bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ab initiotest of the Warren–Averbach analysis on model palladium nanocrystals
Authors: Kaszkur Zbigniew , Mierzwa Bogusław , Pielaszek Jerzy
Published: March 2005

Model powder diffraction patterns were calculatedviathe Debye formula from atom positions of a range of energy-relaxed closed-shell cubooctahedral clusters. The energy relaxation employed the Sutton–Chen potential scheme with parameters for palladium. The assumed cluster size distribution followed lognormal distribution of a crystallite volume centred with the diameter of 5 nm, as well as two bimodal lognormal distributions centred around 4 nm and 7 nm. These models allowed an in-depth analysis of the Warren–Averbach method of separating strain and size effects in a peak shape Fourier analysis. The atom-displacement distribution in the relaxed clusters could be directly computed, as well as the strain Fourier coefficients. The results showed that in the case of the unimodal size distribution, the method can still be successfully used for obtaining the column length distribution. However, the strain Fourier coefficients obtained from three reflections (002, 004 and 008) cannot be reliably estimated with the Warren–Averbach method. The primary cause is a non-Gaussian strain distribution and a shift of the diffraction maximum, inherent to the nanoparticles, differing for every constituent cluster in the size distribution. For the bimodal size distributions, the obtained column length distributions tend to be shifted towards the centres of the modes and are less sensitive to the larger size mode.
Matrix-free integration of image-plate diffraction data
Authors: Müller Ralf , Roth Georg
Published: March 2005

Matrix-free integration of area-detector diffraction data is developed to interpret data collections from single crystals, twinned or multi-phased crystals as well as quasicrystals. A pixel-background method based on the algorithm described by Bolotovsky, White, Darovsky & Coppens [J. Appl. Cryst.(1995),28, 86–95] is employed. The method is modified by using an azimuthal coordinate system and distinguishes reliably between significant scattering intensities and background intensities. Very broad intensity distributions frome.g.powder rings can be determined and reflections superimposed by diffuse scattering can be integrated reliably. A complete program suite to process area-detector data, both from image-plate and CCD detectors, is presented. The program uses both matrix-free as well as matrix-based integration. The program is tested on single-crystal and twinned-crystal diffraction data.
Perturbation method of analysis of crystal truncation rod data
Authors: Robinson I. K. , Tabuchi M. , Hisadome S. , Oga R. , Takeda Y.
Published: March 2005

A new method of direct inversion of crystal truncation rod (CTR) data is demonstrated for the analysis of layered semiconductor heterostructure materials. This method is based on approximations that are valid when the electron density deviations and lattice strain are small in the regions of the sample close to a well defined surface. The CTR diffraction pattern can then be regarded as a perturbation with respect to that of an ideal surface. The direct inversion method is shown to work for the analysis of a series of InP/GaInAs/InP heterostructures. The ability to recover strain information is demonstrated with a model calculation. The beginning of breakdown of the perturbation approximation is seen and explained in both cases.
A cell forin situdynamic X-ray diffraction studies: application to the dehydration of zeolite SrX
Authors: Palancher H. , Pichon C. , Rebours B. , Hodeau J. L. , Lynch J. , Berar J. F. , Prevot S. , Conan G. , Bouchard C.
Published: March 2005

A new compact cell forin situsynchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of adsorption or catalysis reactions has been designed to enable high performance whilst minimizing difficulties in use. It includes a system for simple insertion and alignment of capillary samples and an original miniaturized furnace providing excellent temperature homogeneity along the sample (temperature gradient less than 1 K over a 6 mm zone at 530 K). The efficiency of this setup is illustrated byin situcharacterization of a zeolite (SrX) at four hydration levels.
Structure and microstructure characterization of the mixed sesquioxides (Gd1−xYbx)2O3and (Gd1−xHox)2O3prepared by sol–gel process
Authors: Heiba Z. K. , Arda L. , Hascicek Y. S.
Published: March 2005

