Performance Technology (HPT) model created by the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) was used to identify employee performance issues in a newly created Learning Commons at a mid‐size academic library.

Findings

Applying the HPT model to a Learning Commons enabled the authors to identify organizational and employee performance issues and identify solutions to these issues. The HPT model was deemed a useful tool for addressing performance issues.

Research limitations/implications

Little research has been published using the HPT model in libraries and more research should be performed to determine the suitability of this model for libraries. It should be acknowledged that the model is used to identify weaknesses and any organization using this model will likely uncover areas for improvement.

Practical implications

The HPT model provides a method to identify measurable performance indicators which could be used to set standards of performance for employees. Setting such standards can help achieve and maintain levels of high quality for any library service. This model is particularly useful when employees at one service point may include a combination of student workers, paraprofessionals, and librarians.

Originality/value

The study could identify only one article in the relevant literature addressing the use of the HPT model in a library setting. This paper more broadly introduces HPT to the field of librarianship as an assessment tool.
Student perceptions of staff in the Information Commons: a survey at the University of Sheffield
Authors: Bickley Rachel , Corrall Sheila
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Technology has transformed teaching and learning environments in tertiary education, introducing new collaborative library spaces and developing the roles and skills of library staff. Academic libraries need continually to re‐examine their services to ensure they meet student needs. The current survey aimed to discover how students perceived staff in the Information Commons (IC) and whether their perceptions of staff attitudes and skills influenced their use of library resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire containing closed and open questions was distributed electronically to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Sheffield, obtaining 250 responses (around 1 per cent of the student population).

Findings

The results showed that most students were unable to distinguish different groups of staff, were unaware of their departmental librarian and did not recognise the academic role of librarians. However, those who had sought assistance in the IC or attended classes delivered by librarians had positive views of their experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The timing and fixed duration of the study limited the size and nature of the sample, the generalisability of the findings and depth of the investigation, but sufficient data were collected to establish patterns of behaviour and identify important factors.

Practical implications

Low awareness among students of the expertise of librarians and their capacity to provide academic support indicates a need for more promotion to ensure library resources are properly utilised.

Originality/value

The study is thought to be the first of its kind conducted in the UK and the only such survey carried out in an IC setting.
Copyright concerns triggered by web 2.0 uses
Authors: May Wyatt Anna , Hahn Susan E.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide awareness of various copyright concerns that may arise by the usage of web 2.0 technology and some answers to possible concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at web 2.0 technology which is currently used in libraries against a backdrop of the US Copyright statute, CONTU guidelines, and copyright concerns mentioned in library literature and law reviews.

Findings

For libraries to build a community of users, they will need to make their services more interactive. Interactive services increase the chance of patrons violating copyright law. Copyright guidelines need to be developed to assist the patron in avoiding copyright infringement.

Originality/value

This paper looks at library services, such as RSS feeds, wikis, social networking, tagging, and patron reviews, and explores the legal ramifications to making these services more interactive.
A solution looking for a problem: factors associated with the non‐adoption of XBRL
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J. , Fowler Carolyn J. , Mustafa Khairil
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing the non‐adoption of Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study analyses interview data obtained from key XBRL stakeholders on the relative importance of environmental, organisational and technological context factors to ascertain why adoption has not occurred.

Findings

The research finds three reasons for XBRL non‐adoption. First, the lack of a government “push” for XBRL technology results in organisational ignorance. Second, it appears that organisations do not believe that XBRL will beneficially reduce compliance costs. Third, complexity in developing the structured language (taxonomy) for XBRL use has significant budgetary implications.

Research limitations/implications

As qualitative research, this study does not claim to be generalisable or objective. However, the rich data were analysed from a diverse group of interviewees experienced and knowledgeable in respect of XBRL development and adoption.

Social implications

Governments' promises to reduce organisational compliance costs may be a reason for them to invest extensive taxpayers' dollars into XBRL. However, organisations are sceptical they will benefit, requiring government to “push” the technology. Until government servants can forecast the real benefits to argue for increased budgets to develop a comprehensive taxonomy, widespread adoption of XBRL is unlikely to occur.

Originality/value

The non‐adoption of XBRL highlights the difficulties encountered when enthusiastic professionals can see the potential of a business solution, and yet are impotent to execute it. Environmental and technological contextual factors need to “push” organisations, as with XBRL, organisations do not demand, or “pull”, the technology.
Does including pictorial disclosure of intellectual capital resources make a difference?
Authors: Steenkamp Natasja , Hooks Jill
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the extent to which pictures are used to communicate intellectual capital (IC) information and the changes in volume of IC disclosure when pictures are included.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was conducted to determine the impact that pictures have on IC reporting (ICR) results. In determining the extent to which pictures are used in corporate annual reports the paper compares frequencies of IC reported in pictures as proportions of: total IC reported, total pictures and total pages. A key assumption underlying content analysis is that the volume of disclosure signifies the importance of the item(s) being disclosed. The paper compares the volume of IC items disclosed with and without pictures to determine which items firms signal as being most important. Using these volumes the paper determines which of the sampled firms use pictures as a popular reporting mechanism to disclose their IC resources.

