bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organised complexity, meaning and understanding
Authors: Bawden David
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to outline an approach to a unified framework for understanding the concept of “information” in the physical, biological and human domains, and to see what links and interactions may be found between them. It also aims to re‐examine the information science discipline, with a view to locating it in a larger context, so as to reflect on the possibility that information science may not only draw from these other disciplines, but that its insights may contribute to them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an extensive literature review and analysis, loosely based on the approaches of Stonier, Madden and Bates, and including analysis of both scientific and library/information literature.

Findings

The paper identifies the concept of information as being identified with organised complexity in the physical domain, with meaning in context in the biological domain, and with Kvanvig's concept of understanding in the human domain. The linking thread is laws of emergent self‐organised complexity, applicable in all domains. Argues that a unified perspective for the information sciences, based on Popperian ontology, may be derived, with the possibility of not merely drawing insights from physical and biological science, but also of contributing to them. Based on Hirst's educational philosophy, derives a definition for the information sciences around two poles: information science and library/information management.

Originality/value

This is the only paper to approach the subject in this way.
Parallel methods for the update of partitioned inverted files
Authors: MacFarlane A. , McCann J.A. , Robertson S.E.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

An issue that tends to be ignored in information retrieval is the issue of updating inverted files. This is largely because inverted files were devised to provide fast query service, and much work has been done with the emphasis strongly on queries. This paper aims to study the effect of using parallel methods for the update of inverted files in order to reduce costs, by looking at two types of partitioning for inverted files: document identifier and term identifier.

Design/methodology/approach

Raw update service and update with query service are studied with these partitioning schemes using an incremental update strategy. The paper uses standard measures used in parallel computing such as speedup to examine the computing results and also the costs of reorganising indexes while servicing transactions.

Findings

Empirical results show that for both transaction processing and index reorganisation the document identifier method is superior. However, there is evidence that the term identifier partitioning method could be useful in a concurrent transaction processing context.

Practical implications

There is an increasing need to service updates, which is now becoming a requirement of inverted files (for dynamic collections such as the web), demonstrating that a shift in requirements of inverted file maintenance is needed from the past.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to database administrators who manage large‐scale and dynamic text collections, and who need to use parallel computing to implement their text retrieval services.
Information history: its importance, relevance and future
Authors: Weller Toni
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergent field of information history (IH) and to move towards a definition of IH. Some of the more traditional historical approaches to information science are challenged in their claims to be information history.

Design/methodology/approach

The historiography of the field is discussed, and an analysis of the continuing development of IH is explored.

Findings

IH is a field that has been attracting increasing attention in recent years from historians and information scientists alike. Although still a relatively young area, this paper argues that IH has the potential to develop into a highly relevant and dynamic field of research. The paper concludes with a look at the future for this area of research, with some suggestions as to how IH needs to develop in order to gain the credence and recognition it deserves.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to augment the debate on IH and to encourage a broader recognition of this young and dynamic field within LIS.
Of the rich and the poor and other curious minds: on open access and “development”
Authors: Haider Jutta
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to reconsider open access and its relation to issues of “development” by highlighting the ties the open access movement has with the hegemonic discourse of development and to question some of the assumptions about science and scientific communication upon which the open access debates are based. The paper also aims to bring out the conflict arising from the convergence of the hegemonic discourses of science and development with the contemporary discourse of openness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical reading of a range of published work on open access and the so‐called “developing world” as well as of various open access declarations. The argument is supported by insights from post‐development studies.

Findings

Open access is presented as an issue of moral concern beyond the narrow scope of scholarly communication. Claims are made based on hegemonic discourses that are positioned as a priori and universal. The construction of open access as an issue of unquestionable moral necessity also impedes the problematisation of its own heritage.