Polycrystalline samples of (Gd1−xYbx)2O3and (Gd1−xHox)2O3(0.0 ≤x≤ 1.0) were synthesized by a sol–gel process. X-ray diffraction data were collected and crystal structure and microstructure analyses were performed using the Rietveld refinement method. All samples were found to have the same crystal system and formed solid solutions over the whole range ofx. For the system (Gd1−xHox)2O3, the cationic distribution over the two non-equivalent sites 8band 24dof the space groupIa\bar{3} were found to be random for all values ofx. For (Gd1−xYbx)2O3, the distribution is random in the range 0.0 <x≤ 0.5 and preferential in the range 0.5 <x≤ 1.0. The lattice parameters are found to vary linearly with the compositionx. Replacing Gd3+and Yb3+, or Gd3+and Ho3+, by each other introduces slight changes in relative atomic coordinates. Crystallite size and microstrain analyses were performed along different crystallographic directions and both are found to vary anisotropically with the composition parameter (x). The obtained values of microstrain are correlated with the distribution of the rare earth ions over the two cationic sites of the structure. The average crystallite size ranges from 45 to 144 nm and the root mean square (r.m.s.) strain from 0.018 to 0.409 × 10−2.
A simple and inexpensive nanoliter-volume dispenser for highly viscous materials used in membrane protein crystallization
Authors: Cherezov Vadim , Caffrey Martin
Published: March 2005

Macromolecular crystallization trials involve the testing of large numbers of chemical and environmental conditions. For each, a certain amount of protein and precipitant is required. In the case of membrane proteins, detergent and lipids must be included in the screen, which adds to the number of trials performed. With rare exceptions, membrane proteins come at a premium. Thus, there is a pressing need to scale down the screening process so as to make most efficient use of these scarce materials. Lipids and detergents can also be very expensive and miniaturization is of benefit here too. Recently, a glass-plate system for crystallizing membrane proteins by thein mesomethod was introduced [Cherezov & Caffrey (2003).J. Appl. Cryst.36, 1372–1377; Caffrey (2003).J. Struct. Biol.142, 108–132]. The protocol calls for the handling of small volumes of lipidic/protein dispersions that are extraordinarily viscous. A positive-displacement syringe-based tool was implemented for the preparation and dispensing of these refractory mixtures. However, the device, assembled from commercial parts, operated with microliter-sized samples and was not as economical as it could be in terms of delivered volumes. To effect further miniaturization, and thus conservation of materials, the dispenser has been modified in a way that facilitates accurate and precise repetitive delivery by hand of nanoliter volumes of liquids and of highly viscous dispersions. Here the modifications, which can be made simply and inexpensively to commercially available parts, along with the performance characteristics of the newly configured dispenser, are described
Kinetics of short-range order formation in the ternary alloy Au25Ag25Pd50
Authors: Ziya A. B.
Published: March 2005

The kinetics of short-range order (SRO) formation was investigated in the alloy Au25Ag25Pd50by using the residual electrical resistometry. The resistivity was found to increase with the formation of SRO. The resistivity values varied linearly with respect to the inverse of temperature, characterizing the different states of SRO. The analysis of isothermal experiments obeying the fundamental laws showed that the SRO kinetics followed the two-exponentials law. The characteristic time constants for the SRO formation corresponding to various annealing temperatures in the isothermal annealing process and the activation enthalpies were determined with high accuracy. The time constants for the SRO formation and destruction were different, implying that the reaction paths in these processes are different. Further, the crossover experiments confirmed the existence of two-exponential kinetics and the variation of the time constants.
On the Guinier law for spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Kaya Håkon
Published: March 2005

It is shown that Guinier analysis of spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering (SESANS) data is dependent on the instrumental setup, in particular the range of scattering vectors accessible by the detector. In the case that Guinier analysis is permissible, the length scale obtained is proportional to the average width of the density autocorrelation function of the scattering particle, and not its radius of gyration.
Quantitative Rietveld texture analysis of zirconium from single synchrotron diffraction images
Authors: Ischia Gloria , Wenk Hans-Rudolf , Lutterotti Luca , Berberich Florian
Published: March 2005

Preferred orientation is immediately visible on synchrotron diffraction images as intensity variations along Debye rings. In this report, the Rietveld method is applied to obtain quantitative information about the orientation distribution from the analysis of a single synchrotron diffraction image. The method is illustrated for hexagonal cold-rolled zirconium, investigatedin situin a vacuum furnace with high-energy X-rays, both before and after the onset of recrystallization.
Case study (part 2)
Authors: Boyd Andrew
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To validate the use of fuzzy control systems for information channel optimisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presents findings from a multi‐year case‐based study of an international software organisation. At the outset of the study, baseline log‐file data were collected from the organisation's customer relationship management and financial systems. As part of a business process reengineering effort, a fuzzy control system model was created and implemented to optimise the software support communication channels. After the first year, data were recollected to determine the effectiveness of the model. The log‐file analysis was augmented with individual interviews of stakeholders within the business.