Findings

A significant portion (42 per cent) of ICR is made in picture form and the majority of pictures (66 per cent) communicate messages about IC resources. Therefore, the volumes of IC items disclosed change significantly when pictures are included. It is found that many firms use pictures to disclose their IC resources, particularly employees and brands which may indicate that these are their most important IC items.

Practical/implications

A significant part of IC is reported in picture form in annual reports. Excluding pictures when analysing content in annual reports will result in ICR not being fully captured, a partial understanding of what IC is disclosed and misunderstanding of what IC items firms consider as being important.

Originality/value

The authors incorporate pictures into their content analysis. Pictures are not normally included in IC disclosure studies.
Resources and international marketing strategy in export firms
Authors: Ruzo Emilio , Losada Fernando , Navarro Antonio , Díez José A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the resource‐based view (RBV) to analyze the influence of the resources available for the export activity (deriving from the firm's size, experience and structure) and the international marketing strategy on export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of Spanish companies is analyzed using logit modeling.

Findings

The results show that the resources available are essential antecedents of the type of export strategy chosen by the firm to compete in international markets and of its export performance. Likewise, although the international expansion strategy adopted does not affect export performance, the decision about whether to standardize or adapt the marketing‐mix elements does have an impact.

Originality/value

The paper tries to solve the problem arising from the contradictory results on the effect of export performance antecedents using the RBV as theoretical foundation. With that purpose, the authors analyze jointly the factors proposed as potential determinants in this research.
Achieving mass customization through trust‐driven information sharing: a supplier's perspective
Authors: Liao Kun , Ma Zhongming , Jiung‐Yee Lee Johnny , Ke Ke
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Trust is essential for business relationships within a supply chain, and information sharing provides a key means to improve the efficiency of a supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to test empirically the relationship between trust and manufacturer‐supplier information sharing to determine its (positive) effect on mass customization.

Design/methodology/approach

The data come from 208 firms in North America and China. Structural equation modeling supports the data analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that high mutual trust can lead to free information sharing between suppliers and manufacturers, which in turn leads to improved mass customization capabilities. In addition, cultural differences have significant moderating effects on the relationship between trust and information sharing.

Originality/value

The study described in this paper measures mutual trust between manufacturers and suppliers and regards information sharing as the free flow of information, both to and from the manufacturer and supplier.
Managerial cognition as bases of innovation in organization
Authors: Manral Lalit
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Why are some organizations more innovative than others? The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive model of innovation to modify Kanter's model of innovation in organizations that rely solely on structural factors – to the exclusion of managerial characteristics – to explain differences in innovations across organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model of innovation in organizations uses the cognitive attitudes of managers in an organization as the underlying explanation for the micro‐processes that result in innovation.

Findings

The study identifies some dimensions of managerial cognition that possibly influence the important tasks of innovation identified in Kanter's model.

Research limitations/implications

The model considers five dimensions of managerial mindset – cosmopolitanism, cognitive complexity, entrepreneurship, boundary spanning, and adaptability – as predictors of the different tasks in Kanter's model of innovation. This list is by no means exhaustive and hence there could be many other characteristics that could be included in the model. Testing the model could therefore lead to omitted variable bias.

Practical implications

This paper has huge practical implications for business firms that seek to embrace innovation to grow. Most organizations set up structural processes to foster innovation while ignoring the human dimensions that explain innovation. If the cognitive attitude of employees or citizens explains the level of innovation in an organization or society then organizations and societies can work on measures that will influence the cognitive attitudes of their employees and citizens, respectively.

Originality/value

This paper develops a multi‐dimensional construct termed as “managerial mindset” to provide a new perspective on the innovation process in an organization. The individual/manager in the organization is considered as the focal point for understanding the process of innovation as opposed to the structural features in Kanter's model.
The limits to workplace friendship
Authors: D'Cruz Premilla , Noronha Ernesto
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe bystander behaviour including bystander decisions, actions and outcomes, in the context of workplace bullying.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a study rooted in van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology conducted with agents who witnessed workplace bullying in international‐facing call centres in Mumbai and Bangalore, India. Conversational interviews and sententious and selective thematic analyses were undertaken to explore participants' lived experiences.

Findings

Participants' experiences were captured by the core theme of “helpless helpfulness” which subsumes the major themes of “the primacy of friendship” and “the ascendance of the self”. Friendship prompted participants to completely protect targets and to fully resolve the bullying situation. Yet, participants, whose initial behaviour was in the desired direction, greatly curbed their efforts in response to supervisory reactions and organizational positions. Inclusivist and exclusivist HR strategies adopted by the employer organization constrained participants in their endeavours to support targets.

Research limitations/implications

The study achieves theoretical generalisability but further research is needed to establish statistical generalisability.

Practical implications

Bystander intervention is an important solution to workplace bullying. The study findings help in developing more effective bystander intervention training programmes, apart from advocating the engagement of HRM as a truly unitarist ideology, the development of effective employee redressal mechanisms and the relevance of pluralist approaches and collectivisation endeavours.

Originality/value

Bystander behaviour in the context of workplace bullying has received limited empirical attention. The study breaks new ground in uncovering the contribution of workplace friendship and organizational inclusivist and exclusivist HR strategies to bystander experiences. Further, workplace bullying remains largely unexplored in India.