bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty‐first century game studies in the academy: libraries and an emerging discipline
Authors: Smith Brena
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and emphasize the impact of academic computer game studies programs on library services and collections.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature related to the relationship between gamers, game studies, and libraries, precedes discussion of the background of academic computer game studies programs. The potential challenges and opportunities concerning collection development, information literacy instruction, and reference within academic libraries are addressed along with highlights of emerging best practices.

Findings

The paper provides analysis of game studies as an emerging academic discipline and of the scholarly communication within this field. It also highlights emerging practices within academic librarians serving students and faculty in this field.

Research limitations/implications

Because game studies is a new discipline, best practices to meet users' needs are just beginning to be established for academic libraries. Further research is needed in the area of information‐seeking behavior, perception of game studies' students and faculty, and their information literacy skills.

Practical implications

This is an opportunity for librarians who serve students and faculty in game studies to learn about the history of this discipline and what several academic librarians are currently doing to meet their needs in collection development, information literacy instruction, and reference services.

Originality/value

While discussing the history of game studies as an academic program, the paper also highlights the issues related to library services and collections for the emerging academic discipline of game studies in an effort to support academic librarians who work with game studies students and faculty.
An empirical analysis of the NZX's price query system
Authors: Marsden Alastair , Poskitt Russell , Wang Cherry
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the proposition that unexplained price and volume movements detected by the New Zealand Exchange's (“NZX”) surveillance staff reflect speculative trading.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines a sample of 98 price queries issued by the NZX between 1996 and 2004 where the company responded with a “no news” announcement to the NZX query. The sample is partitioned between queries of price increases and queries of price decreases. A market model is employed to estimate abnormal returns over the event window period [−30, 30] where day 0 is the date the price query is issued.

Findings

The paper finds evidence of large abnormal returns in the immediate pre‐query period but only a partial reversal in the post‐query period following the “no news” announcements.

Research limitations/implications

The absence of a full reversal of the pre‐query abnormal return is interpreted as evidence that prices are being set by informed traders rather than by uninformed or speculative traders. Further research is required to determine whether this reflects breaches of either the continuous disclosure regime or insider trading regulations.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first systematic analysis of the NZX's price query system. The empirical results show that price movements that generate price queries and subsequent “no news” announcements should not be dismissed as mere speculation.
Financial returns from new public management: a New Zealand perspective
Authors: Luke Belinda
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider the potential for profit under new public management, through a study of New Zealand's state‐owned enterprises (SOEs).

Design/methodology/approach

“Examination from the outside” involved analysis of financial data from 2001 to 2005 for the SOE sector. “Inquiry from the inside” involved interviews with senior executives from 12 of the 17 SOEs operating in New Zealand.

Findings

Findings indicate the potential for SOEs as profitable government investments, with clear support for financial returns under NPM.

Research limitations/implications

While this study is limited to SOEs in New Zealand, it provides valuable insight into one country's SOE sector, and offers a platform for similar studies in other countries. Strong financial returns from several SOEs highlight the potential for SOEs as valuable investments, and an important alternative to traditional sources of government funding. However, variations noted in the financial returns of individual SOEs also indicate that profitable and commercial operations may not be possible in all cases.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the combination of quantitative and qualitative data, to provide insight not only into SOEs' financial performance, but also into the operational and strategic issues underlying that performance.
Client industry audit expertise: towards a better understanding
Authors: Kend M.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the supply of audit firm industry specialisation in the market for statutory audits of publicly traded companies in Australia. The purpose of this study is to seek to gain a better understanding of the dynamics within the market for industry specialist audit services.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured interview process is used to investigate certain issues with the suppliers of industry specialist audit services (in this case all the then Big 5).

Findings

This paper found that industry specialisation involves the Big 5 audit firms developing a specialised knowledge of what clients do within any given industry and the issues and audit risks they face. The Big 5 have industry “focus” groups that are responsible for providing “leading edge” practices to their clients. According to many of the auditor interview respondents, the large number of Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) classifications has meant that audit firms have sought a more manageable means of partitioning their practices into different industry focus groups. The ASX classifications were described by some of those interviewed as being irrelevant. This raises questions regarding prior auditor industry specialisation research that has relied on these classifications.