Findings

The optimisation strategy based on the fuzzy control system allowed the organisation to focus on answering more queries from higher value customers and cut the support resolution time nearly in half, in less than a year. By focusing on higher value customers and more productive information channels, staff efficiency increased and costs were reduced. This research indicates that customers using synchronous communication channels such as the telephone seem to get better service than those using asynchronous channels such as e‐mail or web. Additionally, the research also indicates that several geographic factors such as proximity and language proficiency could influence information channel choice affecting the level of service received.

Research limitations/implications

The case findings could be specific to the observed organisation or to the software service industry. Additional research is necessary to determine the universality of the method and ancillary findings.

Originality/value

Methods outlined in this case provide both practitioners and researchers with new tools to explore and react to the challenges of information channel proliferation.
An evaluation of the NHS Direct online health information e‐mail enquiry service
Authors: Webster Ruiha , Williams Peter
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To judge the quality of health information provided to the users of the NHS Direct online enquiry service.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of available online tools was necessary to enable the development of a quality framework appropriate for the study. The checklist developed from this process provided a method of judging a specific web site's quality level. Readability levels of web sites were measured using the Flesch‐Kincaid scale. Two case studies were conducted to examine consistency of responses, and in order to measure user satisfaction questionnaires were distributed.

Findings

Results from the checklist indicated that the majority of health information sent on to users of the service was of adequate or excellent quality. The readability levels of information promoted by the NHS Direct Online enquiry service are at levels higher than is recommended in the literature. The case studies implied that the criteria used by the NHS in composing responses to enquiries is not always consistent and may need streamlining. Despite this, 97 per cent of respondents were happy with the information sent to them. A combination of user satisfaction and referral to adequate or excellent quality health web sites suggests that the NHS is providing a good quality information service to the British public.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to draw reliable conclusions from the small sample size employed in this study. It is also unfortunate that the respondents could not be interviewed or observed as they submitted their enquiry and while they examined web pages. The checklist developed to measure web site quality could, in itself, bring limitations, no weighting factors were employed when comparing criteria and the researcher felt that some of the criteria were hard to judge in practice.

Practical implications

The NHS need to undertake some streamlining of their e‐mail enquiry service so that all the web sites it promotes contain health information that is at a good or excellent quality level.

Originality/value

Examination of a practical health service which purports to help improve the quality of NHS health provision.
A study of the effect of manufacturing proactivity on business performance
Authors: González‐Benito Javier
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This research paper analyses the link between manufacturing proactivity, understood as the tendency of a company to implement the most modern and advanced production management practices and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Over a sample of 186 industrial companies, two dimensions of proactivity were identified; one reflecting a cultural orientation and the other denoting a technical approach to progress.

Findings

Both dimensions, especially the cultural one turned out to have a positive effect on financial and operational performance. Among other things, these results point out the potential of the production and operations function as a source of competitive advantage for the company.

Originality/value

The aggregated analysis of several advanced production management practices, the proposal of different causal explanation of the relationship between manufacturing proactivity and business performance, and the combination of primary (postal questionnaires) and secondary (financial databases) data sources can be considered distinguishing features of this research.
Implementing manufacturing resource planning in a Greek aerospace company
Authors: Towers Neil , Knibbs Alan , Panagiotopoulos Nikos
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the supply and productivity improvements derived from implementing manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a case study in a Greek aerospace company, using Hellenic Aerospace Industry, SA (HAI). The closed loop business operating system, MRP II is recognized as being an effective management system that has an excellent planning and scheduling capability, which can offer an increase in customer service, significant gains in productivity, higher inventory turns and reduction in material cost.

