bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libraries in changed information space
Authors: Lasić‐Lazić Jadranka , Banek Zorica Mihaela , Špiranec Sonja
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the need for development and conceptualization of the learning outcomes and competences approach in creating information science curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical approach to the theoretical insights and the results of previous and current empirical research projects was taken together with the detailed analysis of the Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb program in order to prove the necessity of the educational approach based on competences and learning outcomes.

Findings

Learning outcomes should be the ultimate goal to be achieved by the teaching staff and students through the educational process. It is necessary that the learning outcomes approach along with the necessity for specific outcomes and competences should be determined by the university teachers on a conceptual as well as an implemental level. Competences that information sciences students are expected to attain (defined by the criterion of employability) have been determined in a way which should facilitate their later employment and enable them to compete in the labour market. At the same time, this kind of approach contributes to the preservation as well as to the prestige of the profession/discipline.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new approach to LIS curriculum through defining a framework of competencies based on learning outcomes.
Multiple language usage and earnings in Western Europe
Authors: Williams Donald R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the return to multiple language usage in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This article aims to estimate the effect that using an additional language at work has on earnings for a sample of workers in the European Community Household Panel survey. OLS and fixed‐effects specifications of log‐earnings regressions are estimated by country with controls for standard human capital, job, and personal characteristics.

Findings:

The results indicate that the use of a second language in the workplace raises earnings by 3 to 5 percent in several Western European nations, with even greater returns found in some. The estimated returns are found to be correlated with the extent of tourism in the country, but not other measures of trade.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to estimate returns to usage of an additional language in the workplace across the European Union, and contributes to our knowledge of the benefits of multi‐lingualism.
Human capital obsolescence: some evidence for Spain
Authors: Murillo Inés P.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to analyse the link between human capital depreciation and the educational level of Spanish salaried workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Wage equations are estimated by sector and occupation, following the empirical framework proposed by Neuman and Weiss. Data in this study refer to the Spanish labour market, using two cross‐sectional employee‐firm matched data.

Findings

The estimates provided in this paper suggest that human capital depreciation rates are not homogeneous for the whole sample; in contrast, they vary across educational levels, being greater as the workers' school attainment increases.

Research limitations/implications

The main restriction of the paper is the limited availability of quality longitudinal data to estimate human capital depreciation.

Practical implications

Knowledge acquired by workers may quickly become obsolete in a context of technological change. Thus, the paper's main findings support the need for ongoing training programs to update workers' skills to changing market requirements.

Originality/value

The added value of this paper is two‐fold. On the one hand, returns to education and human capital depreciation for the Spanish labour force are estimated using a pseudo‐panel created from two cross‐sectional data bases. On the other hand, earnings equations are estimated by sector and occupation in order to calculate human capital depreciation rates; this procedure allows the authors to take into account the worker's occupation and their level of education as well as technological differences associated with their job.
At the end of the road? On differences between women and men in leadership behaviour
Authors: Aarum Andersen Jon , Hansson Per H.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore behavioural differences between women and men in managerial positions and suggest explanations for differences and similarities.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to eliminate any effects of organizational differences on leadership behaviour, this study had public managers responding to questionnaires that measured their leadership style, decision‐making style, and motivation profile.

Findings

Statistical analyses of data from three groups of Swedish public managers (n=385) revealed virtually no significant differences in behaviour between female and male managers. Regardless of whether there is a female or male majority of employees or a female or male majority of managers, no effect on leadership behaviour occurs.

Originality/value

A number of studies indicate that managers' behaviour is different in different types of organizations. This study suggests, therefore, that, independent of gender, organizational and demographic characteristics modify leadership behaviours, thus explaining similarities in leadership behaviour.
Social and economic exchanges with the organization: do leader behaviors matter?
Authors: Chiaburu Dan S. , Diaz Ismael , Pitts Virginia E.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which leader behaviors (authentic, directive, and transactional) predict subordinates' conceptualization of exchanges with their organization (i.e. social and economic exchanges).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 165 employees in various organizations within the USA using questionnaires.