Originality/value

This paper is intended to open up the view for open access's less obvious alliances and conflicting discursive ties and thus to initiate a politisation, which is necessary in order to further the debate in a more fruitful way.
Inhibition performance and adsorption behaviour of dodecylamine on N80 steel in CO2‐saturated brine solution
Authors: Zhaoling Lu , Chaoyang Fu , Xingpeng Guo
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the different inhibition performance and adsorption behaviour of dodecylamine in acidic and neutral environments and to understand further the inhibition mechanism of dodecylamine in CO2‐saturated brine solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhibition performance and adsorption behaviour of dodecylamine on N80 steel in CO2‐saturated brine solution in acidic and neutral environments were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Findings

Corrosion potentials exhibited a pronounced shift in the positive direction at higher concentrations of dodecylamine. The inhibition efficiency of dodecylamine was shown to be pH‐dependent. The effective inhibition concentration of dodecylamine decreased from pH 4.9 to 7.4. In a neutral environment, the inhibitor was shown to affect the deposition of the corrosion products and provide more active sites to bond with the inhibitor. More alkaline environments made the electron cloud density of dodecylamine much higher, which was more favourable to the interaction of dodecylamine and the naked metal base, and hence dodecylamine had a much better inhibition performance in a neutral environment than in acidic environments.

Originality/value

This paper provides information regarding the inhibition performance and adsorption behaviour of dodecylamine on N80 steel and probes the inhibition mechanism of dodecylamine in acidic and neutral environments. The results of the work contribute to an understanding of the inhibition mechanism of the inhibitor in different environments, which will be useful for effective design and choice of inhibitors in CO2 corrosion.
Turning to the problem is the answer to the question of how you can learn faster than others: applying PBL at work
Authors: Yeo Roland K.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the role of problem‐based learning (PBL) in workplace settings. It seeks to discuss the principles of PBL in relation to individual and group learning, and to propose possible applications that can be incorporated into the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in Singapore through two sample groups: ten PBL specialists who had direct experience in workplace applications and 50 working professionals who had some direct or indirect experience in PBL. Convergent interviewing and open‐ended survey questions in addition to follow‐up face‐to‐face interviews were used respectively.

Findings

PBL can help employees to approach daily problems more confidently. Lessons drawn from problem‐solving activities can enhance the learning capacity of employees through dialogue and reflective inquiry. PBL activities can also help systematize learning patterns that are otherwise developed haphazardly through informal learning.

Research limitations/implications

PBL creates different learning networks by allowing greater learning loops to develop. The desired outcome is the generation of critical organizational knowledge necessary for competition and growth. PBL taps into intra‐organizational processes where a deeper relationship between its applications and workplace learning can be further explored.

Practical implications

The successful implementation of PBL in workplace settings requires a realistic timeframe, an appropriate reward and recognition system, a strategic positioning of technological infrastructure and an effective communication channel. Managers need to first appreciate the intrinsic value of PBL by supporting learning networks through the adjustment of organizational structures and processes.

Originality/value

PBL is more than a useful approach used in educational settings. PBL principles can be strategically applied to workplace environments to promote different learning types. Transfer of individual to team learning can best be achieved through the structured yet spontaneous PBL activities.
What counts as good practice in contemporary apprenticeships?
Authors: Fuller Alison , Unwin Lorna
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: first, outline the features of the contemporary apprenticeship system, and its performance in terms of the numbers starting and completing programmes; and second, to report the findings of empirical research which sought to identify the characteristics of effective apprenticeship.

Design/methodology/approach

Two contrasting sectors were selected to identify aspects of provision that generate “success”: “engineering”, which has a long tradition of apprenticeships and “business administration”, which has a shorter history of involvement. Four organizations, two from each sector, were selected from those, which had gained the highest grade in the formal inspection of apprenticeship provision undertaken by the Adult Learning Inspectorate. Interviews were carried out with training personnel and investigated issues such as the organisation's rationale(s) for employing apprentices; the costs and benefits associated with the approach; the structure of the training and the pedagogical processes employed; and the links between the programme and career progression.