Research limitations/implications

The study does suffer from two limitations. First, the research only questioned the Big 5 firms, despite evidence that non‐Big 5 firms can create specialisations. Second, the study's data is relatively dated being collected in the late 1990s, so there is a possibility the findings may now be out of date, particularly given as indicated before, specialisation premiums are not generalisable across time.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the criticality of the relationship between audit market participants in developing an underlying framework that can universally explain the interactions that occur in the market for specialised audits.
An e‐distinctivity parameter to evaluate an e‐business idea
Authors: Capece Guendalina
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new metric that aims to quantitatively support the selection phase of a new e‐business idea by performing an evaluation of its distinctness. The paper seeks to explain the reasons for the creation of a new parameter, called “E‐distinctivity”, the identification of the metrics to assess it and aims to present the results of its evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to visualize the new parameter and to execute all the needed evaluations a two‐dimensional radar chart has been created “ad hoc”. The radar chart is built on eight crucial characteristics divided into four principal zones representing the strategic aspects of the E‐distinctivity. In order to assess the soundness of the identified parameter its evaluation on a reference group of well‐known e‐business ventures has been performed.

Findings

The E‐distinctivity parameter permits easy comparison among many different alternative ideas during a feasibility phase and provides quantitative data to evaluate these ideas without requiring huge investments.

Research limitations/implications

This parameter is not intended to be sufficient for an exhaustive feasibility assessment of an e‐business idea. Additional investigation is necessary to determine other parameters and evaluation tasks to improve the accuracy of the model. The aim is to support the selection phase of a new e‐business idea with the aid of new parameters that integrate traditional methods of business analysis.

Originality/value

The study identified an original parameter to be evaluated on a given e‐business idea in order to provide a quantitative measure of its distinctness.
Internet and supply chain management: adoption modalities for Italian firms
Authors: Michelino Francesca , Bianco Federica , Caputo Mauro
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is threefold: giving a description of how much internet‐based tools are used in inter‐firm supply chain relationships in Italy; analysing the different adoption behaviours of such tools held by Italian firms; and describing the main features of the firms using the internet for supply chain (SC) management, in terms of structures, players, processes and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a survey carried out by involving Italian firms having more than 50 million euros turnover: 1,458 firms were involved and 463 answered, with a 31.8 per cent response rate. Firm referents were first‐level managers from SC, distribution, procurement or the IT/IS areas. The questionnaire was designed in five sections investigating: general SC features; internet‐based tools diffusion; main effects in terms of efficacy, effectiveness and customer value; relationships governance; general information about the firm.

Findings

Three adoption modalities can be pointed out: firms are divided in those mainly oriented to SC execution processes, from those mainly driven to collaboration in new product development or marketing processes. Most of the former operate with high‐order frequency and low product complexity in a make‐to‐catalogue environment, while the latter face higher product complexity, variability and customization: the use of the tools is consistent with firms' strategies. Correlation is found between the use of internet‐based tools and the collaborative environment within the SC, as marked by intense information and knowledge sharing among partners.

Originality/value

The paper gives a description of the adoption modalities of internet‐based tools by large Italian companies. Because of the high response rate and the international context characterizing such firms – most of them are branches of international companies, findings are generalizable and can be used to understand adoption behaviours of most firms.
An exploratory analysis of factors affecting users' adoption of corporate intranet
Authors: Mosbeh Rim , Soliman Khalid S.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test previously developed models to identify factors that are perceived to affect the decision to adopt corporate intranet (CI) in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used survey methodology. A set of questionnaires was returned from 436 intranet users at four major companies in Tunisia.

Findings

Several factors identified as significantly affecting users' adoption of CI in Tunisian companies: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, information quality, compatibility, computer self‐efficacy, personal innovativeness, superior pressure, peer pressure, self‐image, tech support, and top management support. Practical implications –The findings of this study can benefit practitioners as it provides organizations and top managers with a short list of factors that can significantly affect the adoption and usage of CI.

Originality/value

The study extends previously tested theories and models to a developing country environment.
Exploring a successful magazine web site
Authors: Ellonen Hanna‐Kaisa , Kuivalainen Olli
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a multifaceted exploration of the motives and success factors of a magazine web site.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an explorative single case study of a Finnish magazine web site. The analysis is based on triangulated data (semi‐structured interviews, observation, statistics, and documents provided by the magazine publisher).

Findings

The case illustrates that a magazine web site supports all the three functions (editorial, circulation, and advertising) that are vital to a magazine's success. Moreover, virtual community activities seem to have enhanced customer loyalty and added a more lifelike dimension to the magazine concept.

Practical implications

Media managers should look at internet presence from a more multifaceted perspective rather than merely focus on the revenue streams. Operating online services should be valued and exploited alongside the development of the print product.