Findings

Results showed that authentic leadership was positively related to social exchanges. Further, directive leadership was positively related to economic exchanges. Contrary to the authors' prediction that transactional leadership would be a positive predictor of economic exchanges, transactional leader behaviors predicted both social exchanges (positive relationship) and economic exchanges (negative relationship). Several of the relationships between leader behaviors and follower exchange relationships were mediated by employee attitudes (i.e. job satisfaction) and beliefs (i.e. exchange ideology).

Research limitations/implications

Further research is necessary to elucidate the reasons why leader transactional behaviors drive social exchanges, and through what mechanisms.

Practical implications

Organizations and practitioners can use these finding to select leaders who foster desired employee behaviors. Coaching or training efforts to develop authentic leaders may also be beneficial. Organizations and practitioners may benefit by implementing leadership training initiatives that develop managers' authentic leadership.

Originality/value

The paper's results position authentic and directive leader behaviors as positive and negative predictors of social and economic exchanges, respectively. It also identifies mechanisms through which leader behaviors influence employees' perceptions of exchanges.
Robots shine at the Assembly and Automation Expo
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to review the Assembly and Automation Expo in Chicago with emphasis on new robot innovations and applications on display.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications.

Findings

Robots are an ever increasingly important part of assembly automation. Robot suppliers continue to innovate to expand the capabilities and adaptabilities of their offerings. System integrators are smarter about applying robots to maximize their benefit to the overall system.

Originality/value

Automated assembly system customers can find smarter and more cost‐effective answers to their requirements as the robots become better at addressing requirements for an ever‐widening range of applications.
A robotic finger mechanism for robust industrial applications
Authors: Dubey Venketesh N. , Crowder Richard M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and analysis of a robotic finger mechanism for robust industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The resultant design is a compact rigid link finger, which is adaptive to different shapes and sizes providing necessary grasping features. A number of such fingers can be assembled to function as a special purpose end effector.

Findings

The mechanism removes a number of significant problems usually experienced with tendon‐based designs. The finger actuation mechanism forms a compact and positive drive unit within the end effector's body using solid mechanical linkages and integrated actuators.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the design issues associated with a limited number of actuators to operate in a constrained environment and presents various considerations necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Originality/value

The design is original in existence and developed for special purpose handling applications that offers a strong and reliable system where space and safety is of prime concern.
New mechanism to pass obstacles for magnetic climbing robots with high payload, using only one motor for force‐changing and wheel‐lifting
Authors: Wu Minghui , Gao Xiaofei , Yan W.X. , Fu Z. , Zhao Yanzheng , Chen Shanben
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new solution for wheel‐robot's adhesion and passing‐obstacles mechanism and the optimal design of magnetic adhesion unit with finite element methods. The new mechanism makes the robot have a simpler structure, finer passing obstacles and larger payload capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

After researching literature and analyzing in detail the disadvantages and advantages of magnetic wheel and structure magnet mounted under the chassis of a robot, the structure magnet is selected as the robot's adhesion style. Then the paper introduces the robot's structure and locomotion mechanism, the design of the new mechanism and the optimization of structure parameters for magnetic adhesion unit are described in detail in this paper. The new design can lift the robot's wheel unit and change adhesion force using only a motor.

Findings

A prototype of robot has been developed and successful test results prove that the proposed technology is feasible. The climbing robot can overcome 70‐mm high obstacles and has a large enough payload capability while climbing on vertical surfaces.

Research limitations/implications

The new design reduces the number of actuators used in the robot and increases the magnetic adhesion force.

Practical implications

Thanks to the excellent passing‐obstacles and payload capabilities, the climbing robot with the new mechanism has a widely applying prospect in the field of welding and inspecting large equipment.

Originality/value

The lifting mechanism can lift the wheel unit and change magnetic adhesion force using only one motor. This makes the robot have a simple structure as well as the large payload capability.
Defamilisation, dedomestication and care policy
Authors: Kröger Teppo
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to use perspectives from both mainstream and feminist welfare state research in drafting a conceptual approach for social care research. This approach is then applied empirically to a comparative analysis of childcare provisions of 15 OECD countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of dedomestication is developed from a discussion on the notions of decommodification and defamilisation, and it is defined as the degree to which social care policies make it possible for people to participate in society and social life outside their homes and families. In the empirical part of the paper, dedomestication of childcare service provisions of 15 welfare states is measured by an index that is constructed on the basis of time replacement rate, availability, affordability, quality, and take‐up rates of care services.

