bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Librarians and ethical neutrality: revisiting The Creed of a Librarian
Authors: McMenemy David
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To discuss whether in an age of misinformation on the Internet, calls for censorship, continuing ethnic and religious conflict throughout the world, librarians can be ethically neutral in all service encounters with patrons.

Design/methodology/approach

As a review paper, it approaches the topic from a discussion of current trends in the profession vs the historical text in question.

Findings

That although Foskett posited theories that proposed a strengthening of the professional practice of librarianship, his ideas could be criticised in the modern era for placing ethical neutrality above responsibility to society, as suggested by Hauptman. Yet such criticism needs to be tempered with the notion that a profession must represent a set of values, and Foskett's call for the profession to embrace a philosophy of practice remains an important point for modern librarians.

Practical implication

As a review paper, the practical implications would be in the consideration of the content in the mind of practitioners facing potential ethical dilemmas.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in the re‐examination of ethical debates that have been occurring in the library profession for the past 80 years.
On reading “The banning of books in libraries”
Authors: Burton Paul F.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To reflect on an editorial from an earlier issue entitled “The banning of books in libraries”.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion of the argument presented in the original editorial and its connection to present‐day concerns over the use and dissemination of information and links to other issues, together with the maintenance of a professional ethos in the face of those concerns.

Findings

A set of moral absolutes does exist from which librarians can derive an ethos for the operation of their services. Such absolutes take on a greater significance in the complex moral climate in which we now live, but are now under threat.

Practical implications

This article calls on library and information professionals to maintain their stand in the face of increasing pressures to compromise attitudes.

Originality/value

Reflects on the continuing (and increased) importance of professional values.
Is Google the answer? A study into usability of search engines
Authors: Dudek Debra , Mastora Anna , Landoni Monica
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of usability and overall user satisfaction when comparing performance of different search engines.

Design/methodology/approach

The study described in this paper starts from an investigation of existing methodologies for evaluating search engines in order to find out what are the most important factors for users to decide which system to use when searching the World Wide Web.

Findings

This study confirmed that usability and popularity are closely linked. This study has shown that no one‐search engine holds the key to ultimate search results. Just as there is cultural, political and geographical differences in the world's population, there are a number of search engines to fit the individual needs of every net citizen. Whereas results, precision, recall and reliability are the factors which participants prize highly, regardless of all other aspects. It was found that the speed of search engine results has become a high priority to participants.

Research limitations/implications

Number of participants was limited and although some questions were confusing to some individuals, a majority of questionnaires were completed in a satisfactory fashion.

Originality/value

This paper describes a usability study involving different search engines looking at links between popularity and usability.
Measuring service quality in an academic library: an Indian case study
Authors: Sahu Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to measure the perceptions of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) library users as they relate to quality service and to determine how far the JNU library has succeeded in delivering such service to its users.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out among the students and faculty members of the JNU. A questionnaire was used as the data gathering instrument. The instruments for data collection consisted of structured questions. All the closed ended questions were designed to elicit responses on a five point Likert scale to measure both respondent satisfaction and perception of service quality. Analysis of the collected data made use of the chi‐square method.

Findings

The results would appear to indicate that the JNU library is not lacking in quality of service. However, we need to note that quality information service is about helping users to define and satisfy their information needs, building their confidence in using information retrieval systems, and making the whole activity of working with library staff a pleasurable experience. To achieve total quality in information service the JNU library should provide a comprehensive information programme that is predicated on the needs and activities of the users.

Originality/value

This study may help those libraries, who are seriously interested to develop user satisfaction and provide better service to the user. This study also suggests some recommendations about increasing the user satisfaction in the library service.
Logistics sophistication, manufacturing segments and the choice of logistics providers
Authors: Wanke Peter , Arkader Rebecca , Fernanda Hijjar Maria
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the choice of integrated or functional logistics providers by Brazilian shippers and: the type of their manufacturing process structure, and the level of sophistication of their logistics function, as well as the impact on that choice of possible interactions between these two characteristics of the shippers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in a comprehensive survey on the use of 3PL service providers in Brazil using a sample of 93 large Brazilian shippers; The analysis tests three research questions on the individual and combined relationships of logistics sophistication, measured on a logistics sophistication index (LSI), and process type (according to Goldratt's V‐A‐T classification for materials flow analysis) with the choice of type of 3PL provider; the methods of analysis were cluster and logistics regression analysis.