Originality/value

The value of this research lies in the notion that the web site may complement rather than replace the print magazine.
Application of the KISA concept to innovation dynamics and its impact on firms’ performance
Authors: Albors Jose , Luis Hervas Jose , Marquez Patricia , Martinez‐Fernandez M. Cristina
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the analysis of firms’ innovative activities from the knowledge‐intensive service activities (KISA) point of view and analyse their relation to the firms’ competitive performance in the case of a mature industry, the Spanish ceramic tile cluster.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a field survey. Through a selection of variables multivariable tests were applied to map the industry from the KISA standpoint and evaluate the impact of certain knowledge intensive service activities on innovation and performance.

Findings

Internal and external knowledge‐intensive service activities were related to their output in terms of innovation, competitive advantages and economic performance.

Research limitations/implications

Further research must consider and segment customers, suppliers, and other firms in the industry as other sources of KIBS.

Practical implications

Understanding how firms access and employ the variety of innovation‐related KISA available to them in different industries, and at different times, will help policy makers to design targeted policies and programs to actively stimulate innovation across them. For firms, KISA offers a strategic choice in their innovation objectives.

Originality/value

The present analysis contribution to KISA validates a mathematical model to simulate the relation between KISA and the competitive advantage of the firm in the case of a mature medium‐tech industry.
Management 2.0: a primer on blogging for executives
Authors: Wyld David C.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how corporate executives of companies are using blogging as a new communications channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an overview of the blogging phenomenon, placing it in context of the larger growth of Web 2.0 and user‐generated content. The paper provides the reader with a primer on blogs and how they can be used effectively by executives, as well as looking at the importance of monitoring the blogosphere for what is being said by and about a company.

Findings

Over 50 corporate CEOs were found who are presently engaged in blogging. The research also identifies companies where employees have been fired for blogging and presents best practices in blogging and blog policies.

Research limitations/implications

The principal limitation of the research is that as blogging is a rapidly growing and evolving area, the present results on executive blogging are accurate only for the moment. The implications of this research are that it provides the foundation for surveying not only the status of blogging by managers but also an agenda for blogging research, which might examine blogging behaviours, develop blog metrics and look toward the return on investment of blogging.

Practical implications

The paper reveals the benefits of managerial blogging for both the company and the individual. It also examines issues concerned with human resources, financial disclosure and policy development that have arisen because of the rise of blogging within companies.

Originality/value

The paper represents a timely review of a rapidly evolving social network and its associated communications technology, providing both management practitioners and academicians with insights into managing in a new age.
Blueprint for Thailand: S&T information resource sharing
Authors: Ruenwai Narumol , Morris Anne
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This article aims to define a clear strategy for the future development of S&T services in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The article examines the history of S&T information resource sharing in Thailand and presents the results of research designed to identify current problems in the provision of these services.

Findings

The article finds that S&T researchers in Thailand would benefit from much greater resource sharing, either via consortia or computerised networks, as part of a cohesive national strategy.

Practical implications

The article makes detailed recommendations regarding the future management of S&T services in Thailand.

Originality/value

This paper defines a best practice strategy for the future development of support to S&T researchers in Thailand.
Disaster: response and recovery at a major research library in New Orleans
Authors: Corrigan Andy
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the experience of the largest among many academic libraries in New Orleans severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina. In this case, at Tulane University, a remarkable early effort was undertaken to save collections and stabilize flooded library buildings. Other daunting challenges followed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports observations on critical aspects of the library's recovery, which was still ongoing at the time of this writing more than two years after the hurricane.

Findings

The paper draws preliminary conclusions about disaster planning and response to actual disasters.

Originality/value

The event covered maybe unprecedented in many ways even apart from its scale, since its location was a major city that was almost entirely evacuated apart from military personnel. Effective disaster response is a context sensitive and complex undertaking. In this case special problems arose initially in just responding to the scene and later in ways connected to the staggering scope of the damage to the region surrounding. Nonetheless, tapping the expertise and resources of a skilled disaster mitigation company, Tulane and its library were able to stage a broad recovery effort.
Perceived service quality, perceived value and recommendation
Authors: Ladhari Riadh , Morales Miguel
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to propose a conceptual model and empirically test the relationships between perceived service quality, perceived value, and recommendation in the public library setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The LibQUAL+TM 2004 instrument was administered to 439 Canadian public library users.

Findings

The results show that affect of service, library as place, and information control significantly explain perceived value. There is a strong relationship between perceived service value and recommendation. The results also support the validity of the LibQUAL+TM measure used in this study and its relevance in the public library service context.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can focus on comparing the proposed relationships across different types of libraries. Another direction of research for future research is the study of these relationships in different cultural settings.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable results concerning the determinants of the perceived value of library services from the users' perspective.
Human resources control systems and performance: the role of uncertainty and risk propensity
Authors: Verano‐Tacoronte Domingo , Melián‐González Santiago
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between the HR control system and organizational results, examining the moderating effect of uncertainty and HR risk behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the relationship between HR control systems and organizational results introducing two major moderating variables as, uncertainty and risk behavior. The data used for this study comes from questionnaire responses by sales and human resource managers of 108 Spanish firms.