Findings

The findings in the paper indicate that effective apprenticeships are strongly associated with a sustained organisational commitment to apprenticeship. This stems from an identifiable business case to recruit and train young people and a concern with their personal (long‐term) as well as job‐specific (short‐term) development. This approach is manifested through the development of programmes which ensure that apprentices participate in a wide range of co‐ordinated and progressive work and learning opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper identifies a range of good practice features emerging from the case studies and discusses the prospects for extending this approach to other industries and occupations.
Australian employers' strategies to improve the quality of apprentices
Authors: Smith Erica
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the ways in which Australian companies can achieve high quality apprenticeship and traineeship systems in a time of labour shortage through close attention to the recruitment and development of apprentices and trainees.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on six qualitative case studies in a range of industries and occupational areas, carried out as part of an international project on apprenticeship.

Findings

The paper finds that there are significant differences among companies in the skills and experience that they bring to the processes of recruiting and developing apprentice and trainees. Poor skills appear to lead to poor outcomes in terms of quality of apprentices and trainees while investment of skills and time leads to high quality outcomes that may significantly add value to the company. The effects of shortcomings in this area may be exacerbated in a tight labour market.

Research limitations

The research in this paper is limited by the depth of the case studies which primarily rest on in‐depth interviews with senior managers. The research could be extended by further case studies that include interviews with apprentices and trainees.

Practical implications

The paper shows that companies employing apprentices and trainees need to be very clear about why they are employing them and the development strategies that will be put in place. The inclusion of off‐the‐job training at a training provider adds a safety net that is particularly important for inexperienced companies.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its use of detailed empirical examples to illustrate successful and less successful ways of managing apprentices and trainees.
Problem situations triggering line pruning in financial services: evidence from the UK
Authors: Argouslidis Paraskevas C.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the problem situations leading financial firms to kick off the elimination decision‐making process for financial products in their line, measure the importance of problem situations, and assess the effects of a set of contextual variables on the above importance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took place in the UK; data were collected through 20 in‐depth interviews with managers of financial firms and a mail survey to a stratified random sample of financial firms, which yielded 112 returns.

Findings

Eight problem situations are identified and their importance is measured. The results indicate that the importance of problem situations is highly situation‐specific: it varies in relation to the degree of a financial firm's market orientation, the intensity of competition, the austerity of the regulatory environment, and the rhythm of technological change.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical standpoint, future research on the investigation of the importance of decision variables pertaining to line pruning must always take into consideration the internal and the external context of the firm. From a practical standpoint, this study has important policy implications, since it provides managers with a first picture of the effects of selected contextual forces on the importance of the problem situations triggering line pruning in services settings. The limitations of the study provide useful avenues for future investigation.

Originality/value

This study represents the first attempt to measure the importance of different problem situations triggering line pruning in financial services and relate that importance to a set of contextual variables. As such, it makes a clear theoretical contribution.
Relationship orientation or service quality?
Authors: Camarero Carmen
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The current work aims to analyze the complementary effects of relationship and service‐quality orientations on market and economic performance and their mediating role in the relationship between market orientation and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the hypotheses proposed, an empirical analysis for financial and insurance companies was conducted.

Findings

The study reveals that market performance relates highly to relationship orientation and service quality as two alternative but complementary strategies, whereas the effect on economic performance is basically indirect through the market performance.

Practical implications

Results suggest that applying relational policies such as preferential treatment, communication and adaptation to customers' needs is critical for customer retention, reducing complaints and conflicts or improving the positioning. Moreover, the firms need to focus on quality service, as a consequence of relationship orientation and another requisite for market performance and, subsequently, economic performance.

Originality/value

This work integrates market orientation philosophy with relationship marketing and service quality as related drivers of the firm's performance. Few empirical works had related these concepts until now in this way.
Forecast for financial services in 2010: no room for laggards
Authors: Gentle Chris
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The worldwide market for financial services is evolving rapidly, and is likely to look very different by the year 2010. This study identifies major market drivers and operational challenges that financial institutions will likely face over the next four years and pin‐points the strategies and practices recommended to create the “Hallmarks of Success”.

Design/methodology/approach

This report is based on industry and literature reviews and builds on research carried out by Deloitte Research on the financial services industry.

Findings

New asset classes such as private equity and hedge funds are attracting a growing number of investors. The payments business, a major source of revenue for financial institutions, is being restructured. In many countries, the impending retirement of baby boomers is changing the focus of financial services from long‐term accumulation to managed consumption. Emerging markets are becoming increasingly important sources of growth for firms in mature economies. Financial institutions around the world will need to forge the hallmarks of operational excellence in areas such as offshoring, taxation and financial reporting, service and process innovation, and in internal control to hold on to their growth and profitability.