Findings

The implementation has included setting clear goals, following a formal implementation plan, using a project steering committee and project teams. However, some aspects such as limitations by Greek legislation, constraints in hardware, incomplete education and training of the personnel and the BOM data accuracy are discussed in the context of HAI Productivity and supply issues resulting from the implementation process are reviewed.

Practical implications

Although, the use of the MRP II system in industrial developed countries is extensive, in Greece it is still in its infancy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on MRP II in the Greek aerospace industry.
Using e‐books for knowledge management
Authors: Barker Philip
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to introduce the articles in the special issue which demonstrate the many important uses to which electronic books are now being put.

Design/methodology/approach

The article combines narrative and analysis.

Findings

Knowledge is one of those important “commodities” which we (as individuals, groups and communities) accumulate during the process of living. There is likely to be a growing demand for highly portable, dynamic electronic books that are able to supply data, information and knowledge “on demand”. The latest wireless, satellite and server technologies now make this possible.

Originality/value

Provides a brief overview of the e‐book environment (for knowledge management).
E‐books in academic libraries
Authors: Bennett Linda , Landoni Monica
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper provides an analysis of the current state‐of‐the‐art in e‐books, and attempts both to set the scene and provide reasons for their low uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

The different approaches to e‐books of academic librarians, authors, publishers and readers are considered, using the results of a recent survey commissioned by the Joint Information Systems Committee.

Findings

The findings of this study make it clear that those who know about e‐books see them as potentially useful tools. However, a number of users of ICT resources are still unaware of e‐books even when their academic libraries' e‐book holdings is high. The lack of promotion from within the university, particularly from the academics, and to a certain extent from the librarians, is indeed a major reason for this knowledge gap.

Practical implications

Publishers, e‐book providers and aggregators, academics and intermediaries (i.e. librarians and information specialists) should concentrate on raising awareness of what is available and what are the advantages related to e‐books for specific categories of users. At the same time e‐book suppliers should make e‐books easier to find and purchase. Crucially, both the research and commercial development communities have to address these major issues: definition of common bench marks for research to progress; user‐centred design as a paradigm; better and stronger links with all stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper offers a stepping stone for all parties interested in moving forwards to achieve this common goal.
Values and collective self‐esteem as predictors of consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence among university students
Authors: Kropp Fredric , Lavack Anne M. , Silvera David H.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This cross‐cultural study examines inter‐relationships between values (using the list of values), collective self‐esteem (CSE), and consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence (CSII).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through surveys administered to 783 university students in four countries (Australia, English‐speaking Canada, Korea, and Norway).

Findings

Results indicate that external and interpersonal values are positively related to the normative component of CSII, while internal values are negatively related to the normative component of CSII. The CSE subscale measuring importance of the group to one's identity is positively related to normative CSII, while the CSE subscale of membership esteem is negatively related to normative CSII. Normative CSII was substantially higher among Korean participants than among participants from the other countries.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to a sample of university students in Canada, Australia, Norway, and Korea. Future research could expand the sample to include a more representative adult sample, in order to ensure the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

CSII may be an important factor in many consumer purchases that relate to self‐image. The relationship of values and collective self‐esteem to CSII provides valuable insights to managers regarding consumer purchasing behavior.

Originality/value

Given that values, consumer self‐esteem, and country explain a large degree of the variation in consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence, managers can benefit from this knowledge when developing advertising content and marketing interventions.
Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas: post‐construction thoughts
Authors: Marks Ken , Findley Tom
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To report on the perceived success or failure of different aspects of Lied Library after three years of operation.

Design/methodology/approach

Major design concepts, the location of services, the functioning of physical spaces and systems and the reaction of the campus community were identified in describing the success or failure of components of Lied Library.

Findings

With the exception of one or two components of the physical structure Lied Library has been an unqualified success positioning the library faculty and staff to continue evolving services and collections in response to the changing demands.

Originality/value

This article should interest individuals responsible for planning and programming new libraries especially academic libraries.
Movement toward a predominantly electronic journal collection
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyin , Haslam Michaelyn
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To address the UNLV Libraries movement toward a predominantly electronic journal collection including evaluation of library collection and reevaluation of organizational structure, staff resources and workflow to find the best ways to provide library users with timely and reliable access to electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of UNLV Libraries initiatives in building and managing electronic resources is described to demonstrate how the library moved from a predominantly print environment to a predominantly electronic environment. The paper consists of sections: development of the electronic resources collection, reengineering acquisitions/periodicals, new responsibilities and new skills, next steps, and conclusion.