Findings

Denmark offers the highest degree of dedomestication to parents of young children, followed by a group of Nordic and Western European countries. In English‐speaking “liberal regime” nations, dedomestication remains more limited but it is lowest in the Central European countries of Hungary and Austria. The findings only partly follow earlier welfare regime categorisations.

Originality/value

The paper develops a new original conceptual framework for comparative study of care services that is then applied to an empirical analysis of childcare provisions in 15 welfare states, bringing out new results on the breadth of welfare state services.
Feelings of social alienation: a comparison of immigrant and non‐immigrant Swedish youth
Authors: Safipour Jalal , Schopflocher Donald , Higginbottom Gina , Emami Azita
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The objective of the study is to investigate the social alienation status of Swedish high school students with respect to gender and immigrant background.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was randomly selected from high school students aged 15‐19, and 446 students participated in the study. The Jessor and Jessor general alienation questionnaire was used to explore feelings of social alienation. Sequential multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between alienation, age, sex, and immigrant background.

Findings

The results demonstrated a significant association between immigrant background and alienation. It was found that first‐generation immigrants felt more alienated than second‐generation immigrants and second‐generation immigrants felt more alienated than natives. Adolescents who were first‐generation immigrants had higher scores on the social isolation subscale than second generation immigrants and native Swedes. However, second generation immigrants had higher scores on the meaninglessness subscale than first‐generation immigrants and native Swedes. Age proved to have a significant quadratic component. The research found feeling of alienation significantly higher among youngest and oldest students but lower for those aged 17.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by the number of participants with different cultural background in the immigrant samples. As such, it was unable to compare feeling of alienation between students with different cultural background.

Originality/value

As the authors could not identify any studies that specifically address feelings of social alienation among adolescents in Sweden, thus this study is believed to be the first one in this context.
“Let no one despise your youth”
Authors: Whitehead Philip , Arthur Raymond
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The youth justice system in England and Wales has been subjected to numerous transformations since 1997 under New Labour governments. Most approaches to the field during the period under review address the fine details of what is a politically and organisationally modernised domain. Even though this paper steps inside the system to observe some of its transformative developments, it aims to begin at the other end which enables a more rounded sociological approach to youth justice under New Labour to emerge which facilitates the production of a more detailed evaluation and understanding of the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This other‐end approach draws upon two main bodies of sociological theory, namely, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, which are put to work to enrich the analysis. It should be made clear that the main concern is not to produce a blueprint for a new youth justice system, but rather to draw attention to some exploratory and explanatory tools to evaluate the period under New Labour from 1997 to 2010.

Findings

Since 1997, the focus of the youth justice system has been placed upon individual and family responsibility, tougher on crime than its causes, and the creation of more efficient systems management. Furthermore, youth and criminal justice has been preoccupied with risk assessment and prediction. This has resulted in a system that is ambiguous in terms of what it is trying to achieve.

Originality/value

The main concern is not to sketch a blueprint for the future, but rather to analyse features of youth justice to which these theoretical and sociological traditions of Weber and Durkheim are explored in order to explain the complex dynamics of youth justice make a substantive contribution by enlarging our critical understanding.
Assessing an academic library collection through capacity and usage indicators: testing a multi‐dimensional model
Authors: Borin Jacqueline , Yi Hua
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a multi‐dimensional model of indicators for collection evaluation (proposed in a previous paper by the authors) and to illustrate how to apply these indicators in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical study will be used to test the use of the multi‐dimensional collection evaluation model to assess an academic library collection. The study will: define the scope of the collection; focus on two of the dimensional categories (capacity and usage) and identify indicators for the two categories.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that combining usage indicators with capacity measurement (in terms of dollar expenditures) provides a powerful method of assessment with the potential to provide valuable data.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an accurate assessment of a library's collection in the current information environment. It does not currently include institutional repositories or locally created digital resources that will need to be addressed in the future as they mature and become more robust.