Practical implications

The financial services industry is changing rapidly with the rules of the game being rewritten faster than ever before. Globalization, increased regulation, commoditization of products, and decreased margins are just some challenges that require an overhaul of current business thinking. Companies that aspire to reach, or hold on to, leadership positions need to understand these changes and adapt to them.

Originality/value

This report documents the real‐time changes happening in the financial services industry and draws lessons from them for the medium term. These lessons are valuable for companies looking for strategies to stay on top in the midst of the changes currently sweeping the industry.
Extending innovation boundaries: corporate venture capital gives large firms a strategic option
Authors: Gregory Henley L.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe how investing in entrepreneurial ventures can help large firms pursue corporate entrepreneurship initiates. Ventures can be attractive partners due to their ability to provide a disproportionate share of radical innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on existing literature and information collected via 45 surveys and 72 interviews, the paper shows that strategic fit is an important variable that determines the type of benefits ventures can provide to investing firms.

Findings

Three benefits large firms can reap from investing in ventures are: managing the risks and uncertainties of innovation; learning from the venture; and increasing bargaining power over ventures that supply innovative products.

Research limitations/implications

Existing research does not go far enough to explain the range of benefits corporate venture capital can provide. The majority of investments were found in ventures that sell innovative products to the investing firm and have technological competences different from the investing firm.

Practical implications

Organizing for innovation is often a challenge for large firms. Because ventures may be more effective when started outside the firm than inside, investing in select entrepreneurial ventures can help firms effectively explore for radical innovation while continuing to exploit their existing resources internally.

Originality/value

For corporate strategists concerned about improving their firm's innovativeness, corporate venture capital can be part of a corporate entrepreneurship toolbox that can help augment a large firm's growth and competitive position. It can be particularly helpful in managing the risks and uncertainties inherent with radical innovation.
Perquisites under the microscope
Authors: Dalton Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper discusses perquisites for executives.

Design/methodology/approach

This as a viewpoint paper in which the authors discuss perquisites for executives.

Findings

Not only must the amounts of compensation, perquisites in particular, be listed, the Compensation Committee of the Board (or equivalent group) must also provide the rationale for these pay elements and the total package.

Originality/value

Provides a viewpoint on perquisites for executives.
Thinking for breakthroughs
Authors: Kambil Ajit
Published: September 2007

Purpose

How can executives improve the odds of generating breakthrough ideas and solutions in their organizations? In contrast to methods like brainstorming and widely available ideation methods – this viewpoint proposes more disciplined approaches to thinking can greatly enhance the odds of breakthroughs. Through a series of illustrative examples primarily focused on creating differentiated thought leadership, this article outlines five approaches to critical thinking that can enhance the likelihood of new strategies and discoveries.

Design/methodology/approach

As a viewpoint this article is based on personal reflection and analysis of prior professional experiences

Findings

This viewpoint outlines five strategies that executives can use to sharpen their thinking skills to generate breakthroughs. These include: attending to anomalies; pushing ideas to their limit and beyond; changing coordinate frames; building on and adapting prior models to new contexts; and “black box” abstraction as approaches every strategist and researcher can adopt to generating breakthroughs. The five techniques are illustrated through personal and other examples.

Originality/value

This reflective viewpoint provides pragmatic critical thinking tools that can help strategists and thought leaders improve the options for creating breakthrough ideas and solutions.
The memes of life: a speculative conversation
Authors: Bennet Alex
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how people's memes of life help them make sense out of what might initially be considered new or “foreign” concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

This short paper uses a conversational approach to introduce the concept of memes of life, work through a thought experiment engaging a random headline from The Times in Print, and reflect on the role these memes of life play in one's learning and growth.

Findings

This paper suggests that, by identifying recurring thought patterns that help us make sense of the world and understanding their evolving nature, one can more consciously participate in constructing one's lens to the world.