Findings

Since 1999, the composition of the Libraries journal collection has been dramatically changed. The percentage of print‐only subscriptions decreased from 59 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2004, while electronic journals jumped from 35 percent to 75 percent. The percentage of Libraries materials acquisitions budget spent on electronic resources rose by at least 10 percent each year. The proliferation of electronic resources had a major impact on the acquisitions/serials activities from handling physical objects to initiating and ensuring ongoing access to electronic resources. It has resulted in a workflow that requires ongoing review and change to accommodate the constant technological developments that have impacted the management of information delivered electronically.

Originality/value

The focus of this paper on changing workflows in the implementation of electronic resources is unique. As Libraries incorporate electronic resources into their collections, the necessity to develop new workflows presents challenges at all levels from daily activities to long‐term planning. The experiences at Lied library offer other Libraries practical examples of ways the challenges have been met.
Bandwidth bottlenecks at the University of Botswana
Authors: Gerhan David R. , Mutula Stephen M.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To examine the technical reasons for excessively slow internet speeds at the University of Botswana, to discover the present state of development efforts addressing such examples of the qualitative digital divide, and to recommend remedies.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys of students, the authors' professional experiences, and reports from corporate, public, and intergovernmental organizations provided insights into the effects – and causes – of internet slowdown.

Findings

Bandwidth bottlenecks were identified in successive stages of intercontinental internet traffic. Causes included network design and capacity, telecommunications regulations, and competing budgetary demands within Botswana.

Research limitations/implications

Much of the literature on the digital divide has stressed plentiful hardware and internet connections in affluent societies versus their scarcity in developing societies. This study illustrates that hardware and connections are necessary but not sufficient for adequate online performance. Technological advance and development can each stimulate the other, and that two‐way interconnection necessitates more than a simple call for more spending to increase developing countries' bandwidth. The paper presents recommendations in addition to higher funding.

Originality/value

Student and other micro‐level data serve as measures for the local performance of a global utility, the internet. Tracking message transmission uncovers bottlenecks along the path of the intercontinental internet, specifically as it reaches Africa. These “street‐level” approaches can assist the international aid community, the telecommunications industry, and the public sector in Botswana and elsewhere in removing obstacles to the internet as a potentially important tool for national‐ and human‐development.
About XML: from Ghostbusters to libraries – the power of XUL
Authors: Wusteman Judith
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper introduces XML user‐interface language (XUL) and its use in Mozilla/Firefox extensions. It also describes OPAX, a prototype XUL OPAC user interface based on the Mozilla Amazon Browser.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensions offer a clear illustration of the strength of open‐source software.

Findings

XUL could have a major impact on the functionality, ease of development and interoperability of user interfaces for a range of library systems.

Practical implications

There is a distinct move towards declarative, markup‐driven user interfaces. It is not yet clear whether XUL will emerge as the leader in this field, although its leverage of common standards and its long and excellent track record make this the ideal scenario.

Originality/value

For anyone not yet convinced that the move from IE to a Mozilla browser can only improve their productivity, extensions should decide the issue.
Quality management and employee commitment
Authors: Schalk René , van Dijk Wim
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To assess the relationship between quality management and employee commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of the state of affairs with respect to (T)QM programs in The Netherlands based on the literature and interviews with key informants.

Findings

Description of an approach that tries to integrate employee commitment and quality management based on the concept of employees’ psychological contracts with their organization (ideas about mutual obligations between them and their employer).

Research limitations/implications

The interviews with key informants provide limited information; the study is done in only one country. Research in a broader context and on a larger scale would give a more general overview.