Findings

The paper finds: support for an association of sophisticated logistics functions and a preference for integrated 3PLs; support for an association between the A‐type production process structure and preference for integrated 3PLs; and of V and T types for functional 3PLs. However, it also finds that shippers with type T process structure and more sophisticated logistics tend to favor integrated 3PLs.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that logistics performance is not considered; future studies may further refine the proposed framework for segmentation.

Practical implications

The paper advocates the use of models by providers to segment their customers, and better understanding by shippers of prevailing trends in logistics outsourcing according to their process structure and characteristics of their logistics function.

Originality/value

The paper unveils significant relationships between shipper sophistication of logistics function, manufacturing process structures, and the choice of type of 3PL. It also proposes a new framework for segmenting the 3PL service provider market in terms of sophistication of the logistics function and the logistics task implied by the type of operation.
Teleoperated assembly of a micro‐lens system by means of a micro‐manipulation workstation
Authors: Eisinberg Anna , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo , Seyfried Joerg , Estana Ramon , Woern Heinz
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of the research is to perform an accurate micromanipulation task, the assembly of a lens system, implementing safe procedures in a flexible microrobot‐based workstation for micromanipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to the micromanipulation research issue consists in designing and building a micromanipulation station based on mobile microrobots, with 5 degrees of freedom and a size of a few cm3, capable of moving and manipulating by the use of tube‐shaped and multilayered piezo‐actuators. Controlled by visual and force/tactile sensor information, the micro‐robot is able to perform manipulation with a motion resolution down to 10 nm in a telemanipulated or semi‐automated mode, thus freeing human operators from the difficult task of handling minuscule objects directly. Equipped with purposely‐developed grippers, the robot can take over high‐precise grasping, transport, manipulation and positioning of mechanical or biological micro‐objects. A computer system using PC‐compatible hardware components ensures the robot operation in real‐time.

Findings

The robots and the grippers described in this paper are highly interesting tools. Even if each specific application may require specific modifications, the proposed solution is extremely versatile, due to the ability to manipulate with a very large stroke (being the size of the base the robot works on) with a very high motion resolution. These positive aspects do make the robots very suitable also for working in a scanning electron microscope, for wafer inspection in a laboratory, and so on.

Research limitations/implications

Future work will include modifications to the existing system in order to enhance the flexibility of the workstation: e.g. other robots and other tools with different characteristics will be designed and fabricated. Research efforts will be devoted in particular to further miniaturization of the actuators.

Practical implications

This workstation can be used as a platform for assembling novel prototypes, and as a test bench for testing new assembly procedures or new products, e.g. the lens assembly procedure described in this work, even if not suitable for mass production, was useful to assess the performance of the two‐lenses assembly system itself, compared to standard systems with just one lens.

Originality/value

The system proves that the development of mobile micro‐robots is a promising approach to realise very small and flexible tools useful for different applications. By means of its intuitive teleoperation mode, the system enables the user to work in the micro‐world; due to the force feedback the user is almost immersed into the micro‐world and gets a sense for the handled object.
Libraries as repositories of popular culture: is popular culture still forgotten?
Authors: Holley Robert P. , Heinrichs John H.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to replicate a study done in 1992 on the bibliographic availability of 55 popular culture periodicals sold by a Kroger supermarket in Royal Oak, Michigan. The earlier study asked the question whether time might be a relevant variable for the number of holding libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched WorldCat for the number of reported library holdings for the same 55 popular culture periodicals and analyzed the results.