Practical implications

Academic libraries will have a reliable and sustainable model for the assessment of their collections. This paper illustrates how to assess the collection using the selected indicators.

Originality/value

The value of this study is in its development of the multi‐dimensional model for collection assessment and in the reliability and accuracy of the collection data it provides. It provides an evidence‐based method for assessing an academic library collection.
Open access e‐book collection on Central Asia in selected digital archives
Authors: Loan Fayaz Ahmad
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of the present study is to identify open access e‐book collections in selected digital archives related to social sciences in general and greater Central Asia in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The selected digital archives, which were all rich in Central Asia collections, were searched using different keywords. The first 50 hits were retrieved to identify open access e‐books and their bibliographical details were recorded to complete the present study.

Findings

The results reflect that a good collection of open access e‐books is available on Central Asia, and some titles date back to the nineteenth century. The collection includes both “made digital” and “born digital” items. The results further depict that most of these e‐books were published in developed countries like the USA and the UK. These books mostly deal with political science (especially international relations), sociology and economics, and are mostly published by national and international organisations like the US Strategic Research Institute (SRI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), the World Bank (WB), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Research limitations/implications

The study does not explore the whole worldwide web, but only selected digital archives that have rich Central Asia collections.

Practical implications

The study is very helpful for Central Asian academic communities, worldwide scholars conducting research on Central Asia and library and information professionals serving the academic and research communities of the region.

Originality/value

The study is original research highlighting the role of library and information managers in information discovery and identification. The study is a corner‐stone in information discovery and is very valuable for research, academic and literate communities in this region and other parts of the world conducting research on Central Asia.
Collection development in library and information science at ARL libraries
Authors: Little Geoffrey
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the results of a 2010 survey of LIS selectors at ARL institutions/libraries that do not support an ALA‐accredited program to learn how and why LIS materials are collected at these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Collection development librarians completed a survey that asked them to describe their institution's selection policies, practices, and budgets for LIS materials, along with their roles as LIS selectors/subject specialists.

Findings

LIS collections primarily support librarians and staff in their daily work and ongoing professional development. However, most libraries' LIS collections budgets are comparatively small, selectors receive few requests for new materials, and collecting parameters vary by institution, but are limited in terms of subject, publisher, and audience. The majority of LIS selectors are also responsible for collection development in multiple subject areas and most engage in work outside collection development.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to explore collection development of library and information science materials outside dedicated library school libraries.
Identification of the reinforcing steel's corrosion state in RC beams based on electrochemical sensor
Authors: Qiao Guofu , Xiao Huigang , Sun Guodong
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel five‐electrode electrochemical corrosion sensor. Health degradation by the corrosion of steel in civil engineering is a persistent problem. Structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, including embedded sensors, can greatly improve the quantification of the steel corrosion information, which can lead to promote assessments of structural safety and serviceability. To integrate the corrosion monitoring system in future, the corrosion sensor and the monitoring methods have been explored here in advance. Also, the corrosion monitoring system has been applied preliminarily in the investigation of reinforcing concrete (RC) beams.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a novel five‐electrode electrochemical corrosion sensor has been developed as the hardware to provide the platform for corrosion monitoring methods. Second, half‐cell potential of the RC beams has been measured before and after corrosion. Third, galvanostatic step method has been used to excite the steel‐concrete system, and the transient response of the system has been obtained and analyzed. Finally, wavelet transform algorithm has been established to analyze the electrochemical noise (EN) data of the steel bars in RC beams.

Findings

The results show that the corrosion sensor can be used effectively as the hardware to support the electrochemical measuring techniques. Much valuable information which is extracted by analyzing the potential response to the galvanostatic pulse excitation can be applied to determine the general corrosion state of the reinforcing steel. For pitting corrosion, the energy distribution plot of EN can be adopted as a benchmark method to identify the presence of the corrosion pit.