Originality/value

This paper connects the concepts of memes, associative patterning, learning threshold and sense‐making through a thought experiment.
Gaining competitive advantage in a knowledge‐based economy through the utilization of open source software
Authors: Hedgebeth Darius
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to educate the knowledge worker on the benefits of using open source software, and to demonstrate how open source methodology promotes the collaborative and innovative attributes of knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author lists the open source initiative's definition for open source products, licensing information, the value of open source in a global economy, misconceived barriers to open source adoption, a functional comparison of open source and commercial software products, and web sites where open source products may be obtained.

Findings

Open source usage is prevalent throughout the world for governmental, business, educational, military, and space exploration purposes. Notwithstanding, some commercial enterprises such as the Microsoft Corporation have viewed the open source movement as a threat to profitability, citing alleged intellectual property infringement violations. However, other commercial entities such as IBM, Oracle, Novell, and Apple computer have embraced open source technology to conduct business operations as well as satisfy customer needs. Public appeal for open source products has been strong enough for Microsoft, through a recent public statement, to disclose that the firm wishes to “build a bridge” with the open source community, an apparent realization that open source is here to stay. The knowledge worker should understand that commercial and open source applications may coexist in the same IT environment.

Originality/value

A knowledge enterprise's total cost of ownership (TCO) can be significantly reduced through the use of open source software, resulting in an improvement to overall performance attributed to the collaborative and innovative nature of the open source model. Enterprises can benefit by taking a closer look at how open source technology helps to meet organizational goals and objectives in the most efficient and effective manner available.
Trust – current thinking and future research
Authors: Arnott David C.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The primary purpose of this article is to introduce the special issue on trust in marketing and the selected papers. However, it has a secondary objective of acting as a brief introduction to the concept of trust, of highlighting the scope and scale of research into the concept in a range of disciplines, and of stimulating more research in areas identified as still being under‐explored.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discursive paper based on analysis and synthesis of trust literature and of submissions to the special issue.

Findings

This paper finds that despite a broad spectrum of disciplines that investigate trust, and despite this special issue in the area of marketing, there are still areas open for research into trust in marketing, for example the role of trust in a B2C context, the impact of indirect (referent) experience versus direct experience of levels of trust, and exploring the concept using more interpretivist or phenomenological approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The historical synthesis provides researchers new to the field with some foundational literature. For those interested in current thoughts, the discussion provides a synthesis of the areas represented by the paper in this special issue. For those interested in new areas it offers suggestions as to some possibilities.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in linking the special issue articles to areas of current interest and the identification of under‐researched areas of trust in a marketing context.
The impact of psychological contracts on trust and commitment in supplier‐distributor relationships
Authors: Kingshott Russel P.J. , Pecotich Anthony
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The nurturing of trust within firm‐customer relationships highlights the significance of social exchange theory in helping to explain the relational paradigm. By focusing upon this theory it was hypothesized that psychological contracts also play an important role in helping manage customer relationships. The principal purpose of this study is to explore the role of the psychological contract within the firm‐customer relationship, and its effects on trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 343 distributor firms within the motorized vehicle industry was used to test a model developed on the basis of social exchange theory.

Findings

Psychological contracts are perceptual in nature and encompass reciprocal obligations stemming from the relational marketing efforts between suppliers and distributors. This construct was shown to have a positive impact upon the level of trust and commitment within the relationship; however, perceived violations of the contract terms were found to reduce the distributor's level of trust.

Originality/value

Given that trust was found to increase commitment, these findings have important managerial implications as they show that psychological contracts will erode important customer relationships if not factored into the customer decision‐making processes within the firm.
Trust determinants and outcomes in global B2B services
Authors: Doney Patricia M. , Barry James M. , Abratt Russell
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to specify and test factors surrounding trusting relationships between buyers and suppliers in a global, business‐to‐business services context. In so doing, the paper aims to help to extend relationship marketing theories to this under‐researched domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and results of qualitative interviews in the paper provide a conceptual framework for the trust formation process and relational outcomes of trust. The research then tests a model of hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The paper confirms the influence of trust building behaviors (social interaction, open communications, customer orientation) and service outcomes (technical, functional and economic quality) on trust formation. Trust is shown to have a positive influence on key relational outcomes, loyalty commitment and share of purchases.