Findings

During both periods, 34 periodicals with holdings had a median increase of 58.4 percent; but, when the 83.5 percent increase in OCLC governing members during the same period was taken into account, holdings had a median decrease of 13.7 percent. For the 19 cases with no library holdings in 1992, eight (42.1 percent) now had library holdings, including several high circulation periodicals such as Star and Soap Opera Weekly.

Practical implications

Popular culture materials read by many Americans are still not widely available in libraries or are not entered into WorldCat, the prime source for bibliographic holdings.

Originality/value

This paper provides additional statistical evidence on the availability of popular culture materials in libraries.
Growth in the specialist mortgage market
Authors: Shave Colin
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The UK mortgage market has undergone huge changes in recent years, as the social demographic has evolved and divided. New market sectors are coming of age with consumers within those sectors having their own unique needs, requirements and limitations. When these new customer types emerge new niche markets are created. Those lenders and finance providers able to grasp and embrace such changes, are the lenders who are most likely to succeed.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

As consumers' lending requirements become ever broader in the future, it is the lenders that remain flexible, knowledgeable and above all committed to their market, that are most likely to be successful in gaining the trust and business of consumers.
Links between justice, satisfaction and performance in the workplace
Authors: Mohyeldin Tahir Suliman Abubakr
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature, strength and significance of the links between organisational justice, job satisfaction and work performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self‐administered questionnaire 1,500 employees from 29 organisations were surveyed in order to examine the five main hypotheses of the study.

Findings

The study results revealed that employees' perceptions of justice influence their work performance and that job satisfaction plays a partial role in mediating this effect and influencing work performance.

Practical implications

The theoretical and managerial implications of the results are discussed in the paper, together with some recommendations for managing justice, satisfaction and performance in today's diverse work teams and environments.

Originality/value

The paper examines the above mentioned links for the first time in the UAE and the Arabic context.
A role‐based perspective on leadership as a network of relationships
Authors: Sheard A.G. , Kakabadse A.P.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The research described in this article seeks to address the question of the extent to which a role‐based perspective can provide insight into the distributed and networked form of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A model provides insight into the distributed and networked form of leadership, and the roles that executives can adopt in formal, informal or temporary groups within the organisation's overall senior management team. The methodology adopted is qualitative, focusing on inquiry‐based learning which enabled the authors to gather data on those aspects of the social structure within which they were embedded that related specifically to the leadership roles available to executives and the networks they formed.

Findings

Generically applicable links between leadership roles are identified that provides structure to the task accomplishment networks within groups executives form when discharging their leadership responsibilities. Characterising leadership in terms of role, and the task networks that executives form, is found to facilitate improvement in the speed with which groups gain productive contributions from their members.

Research limitations/implications

A case study of three demographically similar multinational engineering companies engaged in the design, development and manufacture of rotating turbo‐machinery provides the platform for the research. The concepts advanced will require validating in other organisations of different demographic profiles.

Practical implications

The concepts advanced, and implications discussed, provide an insight into the distributed and networked form of leadership. The practical steps individual executives can take to contribute to the speed with which groups gain productive contributions from their members are highlighted.

Originality/value

This article attempts to assist executives within a senior management team to better adapt and coordinate their behaviour with other executives. In so doing, it is suggested that executives contribute more positively to the development of groups and the speed with which the groups of which they are a part gain productive contributions from their members.
An interview with Sir John Parker, Chairman, National Grid
Authors: Kakabadse Andrew
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This article aims to capture latest thinking from an internationally renowned practitioner on the themes of Chairmanship, purpose of the board and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used two methods to complete the article – semi‐structured interview and qualitative methodology

Findings

Critical is the role of Chairman and leading the board. Beyond governance is establishing high quality, resilient and open relationships amongst board members, so that strategic risk and vulnerability issues can be effetively addressed.

Research limitations/implications

The focus was based on one interview only, generalisation is limited.

Practical implications

Provides an insightful view on how a world class Chairman structures and actions his role.