Practical implications

The crucial factor in making quality management work can be better described by “quality fails when employees’ psychological contracts are neglected” than by “quality fails when system fails”.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the essential relationship between quality management and employee commitment and offers suggestions on how to approach this issue.
Managing change at Sears: a sideways look at a tale of corporate transformation
Authors: Collins David , Rainwater Kelley
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper offers a reanalysis or “re‐view” of a celebrated tale of corporate transformation – the turnaround of Sears, Roebuck and Company – which was discussed in theHarvard Business Review. Noting that “contextual” and “processual” attempts to revise the tale of Sears and its transformation would tend to exchange one monological rendering for another, albeit more critical account, the paper “re‐views” the case in an attempt to make space for perspectives and narratives normally edited out of narratives of change management.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon a critical review of the literature concerned with organizational storytelling the paper “re‐views” the Harvard rendering of the Sears case as an epic tale. The paper then supplements this epic rendering of the Sears case with another two accounts of the case, which recast and review the tale first as a tragedy and then as a comedy.

Findings

The paper reveals the polysemic nature of organization and change and suggests the need for approaches to the narration of change that can give voice to perspectives denied by both celebratory and critical accounts of change management.

Originality/value

The paper offers an innovative “re‐view” of a celebrated account of change management and invites the reader to make room for voices and perspectives normally lost within narratives of change.
“What you'll say is … ”: represented voice in organizational change discourse
Authors: Anderson Donald L.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Following Bakhtin, organizational discourse scholars have examined ways in which organizational actors draw on and negotiate historical texts, weave them with contemporary ones, and transform them into future discourses. This paper examines how this practice occurs discursively as members in a high‐tech corporation conduct an organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper interprets discourse excerpts from meetings of a project team in the western US. Through participant‐observation and discourse analytic methods, the data gathered consists of field notes, over 33 hours' worth of team meeting conversation and five hours of interview data.

Findings

Through the use of represented voice, organizational members work out how an action or practice has sounded in the past as spoken by another member, and they articulate how proposed organizational changes might sound in the future. By making these inferences, members are able to discursively translate between a single situated utterance and organizational practices.

Practical implications

The analysis suggests that organizational change occurs when people temporarily stabilize the organization through the voicing of current practices (as references to what “usually happens” via what is “usually said”) and new practices (as references to what might be said in the future). It is when these practices are solidified and made real through these translations between identity, voice, and organizational practices that members are able to draw comparisons and transformations between “past” and “future” language, and thereby experience and achieve organizational change.

Originality/value

The paper furthers our knowledge of how organizational members discursively negotiate meanings during the process of organizational change through a specific discourse pattern.
Global e‐tailing: US consumers' intention to shop for cultural products on the internet
Authors: Lee Seung‐Eun , Littrell Mary A.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to investigate consumers' shopping values and web site beliefs that influence their intention to shop for cultural products.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a framework to explain the structural interrelationships among internet shopping value, beliefs about the web site, shopping attitude, and shopping intention. A total of 203 persons responded to an invitation to participate in a web survey for the purpose of data analysis.

Findings

Consumers' beliefs about the web site, especially with regard to merchandising, both directly and indirectly influenced their intention to shop for cultural products in the future. The proposed model supported the effectiveness of the extended TRA in the context of cultural product shopping on the internet. Overall, the findings confirmed elements of the TRA such as belief structures as determinants of attitudes and attitudes as determinants of behavioral intention.

Practical implications

Consumers who shop for cultural products on the internet have both hedonic and utilitarian shopping values and both these values must be addressed by internet retailers. Regular changes in products and presentation are vital for maintaining repeat patronage. Future research should explore how shopping values are related to web site attributes in different contexts of shopping.

Originality/value

Offers valuable recommendations to internet retailers, if they are to retain customers in a very specialized arena.
Effect of brand familiarity, experience and information on online apparel purchase
Authors: Park Jihye , Stoel Leslie
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of brand familiarity, the number of pieces of product information presented on a web site, and previous online apparel shopping experience on perceived risk and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment was 2 (brand familiarity)×2 (information availability) factorial design and 166 students participated in this study.

Findings

Multivariate and univariate analyses found a significant effect of brand familiarity and previous experience on perceived risk and purchase intention, and no effect of amount of information on perceived risk and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

Participants may not have carefully considered the product information because the experiment was not an actual purchase situation, although a scenario was given. In future studies, creating an actual purchase situation may be necessary to investigate the effect of the amount of information available on the web sites on perceived risk and decision making.