Research limitations/implications

The sample consists of buyers of aviation component repair services who may be susceptible to idiosyncratic industry pressures. Further, the sample of buyers in 42 countries includes a higher share of buyers from individualist countries.

Practical implications

The study provides managerially relevant (“actionable”) results that may help buyers execute customer retention strategies that lead to higher customer profitability.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited literature on building trust in B2B services in a global context. The paper seeks to provide a balanced account of the interpersonal and tangible aspects of trust formation.
Personal characteristics, trust, conflict, and effectiveness in marketing/sales working relationships
Authors: Massey Graham R. , Dawes Philip L.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The key objective of this research is to test how two trust dimensions (cognition‐based trust and affect‐based trust) mediate the effects of three personal characteristics (psychological distance, the marketing manager's sales experience, and the marketing manager's relative level of formal education) on the following outcome variables: dysfunctional conflict, functional conflict, and perceived relationship effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the interaction approach, the paper develops a conceptual framework to better understand the nature of the working relationship between marketing managers and sales managers. In total, it develops and test 13 hypotheses. Partial least squares was used to assess the validity of the measures, and to estimate the structural model. Using a cross‐sectional design, data were collected from 101 marketing managers in Australia.

Findings

The hypothesized model has high explanatory power and it was found that both trust dimensions strongly affected all three outcome variables. However, though both forms of trust were positively related to perceived relationship effectiveness, affect‐based trust had the strongest impact on this outcome. The results also confirm that both cognition‐ and affect‐based trust have negative effects on dysfunctional conflict, and strong positive effects on functional conflict. In addition to these new findings, the paper shows that while psychological distance has a strong negative impact on cognition‐based trust, it has no impact on affect‐based trust. Moreover, it was found that when marketing managers had greater levels of sales experience, it increased their affect‐based trust but it had no impact on cognition‐based trust. Finally, the marketing manager's relative level of formal education had no impact on either forms of trust.

Originality/value

This is one of a handful of studies to employ a large‐scale empirical approach to examine the neglected cross‐functional relationship between marketing and sales. Also, it is one of the few studies to examine the effects of cognition‐based trust and affect‐based trust on performance outcomes.
Role of electronic trust in online retailing
Authors: Mukherjee Avinandan , Nath Prithwiraj
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Trust and commitment are the central tenets in building successful long‐term relationships in the online retailing context. In the absence of physical interaction between the buyer and the seller, how websites can gain the trust of the buyers and deliver on the promises made have become central issues in online customer relationship management. This paper aims to re‐examine the commitment‐trust theory (CTT) of relationship marketing in the online retailing context. It seeks to theorize the antecedents and consequences of commitment and trust in the online context and identify how CTT can be adapted in a digitized business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Modified constructs and their measures are developed to understand the antecedents and the outcomes of commitment and trust. Survey data from British online customers (n=651) are used to test CTT hypotheses with structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study suggests a significant modification to the traditional CTT model in the online environment. Privacy and security features of the website along with shared values are the key antecedents of trust, which in turn positively influences relationship commitment. Behavioural intentions of customers are consequences of both trust and commitment. The relationship termination cost has a negative impact on customer commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The paper identifies interesting differences between the original work by Morgan and Hunt and the findings presented, but basically concludes that the commitment‐trust theory applies to online retailing.

Originality/value

Contributions of this study in re‐examining the CTT model of relationship marketing in an online context are manifold. This paper proposes a modified model to understand the role of consumer trust and commitment in a digitized environment. The modified constructs and measures truly reflect the dynamism of online business. The extended CTT model can provide better insight into managing customer relationships in online retailing.
Using the internet to improve HRD research
Authors: Hatcher Tim , Colton Sharon
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to highlight the results of the online Delphi research project; in particular the procedures used to establish an online and innovative process of content validation and obtaining “rich” and descriptive information using the internet and current e‐learning technologies. The online Delphi was proven to be an excellent tool in establishing content validity for an HRD‐related construct, e.g. adult learning principles. A review of related literature revealed no existing research that used a web‐based Delphi technique to validate measurements used in training and development (T&D) or HRD.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methods included: a thorough review of the literature to construct an item pool of adult learning principles and instructional methods, and a Delphi expert panel consensus. The mean, mode, standard deviation, interquartile range, and skewness of the data were calculated from the voting procedures for determination of consensus. Evidence of reliability was indicated by the interrater reliability coefficient from a field test. In addition, the Gunning FOG Index for readability was calculated to improve the readability of the instrument.