Originality/value

The paper provides the key techniques for a SHM system to realize corrosion monitoring of large‐scale RC structures in the future.
Homophobia and same‐sex partnership legislation in Europe
Authors: Takács Judit , Szalma Ivett
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to answer the practical question whether the institutionalisation level of same‐sex relationships can affect the social acceptance of lesbian women and gay men in Europe, and highlight some of the factors that can potentially determine the incidence of homophobia in 26 European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study contributes to the literature on acceptance of lesbian women and gay men in Europe by using the European Social Survey dataset, focusing especially on a key variable measuring the agreement level with the statement that gay men and lesbians should be free to live their own life as they wish. For data analyses, explanatory models were constructed by applying multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression.

Findings

The study presented empirically tested arguments that the introduction of same‐sex partnership legislation can lead to a decrease of anti‐gay/lesbian attitudes, as has happened in the European countries examined in this study.

Research limitations/implications

Future research in more societies is needed to examine the long‐term effects of the introduction of same‐sex partnership legislation on homophobia.

Social implications

A key policy implication of highlighting that the provision of equal rights for gay and lesbian citizens in the form of same‐sex marriage and registered partnership can positively influence attitudes, is to urge policy‐makers to introduce these legal frameworks in order to create a more inclusive society.

Originality/value

The content presented in this paper is based on the authors’ own original research.
Gender outcomes of labor market policy in Israel
Authors: Benjamin Orly
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper maps gender‐related outcomes of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Code (GPC) by highlighting the role of deskilling in changing labor market rewards for women employed in traditionally feminine service occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

The emergence of the “contract state” is examined as a major response to the GPC, one, that generates fragmentation and promotes deskilling in public service jobs. Fragmentation is examined by comparing average income in direct public employment and in public procurement contracts.

Findings

In the context of service procurement, previous collective agreements recognizing skill and experience are circumvented generating precarious employment for skilled employees.

Originality/value

The analysis unveils the ways in which the contract state through its prioritization of low‐cost bids, promotes women's deskilling in public services. It contributes to a better understanding of the importance of employees' representatives' active participation in tender committees as well as in long‐term auditing of service contractors.
Women of color in the academy
Authors: Clark Sonya L. , Joy Davis Dannielle
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and reflect on four presentations at the 2010 Women of Color in the Academy Conference which focused on strategies that are beneficial to women, especially women of color, to overcoming barriers prevalent in pursing graduate degrees, acculturating to the professoriate, and building portfolios for tenure and/or promotion in the academy.

Design/methodology/approach

Observations and notes were used to capture the content of these four presentations; thematic analysis was used to discern the major themes.

Findings

The major themes presented were: the process of writing; productivity and publishing; pragmatic approach to quantitative research design; viewing qualitative research as an activity; and understanding the academy.

Practical implications

The practical implications of these presentations are that these strategies may assist women, especially women of color, to attain greater success rates in their graduate education and professorial endeavors; thus, increasing the number of women and women of color in faculty and administrative positions and creating a more diverse workforce.

Social implications

In addition, the social implication for these presentations is that the research community may benefit from the differing perspectives and topics chosen by this underrepresented group.

Originality/value

The originality in this general review is that the material was presented by women of color with doctorates in multidisciplinary fields and presented to an audience of women. The conference was hosted by Sisters of the Academy and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Auburn University at Montgomery.
Towards an holistic understanding of management
Authors: Melé Domènec , Sanchez‐Runde Carlos J.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue and to point at how much in the current economic and social crisis has to do with having lost an integrative, holistic and humanistic approach to management and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief introduction of the current context, this piece summarizes the main points of the six papers selected for inclusion in this special issue. These papers were selected from among the more than 80 presented at an International Symposium on Ethics, Business and Society hosted by IESE Business School in Barcelona in May 2010.

Findings

The main contributions from the papers in this special issue include conceptual elaborations on the conditions for work, that is, meaningful, holistic management delivered through management education programs, the interface between ethical values/responsibility and firm strategy, corporate community involvement, gift and gratuity dimensions of organizational analysis, and developing trust through a dialogue between management, on the one hand, and ethics and the social sciences, on the other.