Originality/value

This is a critical original interview emphasising best practice Chairmanship.
Improving the search process through ontology‐based adaptive semantic search
Authors: Yang Chyan , Yang Keng‐Chieh , Yuan Hsu‐Chieh
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to describe an efficient search methodology to help improve the search results in the top portion of a lengthy search list. When facing a lengthy search list, people often limit themselves to the top ten items on the list, even though there may be more useful information after the top ten items.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes an ontology‐based adaptive semantic search to significantly improve the search experience. To capture the semantic difference of search terms, naïve ontology is used to store the relationship among terms. Before a search term is processed by the search engine Lucene, the related words of the search term are selected from ontology structures to form new query phrases in the process of query expansion. The weighting of the expanded query phrases is dynamically learned by observing the users' clicking behaviors.

Findings

Research results show that with the aid of ontology the average precision rate of all cases is dramatically higher than the precision rate for the default search result. Even in the worst cases, in some situations, this ontology is still close to the precision rate for the default search result.

Originality/value

This paper shows how it is possible to improve the precision rate of items retrieved after a search and thus avoid information overload.
Why do Malaysian customers patronise Islamic banks?
Authors: Wajdi Dusuki Asyraf , Irwani Abdullah Nurdianawati
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the main factors that motivate customers to deal with Islamic banks particularly in a dual banking environment, like in the case of Malaysia. A discussion on factors relating to corporate social responsibility initiatives as part of potential customers' banking selection criteria is also included.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents primary data collected by self‐administered questionnaires involving a sample of 750 respondents from four different regions in Malaysia. The Islamic banking criteria ranking as perceived by the respondents are analysed using Friedman Test. To further explore the customers' understanding of the banking criteria, an exploratory factor analysis is employed.

Findings

This study reveals that the selection of Islamic banks appears to be predominantly a combination of Islamic and financial reputation and quality service offered by the bank. Other factors perceived to be important include good social responsibility practices, convenience and product price.

Practical implications

The empirical evidence of this paper affects two aspects; first, Islamic banks must offer quality services while maintaining its Islamic credential and reputation; second, Islamic banks should also embrace good customers services policies to reap its potential as a strategic tool to achieve competitive advantage, enhance reputation and secure customers allegiance. This research will be of interest to both incumbent and potential entrants into this niche market.

Originality/value

The paper reports findings from the first nationwide study carried out in the area of Islamic banking selection criteria.
Decision – information – time/space
Authors: Overmeyer Ludger , Stock Andreas
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The standard terms of time and space lead to logical contradictions near the borderline of physics. Therefore, we suggest a new term for time and space, which enlarges the understanding but takes the actual knowledge of quantum mechanics into account.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure to define a broader and basic term of time and space is based on the relation between the information stored inside a system, the decision which is to be connected with it and the interaction with other systems.

Findings

Fundamental to this new understanding is a definition and an explanation of the terms system, decision and information. Based on these three terms we developed a new understanding of time and space. In which case, it involves a specifying and extension of the present understandings. A meaningful point is that these three terms determine each other as they are open terms. Thus, they must be used in the interactive description before and during their own definition.

Originality/value

Produces a new understanding and viewpoint which is enlarged by taking into account the knowledge of quantum mechanics.
General aspects of the advancement of theory and practices of information systems
Authors: Kuvyrkov Peter P. , Naidenov Sergei K.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The important role of functional and structural generalization of informative and communicative processes is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

It is denoted that generalitics suggests a means to obtain a new information which is more rich in content, more useful, jamproof and optimal. An increasingly important role of generalitics in the development of the informative equipment is underlined.

Findings

Upon the analysis made new attributes of information are suggested and estimated: informativeness, informness and informability. A clear description of the significance of generalization for the communication units is presented.