Practical implications

The present study suggests that internet retailers should capitalize on the power of their brand names. Multi‐channel retailers may be able to derive significant advantages from brand familiarity among their customers.

Orginality/value

This study has added to the in‐home shopping literature by extending findings of previous research to internet shopping. Findings suggest that internal information, specifically familiarity with brands offered online and previous experience of shopping online, influence perceptions of risk associated with shopping online, as well as intentions to purchase online.
Customer perceptions of e‐service quality in online shopping
Authors: Lee Gwo‐Guang , Lin Hsiu‐Fen
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper develops a research model to examine the relationship among e‐service quality dimensions and overall service quality, customer satisfaction and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a survey of 297 online consumers were used to test the research model. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to test the research model.

Findings

The analytical results showed that the dimensions of web site design, reliability, responsiveness, and trust affect overall service quality and customer satisfaction. Moreover, the latter in turn are significantly related to customer purchase intentions. However, the personalization dimension is not significantly related to overall service quality and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can use different methodologies, such as longitudinal studies, focus groups and interviews, to examine the relationship between service quality and customer purchase behaviour in online shopping contexts.

Practical implications

This study suggests that to enhance customer purchase intentions, online stores should develop marketing strategies to better address the trustworthiness, reliability, and responsiveness of web‐based services. Online stores can devote valuable corporate resources to the important e‐service quality attributes identified by this study.

Originality/value

This study developed the instrument dimensions of e‐service quality by modifying the SERVQUAL model to consider online shopping context. Moreover, the results of this study provide a valuable reference for managers of online stores, as well as for researchers interested in internet marketing.
A generative response to palliative service capacity in Canada
Authors: Aherne Michael , Pereira José
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper situates a large‐scale learning and service development capacity‐building initiative for hospice palliative care services within the current Canadian policy context for use by international readers.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2000 a national initiative using action research as its design was crafted to support continuing professional development and knowledge management in primary‐health care environments.

Findings

The Canadian health policy context is complex and requires innovative solutions to achieve desired changes in response to emerging population health demands for quality end‐of‐life care. Employment of educational and social science constructs, including complexity theory, communities of practice, transformative learning theory, and workplace learning methods, has proven helpful in supporting the creation of national capacity for hospice palliative care.

Research limitations/implications

There is a significant contribution for social scientists to make in aiding a better understanding of the complexity in health systems. At the same time, an aging population in industrial countries demands more active engagement of legal and bioethical scholars in a range of emerging policy and legislative questions about quality end‐of‐life care. Educational research is also required to understand better and reform curricula to prepare an emerging generation of health science practitioners for the demands of an aging population.

Practical implications

Changing health service delivery environments demand rethinking of the knowledge and skills leaders require to influence desired change. A broader understanding of where and how learning takes place is essential for enhancing the quality of patient care.

Originality/value

The Pallium Project represents a generative response to facilitating learning and building longer‐term system capacity. The journey of project development to date illustrates some important lessons that can be adopted from hospice palliative care to inform other primary‐health care initiatives, including, potentially, mental health, cardiology, diabetes, geriatrics, where productive change can result from productively linking specialists and primary‐care colleagues.
Exploring online dating and customer relationship management
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To explore and add insight to the online‐dating services phenomena which is the next product and beneficiary of the internet revolution that offers customers a convenient and affordable alternate to traditional methods of dating.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically investigated through conceptual models and statistical methods was the value proposition of online matchmaking services, which boils down to the ability to provide appropriate matches through successfully business‐to‐customer (B2C) customer service enhanced by the web and based on sound customer relations management practices.

Findings

The differentiation of the marketplace includes unique ways to collect user‐based information and customized, proprietary algorithms that generate what are believed to be the best matches, based on user and matchmaking service criteria. Online dating services use statistics, data mining, and activity monitoring to provide appropriate matches; thus, differentiating their services and understanding the success of their product offering.

Research limitations/implications

The basic strategic business model created by online dating industry that is researched in this paper is built around B2C customer service in a privacy and security conscious environment. Internet dating service providers are gaining increased acceptance though successful use of customized software that helps generate a potential valued‐added match for the masses.