Findings

To address the first research question the authors suggest that a valid instrument can be developed by a diverse Delphi expert panel that measures the application of adult learning principles to fully‐mediated world wide web‐based training. The second research question was answered by illustrating that the internet can assist a group of diverse and geographically dispersed subject‐matter experts in establishing a content valid measurement of instructional methods and techniques that demonstrate the application of adult learning principles to fully‐mediated web‐based training. And, finally, the paper concludes that a Delphi process can be established as a web‐based method to validate research measures.

Practical implications

This research helps to address the critical issue of how research is used in practice. Reasons why this research lends itself more to practice than other HRD research using more common qualitative or quantitative methods include: it is a relatively simple procedure requiring less than expert‐level skills; the Delphi uses expert opinion that is commonly used in training and development practice; and results are easy to interpret and practical.

Originality/value

This research is unique in its approach to developing a content valid instrument using state‐of‐the‐art technology coupled with a updated Delphi method. It is valuable to HRD and other professionals and researchers interested in developing valid measures across cultures and where experts are geographically dispersed.
Phenolated larch‐bark formaldehyde adhesive with multiple additions of sodium hydroxide
Authors: Gao Z.H. , Yuan J.L. , Wang X.M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of multiple additions of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the properties of bark‐phenol‐formaldehyde (BPF) adhesives, and to lay the foundations for further studies on bark utilisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Synthetic technologies that used multiple additions of NaOH were developed for the production of BPF adhesives. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and plywood bond were used to evaluate properties of the PF and BPF adhesives.

Findings

The number of NaOH additions had an important effect on many BPF adhesive properties, such as gel time, free formaldehyde content in adhesive, thermosetting peak temperature, molecular weight distribution, as well as the wet shear strength and free formaldehyde release of the bonded plywood panels. The study determined that a two‐step process for adding NaOH offers a prospective synthetic technology for BPF adhesive production. This technology made it possible to use 28.6 per cent bark by weight and resulted in plywood with properties comparable with those of plywood bonded with a commercial PF adhesive. However, BPF adhesives prepared with more than two NaOH additions were fast‐curing.

Research limitations/implications

BPF adhesives are very complex systems with many unknown variables, such as the chemical structures of bark derivatives from phenolation and adhesive synthesis. To further improve the curing rate and adhesion of BPF, future investigations should be based on a two‐addition process or attempt to increase the amount of NaOH in the second addition.

Practical implications

The BPF adhesive prepared with two NaOH additions and 28.6 per cent bark was comparable with a commercial PF adhesive in terms of adhesive properties and plywood bond quality. These results indicate that this technology shows potential for commercial applications.

Originality/value

Synthetic technologies using multiple additions of NaOH were developed to produce BPF adhesives. The BPF with two additions of NaOH seemed to be comparable with a commercial PF adhesive.
A kaleidoscope of possibilities: strategies for assessing human capital in libraries
Authors: Nash White Larry
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of paper one of the two‐article series exploration of human capital assessment is to examine the strategies by which library administrators can assess and benefit the human capital performance of their library and to lay the groundwork for the discussion of the strategic challenges of assessing and valuing human capital in article two.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a literature review to identify potential strategies and metrics for library administrators to assess human capital productivity.

Findings

Human capital is an increasingly essential element of organizational performance assessment. Effectively assessing library staff expenditures (which generally receives the largest expenditure allocations within the library's budget) and the resulting performance generated by the staff, who are the primary knowledge tools and providers of the library's services, is an ever increasing possibility to account for greater amounts of tangible and intangible organizational performance. Library administrators have multiple options for developing effective strategies and metrics by which to assess their libraries human capital performance.