Originality/value

This paper points at new avenues to address the main management challenges that managers confront in today's social and economic crisis
Enhancing business education through integrated curriculum delivery
Authors: Weber John W. , Englehart Steven W.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

If business education programs are to meet the needs of the business community, educators must continuously examine the strengths and weaknesses of their programs. While the current business curriculum typically educates students in the key business disciplines, many business schools deliver their curriculum by creating courses based on functional area, rather than the integration of knowledge from a holistic perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to explore several approaches for delivering the business curriculum

Design/methodology/approach

This aim is achieved through a holistic approach, which highlights the benefits and limitations of each proposal. Key approaches include capstone projects, service learning projects, team teaching, and integrative case studies.

Findings

The literature review revealed that all four approaches provide students with the opportunity to integrate their business knowledge with the critical skills that they have mastered in their liberal arts courses. However, of these approaches, the research suggests that implementing a service learning program not only permits students to integrate their knowledge, but also provides the opportunity for real‐life application of these concepts. In addition, this approach also provides the opportunity for students to experience social responsibility through civic engagement, hopefully strengthening their sense of ethics and character.

Originality/value

The role of modern business is not only to maintain profits for its shareholders, but also to demonstrate good corporate citizenship. Thus, today's business educators have the responsibility to prepare students for the role of modern business, including corporate citizenship, sustainability, and social responsibility. Thus, this paper will allow business educators to explore ways to achieve this goal.
Quinquennial surveys
Authors: Scott Alan W.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to review guidance on the undertaking of quinquennial surveys of Church of England parish churches, then to examine the approaches of Diocese Advisory Committees in administrating the surveys and finally to apply that guidance to a case study within one of the researched Dioceses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews current guidelines on undertaking quinquennial surveys of English parish churches, examining the methodology of both the inspection and reporting techniques of the survey. The paper also reports on a series of interviews carried out with Dioceses' Secretaries in Northern England who are responsible for administrating quinquennial surveys, and finally examines the application of national and diocesan guidelines by reporting on a quinquennial survey of St Olaf's Church in Wasdale, Cumbria, England's smallest church.

Findings

The principal guidance for quinquennial inspection of Churches is produced by the Council for the Care of Churches but this is currently out of print. Perhaps for this reason various Diocese Advisory Committees have produced their own guidance. It is possible that more standardisation in the format of reports is required as this will enable Dioceses to correlate electronic information in the production of their maintenance strategies. The alternative view is that to produce a standard pro‐forma does not do justice to an individual building which may have evolved over 1,000 years and requires specific advice. The 1991 Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measures extended the professional adviser capable of undertaking the survey from just Architect to Architects and Chartered Building Surveyor. But within the three Dioceses reviewed this has a limited impact with Architects being dominant by a ratio of 25:1.

Originality/value

To survey and report on buildings of such historic and community importance is a privilege and the pinnacle of conservation expertise. It is hoped that the guidance in this paper may stimulate interest in the surveying of churches by younger surveyors.
A study on knowledge management implementation in property management companies in Malaysia
Authors: Najib Razali Muhammad , Juanil David Martin
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify the manner in which the knowledge management (KM) concept can be implemented in property management companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The KM strategies for property management companies were designed and then tested among the property management companies in Malaysia. Sixteen companies were involved in this research to provide empirical results of the KM concept implementation in property management organisations.

Findings

The research findings suggest that the KM concept is becoming increasingly important and that the property management companies are practising some of the relevant activities. The findings also integrate the concept of KM and property management activities.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based only on 16 companies registered under the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents, Malaysia, which governs property management activities in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper proposes to property management players to put into practice the KM concept within their organisations.
Effect of IT and quality management on performance
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Cristóbal , Rafael Martínez‐Lorente Angel
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The present study aims to draw on operations management and information technology literature to examine the effect of three information technology resources (electronic data interchange (EDI), computer‐aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems) and three related quality management capabilities (customer and supplier relations, product and process management, and quality data and workforce management) and their effect on a firm's quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses derived from the key features of quality management and information technology presented by previous authors are tested using structural equation modeling through field research on a sample of 229 manufacturing companies in Spain.