Originality/value

Development of the theoretic foundations allows for the creation of new generations of the informative technique, automated control and telemechanic systems and communications as a whole.
New initiatives in building human‐computer interfaces
Authors: Rudall Brian H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to review current advances in development of human‐computer interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

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

Practical implications

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

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
ARL/ACRL Institute on Scholarly Communications: Workshop Report
Authors: Brown Mitchell
Published: April 2007

Purpose–To report on the Association of Research libraries (ARL)/Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Institute on Scholarly Communications held in December 2006 in Durham, North Carolina. Design/methodology/approach–Provides a review of some of the events of the conference. Findings–The second ARL/ACRL Institute on Scholarly Communications aims to provide attendees continuing professional education on scholarly communications issues, publishing models, strategies for encouraging advocacy programs, copyright, and author's rights issues. The workshop combined presentation with working sessions for attendee teams to work on individual scholarly communication action plans for their institutions. Originality/value–A workshop report of interest to information professionals dealing with scholarly communications issues in academia, corporate and governmental information centers and libraries.
Interview with Mitchell Brown, Incoming Co‐editor of LHTN
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To introduce the new co‐editor and expose his current thinking about issues related to library automation and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is the result of an interview.

Findings

Mitchell Brown brings his experience as a science librarian to this new role as journal editor and offers a good sense of what interests him about information technology in different environments.

Originality

Getting to know an academic librarian and what influences his thinking and what readers of future issues of LHTN may expect.
Accounting and accountability in ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt
Authors: Carmona Salvador , Ezzamel Mahmoud
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and critique the growing literature on record‐keeping practices in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt with a particular focus on processes of ancient accountability, and provide a research agenda for future work.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzes the contributions of accounting historians in this area as well as the research conducted by Assyriologists and Egyptologists. Our analysis emphasizes the embeddeness of ancient processes of accounting and accountability in their wider contexts.

Findings

A framework is proposed comprising levels and spheres of accountability. The levels of accountability consist of: hierarchical; horizontal; and self, all entailing both accounting and non‐accounting elements. Furthermore, accountability is analyzed at three spheres: the individual‐state, the state‐individual, and the individual‐individual.

Originality/value

Further research in this area might examine issues such as the temporal dimension of accountability and whether more precise time measures than those reported in the extant literature were enforced in ancient economies; how the ancients dealt with differences between actual and expected measures; examination on the extent to which accountability exerted an impact on, and the role of accounting in, ordering the lives of individuals and communities; and examination of the trajectories of accounting and accountability across different historical episodes.
Household accounting in Australia: a microhistorical study
Authors: Carnegie Garry D. , Walker Stephen P.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the work of Carnegie and Walker and report the results of Part 2 of their study on household accounting in Australia during the period from the 1820s to the 1960s.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a microhistorical approach involving a detailed examination of actual accounting practices in the Australian home based on 18 sets of surviving household records identified as exemplars and supplemented by other sources which permit their contextualisation and interpretation.

Findings

The findings point to considerable variety in the accounting practices pursued by individuals and families. Household accounting in Australia was undertaken by both women and men of the middle and landed classes whose surviving household accounts were generally found to comprise one element of diverse and comprehensive personal record keeping systems. The findings indicate points of convergence and divergence in relation to the contemporary prescriptive literature and practice.

Originality/value

The paper reflects on the implications of the findings for the notion of the household as a unit of consumption as opposed to production, gender differences in accounting practice and financial responsibility, the relationship between changes in the life course and the commencement and cessation of household accounting, and the relationship between domestic accounting practice and social class.
Accounting and public sector reforms
Authors: Zaman Mir Monir , Shiraz Rahaman Abu
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the role of accounting in the reform process of a continuously evolving governmental agency in the Australian state of New South Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on two complementary organizational change models, the paper investigates how the shifting objectives of the Department of Public Works and Services (DPWS) rendered its financial management and accountability systems inadequate and how “new” accounting technologies introduced to anchor the reform process clashed with bureaucratic procedures to create a very challenging context for the organization's management. The paper uses multiple research methods including interviews, archival material and observation to understand the reform process at the DPWS and its implications for public sector accounting and public sector management.

Findings

The paper finds that the unique history and continuously evolving nature of the DPWS makes it an important context for re‐examining the dynamics of change processes and the contribution of accounting technologies within that context. Since the late 1980s, the DPWS has transformed itself from a budget‐dependent bureaucratic governmental agency to a business‐oriented commercialized agency operating in a competitive environment.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could be directed at understanding how cultural fragmentations are mended in this extremely challenging reform process. Further case studies employing the two organizational change models could provide additional insights in this area.