Practical implications

What most companies do not define as clearly are the many privacy issues and possible protection against the people they may come in contact with through using these services. The industry has to be particular careful about the legal ramifications since much of the information it gathers from its customers must remain private and confidential in order to succeed and gain a larger market share.

Originality/value

It is apparent that online dating services are concerned with privacy and confidentiality issues as high priority by management. To date, no academic‐based research has surfaced concerning this emerging online industry and the information exchanges required to ensure a safe environment.
From the search problem through query formulation to results on the web
Authors: Barsky Elena , Bar‐Ilan Judit
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of the research was to create internet search instructions, to test their effectiveness and to track the search behavior of the first year MLS students

Design/methodology/approach

The students received two exercises with similar search tasks. No specific search guidelines were delivered to the students prior to the first exercise. Prior to the second exercise students received a lecture based on the internet search instructions developed by the authors. The results of the two searches were analyzed and compared.

Findings

As a result of the lecture students significantly improved the search results. There were a certain number of problematic search behavior patterns and obstacles uncovered, which proved to have a critical impact on the search results, such as: difficulties in acquiring new or alternative vocabulary during the search process, perception of the task as the ultimate source of keywords, and perception of commercial sources as unavailable.

Research limitations/implications

In order to understand the effect of the internet search instructions, the experiment has to be repeated with other groups of users. If the results consistently show that search behavior improves, the authors recommend systematic training of internet users.

Originality/value

The paper might be particularly interesting for information specialists and search instructors mostly because it reveals connection between the way the problem was stated and initial search strategy – a connection that to our knowledge has not been deeply explored yet.
Z39.50 broadcast searching and Z‐server response times
Authors: Macgregor George
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to focus on research and findings relating to the Z‐server response times and the performance of Z39.50 for parallel searching.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins by briefly outlining the evolution of Z39.50 and the current trends, including the work of the JISC CC‐interop project. The research crux of the paper focuses on an investigation conducted with respect to testing Z39.50 server (Z‐server) response times in a broadcast (parallel) searching environment. Customised software was configured to broadcast a search to all test Z‐servers once an hour, for 11 weeks. The results were logged for analysis.

Findings

Most Z‐servers responded rapidly. “Network congestion” and local online public catalogue usage were not found to influence Z‐server performance significantly. Response time issues encountered by implementers may be the result of non‐response by the Z‐server and how Z‐client software deals with this. The influence of “quick and dirty” Z39.50 implementations is also identified as a potential cause of slow broadcast searching.

Research limitations/implications

The paper indicates various areas for further research, including setting shorter time‐outs and greater end‐user behavioural research to ascertain user requirements in this area. The influence more complex searches, such as Boolean, have on response times and suboptimal Z39.50 implementations are also emphasised for further study.

Practical implications

This paper informs the library and information science (LIS) research community and has practical implications for those establishing Z39.50 based distributed systems, as well as those in the web services community.

Originality/value

The paper challenges popular LIS opinion that Z39.50 is inherently sluggish and thus unsuitable for the demands of the modern user.
Corporate governance in Greece: developments and policy implications
Authors: Spanos Loukas J.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of corporate governance (CG) developments in Greece and has two objectives: to enrich the debate in this area and to contribute to the increasing literature by presenting the main aspects of the Greek CG framework; and to place the current CG developments and trends in Greece within the international debate, especially in the light of the recent debate to improve and convergence CG in the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

First, reviews the evolution of the CG debate in Greece and its implication at the EU level. Second, provides a short view of the institutional‐economic environment in Greece, as it influences corporate governance practices. Then analyzes the CG mechanisms in the light of the recent key reforms. Finally, summarizes the findings and proceeds with some critical points and recommendations.

Findings

The general finding is that the development of regulatory reforms was mostly an endogenous process influenced mainly by the speculative events in the Greek capital market during 1999.

Practical implications

The evolution of the Greek CG may have significant implication, such as that the Greek market is a newly mature euro‐area market and CG is supposed to be a key factor for the competitive transformation of the capital market and the business world. In addition, the evolutionary path of CG in Greece may have significant implication for the new EU member states.

Originality/value

The paper shows how the CG practices evolve in a small open economy influenced by speculative events and is valuable to policymakers, regulators and academics.