Findings

Findings from this study indicate that there is significant evidence to support the hypothesized model in which information technology resources (EDI, ERP systems, and CAD/CAM systems) have a direct impact on related quality management capabilities (customer and supplier relations, product and process management, and quality data and workforce management) as well as an indirect impact on quality performance mediated through quality management capabilities.

Originality/value

The discrepant findings in the literature suggest the need to identify contingencies that may govern the IT‐performance relationship. This study focuses on the interplay between information technology, quality management, and quality performance.
A multi‐criteria approach for determination of investment regions: Turkish case
Authors: Eraslan Ergün , Tansel İç Yusuf
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The major aim of this research is to determine the socio‐economic level of geographical investment regions through fuzzy multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) method. The results obtained from this method are analyzed and compared with the current system and the differences are interpreted.

Design/methodology/approach

A user friendly MCDM method, the fuzzy TOPSIS, was selected and ten independent criteria out of 53 were used, that have been evaluated by reduction according to the correlations among them. Therefore, the rankings of the 26 geographical investment regions of Turkey were calculated based on their criteria.

Findings

The examinations of the rankings have shown that only four regions had similar rankings but the rankings of the remaining 22 regions differed according to the authority rankings. Furthermore, significant differences have been observed for eight regions.

Social implications

In globalization process, certain issues are of particular importance in shaping the resource allocation policies of countries, through which they adjust their resources for manufacturing and service sectors to the changing competitive conditions and govern the effect of global economics on the human resources of their countries. The allowances taken from social and economic criteria have indicated the inter‐regional differences in terms of development.

Originality/value

From a policy perspective, this study highlighted that a large number of social and economic criteria failed in identifying homogenous groups of provinces and hence failed in producing realistic policies. However, the proposed method significantly contributed to obtaining more accurate rankings by using fuzzy decision‐making under multi‐criteria.
Measuring a carbon footprint and environmental practice: the case of Hyundai Motors Co. (HMC)
Authors: Lee Ki‐Hoon , Cheong In‐Mo
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the measurement of a carbon footprint and environmental program in supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a case study methodology and employs the qualitative methods of interviews and document analysis to collect data on Hyundai Motors Co. (HMC) and its key first‐tier supplier, referred to here as Supplier A, in the Korean automobile industry.

Findings

The results of the study show that a key strategic action to implement carbon management is to identify and measure the carbon footprint of products and processes within the supply chain. A carbon footprint measurement framework and different levels of CO2 adoption categories developed at HMC are presented. By monitoring and evaluating suppliers' CO2 emissions performance, a focal company may avoid carbon‐related risk and retain competitiveness based on its supply chain.

Practical implications

Developing a carbon footprint measurement and evaluation program in the supply chain provides a track record to improve carbon and energy efficiency. This may lead companies to develop and exploit greater energy efficiency to tackle carbon emission challenges in the supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper provides academics and managers with a new approach to consider carbon management and green supply chain management.
An evaluation of second‐generation ebook readers
Authors: Gibson Chris , Gibb Forbes
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to evaluate a selection of second‐generation ebook readers in order to determine which devices deliver the best experience for the user, in terms of functionality and overall experience. The technical and physical elements of the devices are also compared.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with a brief discussion of the current ebook marketplace, and previous studies that evaluate ebook readers. It then reports on a study in which 33 Master's students from an Information and Library Studies course were each given an ebook reader and asked to complete a task designed to engage them with the device. The participants then evaluated the devices by completing a questionnaire. A discussion of the results of the study and implications for the development of ebook reading devices follows.

Findings

Although some issues, specifically size, weight, and screen quality, have been addressed in the new generation of ebook readers, some residual dissatisfaction remains. The participants in the study preferred to use devices with which they were familiar.

Originality/value

This study provides guidance on the usability of ebook readers and provides insights into the future of ebook reading devices. It will be of benefit to information professionals seeking to utilise ebook reading devices, and to designers of ebook readers.
Is there a second life for librarians?
Authors: Elliott Naomi , Probets Steve
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of libraries within Second Life from the viewpoint of the librarians experienced in experimenting within virtual worlds.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploration of currently available literature was undertaken to determine the important issues affecting libraries and librarians within virtual worlds. To explore these issues further, ten Second Life librarians were interviewed in order to distinguish which were most important and why.