Practical implications

The paper argues that the cultural fragmentation that is introduced by the reform of the Public Works Department and the diverse and often conflicting obligations of the sector have added to the complexities of managing the organization. Perhaps a transformational leadership‐style might be appropriate for managing such a challenging context.

Originality/value

This paper would be of value to researchers and practitioners with an interest in public sector reform and management.
Accountability through activism: learning from Bourdieu
Authors: Shenkin Mark , Coulson Andrea B.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how the social‐theoretical work of Pierre Bourdieu (1931‐2001) could contribute to knowledge production on accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on Bourdieu's conceptualisation of social practice in terms of a field/habitus relation, and uses this relation as a framing mechanism to explore the possibilities of accountability in corporate‐stakeholder relations.

Findings

The authors argue that Bourdieu's work holds significant implications for academics operating in the political space relating to accountability because it informs a basis for academic intervention.

Research limitations/implications

Included in the paper are a critique of the dominant “liberal” position on accountability and a defence of the development of a “post‐liberal” alternative.

Practical implications

It is argued that this alternative requires moving away from the dominant procedural approach to practice and recognising the value of informal communication and non‐institutional action as equally valid routes towards accountability.

Originality/value

Reflecting on Bourdieu's position reminds us of the explicit link between political and methodological change, and highlights the necessity for these to be inextricably linked.
Employees' perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning
Authors: Graham Carroll M. , Muyia Nafukho Fredrick
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine employees' perception of the dimension of culture toward organizational learning readiness. The study also seeks to compare employees' work experience (longevity), work shifts and their perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to 150 employees of a manufacturing enterprise. ANOVA was utilized to investigate the relationship between longevity, work shift, and perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning. To determine which of the work shifts had a significant relationship with the dependent variable employees' perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning, a posteriori contrasts were established.

Findings

The independent variables longevity and work shift were statistically significant, while the interaction effect was nonsignificant. Omega‐squared test statistic revealed longevity and work shift each accounted for 9 percent and 7 percent, respectively of the variance in the dependent variable employee perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning. Moderate effect sizes for independent variables longevity and work shift were also established.

Research limitations/implications

The application of the results of this study is limited to the one small business enterprise that participated in this study and cannot be generalized to other similar organizations. But the findings are important since they reveal that employees' work experience and work shifts make a difference when compared to the participants' perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning readiness of the small business enterprise studied.

Practical implications

Findings of this study show that it is important to determine the perceptions of employees toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning readiness. In addition, managers of this small business enterprise should find the results of this study useful in designing work shifts intended to promote organizational learning practices. Emphasis should be directed towards shift interface issues, knowledge dissemination, and evaluation.

Originality/value

Organizational learning has been well researched in large business enterprises. However, limited research in small business enterprises exists. This study set out to determine the employees' perception of the dimension of culture in enhancing learning readiness in a small business enterprise.
The future revisited: an application of lessons learned from past futures – the socio‐cultural domain and innovation policy in The Netherlands
Authors: van der Duin Patrick , Sabelis Ida
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate future studies in order to improve futures research.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were researched.

Findings

The current study of the future carried out by the Dutch Innovation Platform (responsible for innovation policy) resembles an old‐fashioned utopism whereas a study conducted in 1977 by the Dutch Council for Government Policy yields very interesting results.

Research limitations/implications

Only two case studies have been researched.

Practical implications

Lessons learned or the evaluation of former studies of the future can be very interesting and supportive but one must be aware that they are not golden rules for doing futures research in the future itself.

Originality/value

Although futures researchers often look back at other studies of the future it remains an important activity in improving futures research.
Shining light on the dark side of ambient intelligence
Authors: Wright David , Gutwirth Serge , Friedewald Michael
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To identify safeguards against threats and vulnerabilities posed by the emerging world of ambient intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

Dark scenarios were constructed to highlight the threats and vulnerabilities; safeguards are identified to address those threats and vulnerabilities and recommendations for specific stakeholders are made for implementing those safeguards.