Originality/value

Developing an effective human capital assessment process as a standard component of the library's performance and budgetary assessment processes would benefit libraries and their administrators by increasing the organizational performance information available for resource allocation decisions regarding library staff development, recruitment, and retention in the larger overall management decision making and planning processes.
What is the quality in your quantity?
Authors: Noel Jennings Karlene
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To outline the potential hazards of a purely numerical approach to evaluating development professionals and development programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative paper outlining various means used to assess a library development program.

Findings

Library development assessment that utilizes quantitative analysis alone without substantive analysis of the underlying numbers will likely yield incorrect conclusions.

Originality/value

Practical suggestions for utilizing qualitative techniques when assessing a library development program or development professional.
Where we're headed
Authors: Maxymuk John
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Aims to provide some answers to the question: “What does the future look like for libraries?”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is a review of various initiatives undertaken in the USA.

Findings

All the projects show that a positive use of technology is taken.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to all those involved with information management.
Wanted: the next generation of nurse and midwifery managers
Authors: Wise Sarah
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To explore whether ward management is an aspiration for junior nurses and midwives in the National Health Service in Scotland (NHSS) in the context of service redesign that is expanding career options in clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are drawn from research conducted in a large acute NHSS Trust. The fieldwork involved face‐to‐face interviews with 64 nurses and midwives and 1,084 survey returns (29 per cent response rate). Logistic regression was used to predict the characteristics of those who wanted to move into their line manager's role.

Findings

Moving into their line manager's job was a career aspiration for only 10 per cent of nurses and midwives and current managers reported there were already difficulties recruiting to senior posts. Those who wanted vertical progression preferred the clinical specialist/advanced practitioner route. By comparison, the ward manager (charge nurse) role was perceived to be very unattractive because of: too little patient contact; the stress involved in meeting the workload demands of multiple roles; and poor pay and rewards.

Research limitations/implications

The research and policy review covers the devolved NHSS though similar trends have been noted elsewhere in the UK and internationally. The paper is of broader interest to those interested in the impact of managerial responsibility on healthcare professionals.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the need for reform in the ward leadership role since it is pivotal in the operation of hospital services.

Originality/value

Previous research has examined the role of nurses in managing healthcare services. The paper extends this retrospective work by exploring the perceptions and career intentions of the nurses and midwives serving under the current generation of nurse managers.
Approaches to commissioning home care from the independent sector
Authors: Drake Paul R. , Davies Bethan M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper is the sequel to the authors' earlier paper in this journal and aims to present the “future research” outlined in that paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The approaches being employed by Welsh local authorities in commissioning home care from the independent sector are surveyed to see how a mixed economy of care is being implemented. The observed differences are analysed to see what can be learnt for the benefit of public sector managers concerned with the development of commissioning practices. Semi‐structured interviews have been performed with home care managers and commissioning officers in 13 (60 per cent) of the local, unitary authorities in Wales. Managers at independent home care providers have been interviewed also. The study has been ongoing since September 2004. For comparison, Barnet in England has been included because, unlike any Welsh authority, it has implemented 100 per cent outsourcing of home care. Croydon has been included as it has a good practice brokerage that has helped it to expand its provision from the independent sector.

Findings

Great diversity is seen in the approaches adopted by the Welsh local authorities when commissioning home care from the independent sector. They differ in the proportion of home care that is commissioned from the independent sector, what is commissioned, the number of independent providers and the contractual arrangements. These features are used to develop a taxonomy of home care strategies that reveals high levels of diversity. It is seen that in Wales there has been less political drive and compulsion to outsource home care than in England, but the natural desire to reduce costs in the face of a growing need for home care is now driving outsourcing in Wales.

Practical implications

This paper provides guidance to public sector managers in local authorities seeking best practice in the commissioning of home care from the independent sector.

Originality/value

The existing literature contains little research into good practice in the commissioning of home care by local authorities from the independent sector. This paper is a timely contribution to addressing this shortfall.