Findings

There is considerable diversity in the opinions of Second Life librarians, but all interviewees shared the belief that their efforts within Second Life had helped others and improved their own professional development. There was a strong consensus that it was important for librarians to embrace Second Life now, in order to be prepared for a future when virtual worlds, although perhaps not Second Life itself, were commonplace.

Practical implications

Virtual worlds are growing in popularity, particularly with younger generations. If they are to be accepted as part of a multidimensional information space, the possibilities available within the virtual space need to be appreciated and understood by the information community. Librarians have a responsibility to aid their users in understanding the complexity and possibilities of information provision and delivery offered by virtual worlds. This can only occur by accepting and supporting experiments in environments like Second Life.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates to the library community how Second Life is currently being used to provide information services, and to further an understanding of how the entire information community can benefit from embracing the possibility of exploring virtual worlds.
Verifying performance of axial‐flow pump impeller with low NPSHr by using CFD
Authors: Li Wen‐Guang
Published: July 2011

Purpose

A method for optimizing net positive suction head required of axial‐flow pumps has been proposed by the present author, which is based on the two‐dimensional potential flow model and without considering the tip gap effect. The objective of the paper is to confirm if the method is just and feasible for the case of viscous fluid flow in impellers with tip gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of steady, three‐dimensional, noncavitating and cavitating, turbulent, incompressible flows of water through two axial‐flow pump impellers were calculated by using CFD code Fluent. The two impellers included a reference one with constant circulation at outlet and an optimized one with variable circulation designed with the author's method and code. In computations, the throttling and unthrottling approaches were used, respectively. Comparison of hydraulic performance, averaged flow variables at the impeller inlet and exit, flow in the tip gap, flow variables on blade surfaces and suction performance between the optimized and reference impellers was made.

Findings

It was confirmed that the optimized impeller has better hydraulic and suction performances. The method for optimizing with variable flow circulation profile along blade span at the outlet to impeller is proper and practical. Additionally, an unstable regime in the head curves of two impellers is presented. In the regime, a stall occurs on the pressure side of the blade and a hysteresis exists, which causes a hysteresis‐loop.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of suction entry on flow is represented approximately by using a free‐vortex and uniform axial velocity. The diffusing component behind the impellers is not taken into account. The unsteadiness of flow is not considered, which would have a connection with stall pattern in an axial‐flow impeller.

Originality/value

The hydraulic and suction performances and flow variables of two axial‐flow pump impellers with tip clearance are obtained successfully with CFD. Stall and hysteresis as well as hysteresis‐loop in head curve are observed by using throttling and unthrottling approaches.
An analysis of students' knowledge and choice criteria in retail bank selection in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Narteh Bedman , Owusu‐Frimpong Nana
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims to offers a deeper insight into bank selection of Ghanaian students so as to offer bank managers the opportunity to tailor‐measure programmes aimed at attracting and retaining customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the problem. The “drop and pick” convenience sampling method adopted resulted in 223 completed questionnaires. The mean ranking and factor analysis methods were employed to identify the major factors that influence the respondent bank selection.

Findings

Over all, student customers consider image, attitude and behaviour of staff, core service delivery and technology‐related factors as the major issues that influence consumers' decision to open and maintain an account.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study relates to the student population used for the study, which limits the generalisability of the findings. The study, however, contributes to the academic knowledge of bank selection and provides insights into the critical factors considered by sample students in their bank selection decisions.

Practical implications

In a market where consumers respond differently to a marketing offer, market segmentation becomes a necessity and therefore differences in male and female consumers' selection criteria emanating from this study provide an excellent opportunity for the banks to adopt segmentation‐based strategies to serve the customers.

Originality/value

In this paper, gender and educational level provide a deeper understanding of bank selection criteria among the Ghanaian bank customers. The four constructs can be used by bank management as bases for designing marketing strategies to deliver efficient service, and engage in relationship marketing practices to attract and retain customers.