Findings

A multiplicity of threats and vulnerabilities can be expected in the emerging world of ambient intelligence, and a multiplicity of safeguards are similarly necessary to address those.

Research limitations/implications

Additional technological research is necessary in order to develop some of the safeguards envisaged as necessary.

Practical implications

The existing legal and regulatory regime suffers from various lacunae and must be amended to address AmI challenges. Many stakeholders have important roles to play.

Originality/value

The paper identifies necessary safeguards to protect privacy, identity, trust, security and e‐inclusion. It identifies specific recommendations for the European Commission, Member States, industry, civil society organizations, academia and individuals.
Extracting business process decomposition
Authors: Fatolahi Ali , Jalalinia Shahram , Dabestani Zahra , Eskandari Masoumeh
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to offer a step‐by‐step methodology to extract and model business processes with a focus on business process decomposition. The main motivation is the lack of repeatable measurable methods and techniques for extracting business process decomposition.

Design/methodology/approach

A step‐by‐step methodology for extracting business process models is provided. This methodology is called “the V methodology” because of its approach to break down the enterprise through a functional hierarchy and then collecting it up again via its process decomposition. Porter's value chain model is noticed as a powerful tool to complete the roadmap. The paper is designed using sections: benefits and necessities of having such a methodology, terminology, the V methodology, learned lessons and further work.

Findings

Success stories using the V methodology expressing its impact on quality business process models are mentioned. Experts find it useful to gain unified process models as well as helping them to discover gaps, bottlenecks and redundancies amongst business processes.

Research limitations/implications

It is too hard to receive reliable information about previous experiences from the working companies in the area.

Practical implications

The main implications found when using the V methodology are: practiced analysts feel it dangerous to their position, younger analysts use it as the only source of modeling and people find it difficult to apply Porter's model in practice.

Originality/value

Almost all of the previous papers refer to modeling notations when using the term “methodology”. This paper instead describes the process of business process modeling. Another original value of the paper would be using Porter's model to classify the processes within their right process groups.
Online security evaluation process for new e‐services
Authors: Hesson Mihyar , Al‐Ameed Hayder
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to contribute to making the use of the Dubai e‐government services more secure and facilitating the process of introducing new services, while maintaining the integrity and security of the whole system.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is based on the ISO 17799 standard. ISO 17799 a comprehensive set of controls comprising best practices in information security. It is essentially, in part, an internationally‐recognized generic information security standard (The ISO 17799 Directory).

Findings

The system has achieved its objectives in terms of performance, cost, reliability and flexibility.

Practical implications

The system assumes that the fed information is true and authenticated. However, this may not always be the case. Therefore, onsite manual verification may be required at the very end of the process.

Originality/value

The system would serve accelerating and facilitating the process of expanding the e‐services provided by the Dubai e‐government within the set timeframe.
A proposed strategic alignment of IS/IT with supply‐chain management for UAE dates industry
Authors: Jaffar Ahmad , ElKhatib Hazem , Hesson Mihyar , Radaideh Moh'd
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to elicit the challenges faced by the UAE dates industry in adopting and aligning its business strategy with the use of information system and information technology (IS/IT) within its operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted approach is based on the combination of conclusive feedback research technique and action research. The intention is to elicit background information in its initial phase, formulate an interim solution, which will evolve through users' constant feedbacks into a full‐blown desirable system.

Findings

Highlights the UAE dates industry existing state of readiness in adopting IS/IT and the extent of optimizing supply‐chain management business practices.

Research limitations/implications

Transforming organization manual operations to achieve efficiency towards strategic effectiveness is a lengthy process. While quantitative and qualitative evidences suggest the adoption of a certain solution, the benefits yield cannot be realized overnight.

Practical implications

This research proposes a paradigm shift in the organization's culture. Adopting supply‐chain principles and implementing a strategy to align both business and use of IS/IT will facilitate an elevation for UAE dates factory to be one of the economy contributing industries.

Originality/value

This research addresses existing states of readiness to implement IS/IT within the UAE dates factory, proposes supply‐chain model customized to UAE dates factory and highlights challenges faced by the factory in implementing the strategic alignment of its business through IS/IT optimization.
A framework for the improvement of knowledge‐intensive business processes
Authors: Dalmaris Peter , Tsui Eric , Hall Bill , Smith Bob
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present research into the improvement of knowledge‐intensive business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is conducted that indicates that a gap exists in the area of knowledge‐based business process improvement (KBPI). Sir Karl Popper's theory of objective knowledge is used as a conceptual basis for the design of a business process improvement (BPI) framework. Case studies are conducted to evaluate and further evolve the improvement framework in two different organisations.

Findings

Highlights the gap in the literature. Draws attention to the merits of KBPI. Reports on the design of an improvement framework for knowledge‐intensive business processes, and on the lessons learned from the conducted case studies.

Research limitations/implications

Practical and time constraints limit the scope of the case studies. General applicability can be inferred, but not tested, due to the small number of case studies.

Practical implications

A new practical way to achieve performance improvement, that utilises structured tools on intangible organisational assets. The framework can be applied by organisations that run knowledge‐intensive business processes.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a gap in the area of KBPI. It combines concepts from business process management with a robust theory of knowledge to design a practical improvement framework. The paper also contains interesting argumentation supporting the use of Karl Popper's epistemology in BPI and knowledge management.
Examining information exchange and virtual communities: an emergent framework
Authors: Hersberger Julia A. , Murray Adam L. , Rioux Kevin S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an emergent conceptual framework for examining virtual communities.

Design/methdodology/approach

Established theories and models of community, social networks, information exchange, and information sharing behaviours are explored with the goal of determining their usefulness in conceptualising virtual communities.

Findings

Explored theories and models are inter‐related and expanded to form a tiered conceptual framework for examining virtual communities. This framework also acknowledges the affective contexts in which virtual communities operate.

Practical implications

The presented conceptual framework may inform information professionals tasked with creating, maintaining, and improving corporate, educational, research, and other information systems. It may also be of use to researchers who seek to build theory that attempts to explain phenomena observable in virtual communities.

Originality/value

In contrast to models and frameworks which focus on analysing individual components and attributes of virtual communities, the presented framework provides a holistic starting point for understanding inter‐related structural, cognitive, behavioural and affective dimensions of online communities
Controlling construction waste by implementing governmental ordinances in Hong Kong
Authors: Tam Vivian W.Y. , Shen L.Y. , Fung Ivan W.H. , Wang J.Y.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Owing to limited space, reducing the waste going to landfills has become a pressing issue in Hong Kong. As most of the solid waste was generated from construction activity, the Hong Kong Government has instituted a number of measures aimed at reducing waste from this source. However, it appears that the application of these measures has been of limited effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of implementing regulatory measures for reducing construction waste in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used for the analysis are from a survey to construction professionals in the local industry by means of questionnaire, interview discussions and case studies. The survey examined the commitments and responsibilities imposed on project participants for implementing seven major regulatory waste management controlling measures: legislative controls; controlling public filling facilities; controlling landfill areas; providing on‐site sorting facilities; implantation of a environmental management system; implementation of a waste management framework plan; and implementing recycling scheme.

Findings

The results of the investigation illustrate that legal commitments have been mainly allocated to contractors. Insufficient commitments and responsibilities are allocated to other project participants such as project clients, designers and consultants. The study has also found that existing waste control ordinances allow for skewed distribution of commitments and responsibilities of controlling construction waste among project stakeholders. The results demonstrate that there is need for a balanced allocation of responsibilities and commitments among all project stakeholders.

Originality/value

Revision and further development of legal measures are necessary to ensure that all project stakeholders play an active role and share commitments in waste control and reduction. This research provides references for studying construction waste management in other construction industries.