Findings

The empirical results show that these moderating variables have an influence on the success of the control system, but it can be stated that the control system has an independent impact on the organizational and sales force performance.

Research limitations/implications

Small sample size and cross sectional study, and the use of subjective measures of company and HR performance are the main limitations of the work.

Practical implications

To make correct decisions about HR control systems, managers should assess their environment and the composition of the workforce. There is not a control system that is good for all situations.

Originality/value of paper

An analysis was made of an important non‐executive employee group, as the sales force is, and addressed the important issue of control and performance while the literature is focused on management control systems. The study does not limit the performance measures only to company variables, displaying customer satisfaction and human resource performance factors.
Dynamic capabilities: top executive audits andhoshin kanriat Nissan South Africa
Authors: Witcher Barry J. , Sum Chau Vinh , Harding Paul
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of top executive audits (TEAs) as part ofhoshin kanri(policy management) at Nissan South Africa (NSA). It relates these to the emerging importance of core competencies in the resource‐based view of strategy to discuss “nested” sets of dynamic capabilities and superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study of NSA is considered in terms of how the firm defines its core areas, evaluates its business methodologies and management philosophies, and conducts its diagnosis of management. This was through real time internal company observation during an intensive phase of organizational change and documentation supplied by a senior manager.

Findings

The style of TEAs at Nissan is related to the concepts of “core competency” and “dynamic capability.” The core business areas of NSA are organization‐wide competencies necessary for competitive success, and the management of these is shown to be most effective in the form of a TEA, which in thehoshin kanriform, is arguably a nested set of dynamic capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper concludes thathoshin kanriand TEAs are used at Nissan as a higher order dynamic capability to develo0p both core competences in key areas of the business, and core capabilities in terms of its corporate methodologies and business philosophies. The recovery of Nissan during the East Asian Crisis of the late‐1990s was the result of improved productivity practices, such as the uses ofhoshin kanriand TEAs, and not just of economic recovery.
The effects of exchange rate variability on Malaysia's disaggregated electrical exports
Authors: Nyen Wong Koi , Cheong Tang Tuck
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of exchange rate variability on the demand for Malaysia's top five electrical exports as classified by Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) product groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modelling approach to co‐integration is employed in order to estimate the influence of exchange rate variability on export demand.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that foreign income and prices are important determinants of export demand for all of the five electrical exports, in both the long run and the short run, over the sample period 1990‐2001. More interestingly, this paper supports the view that exchange rate variability has an adverse effect on Malaysia's electrical exports.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of the study is the appropriateness of the ARDL modelling approach to examine the influence of exchange rate variability (which is stationary, I(0)) on trade behaviour such as export demand behaviour.

Practical implications

This paper is important to policymakers for the design of both exchange rate and trade policies in order to promote export growth, which could lead to Malaysia's transition towards high‐technology industrialisation.

Originality/value

This paper examines the influence of exchange rate variability on the demand for Malaysia's top five electrical exports as classified by SITC product groups, information which is not available in the existing literature.
The roles of capital and technological progress in Vietnam's economic growth
Authors: Minh Ngoc Phan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the contribution of capital formation, labor, and technological progress to the growth of the Vietnamese economy, the impact of economic reforms (doi moi) since the end of 1986, and the rates of returns to capital and labor.

Design/methodologyapproach

Cobb‐Douglas production functions are built for Vietnam's economy and then estimated using annual data for 1975‐2005.

Findings

The two major findings are that: technological progress was statistically absent in the growth of the Vietnamese economy throughout the period studied; and the most important source of economic growth is capital accumulation, accounting for between 84 percent and 89 percent of Vietnamese economic growth throughout the period 1975‐2005, and between 85 percent and 90 percent in the reform period (1986‐2005).

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind in the Vietnamese literature that successfully sheds light on, among other things, the roles of capital and technological progress in the Vietnamese economy during the period 1975‐2005. It also makes clear that Vietnam's economic growth has been fueled mainly by foreign funds and, thus, the continued heavy reliance of the economy on this financial source will make its growth unsustainable. In order to achieve sustainable growth in the coming decades, Vietnam must shift to rely more on productivity growth, which has been absent so far, and less on factor accumulation growth.
So you have strategy … how do you get it adopted?
Authors: Miller Anne
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to share the latest thinking in how to get innovative ideas and new strategies adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

This article summarizes the model and techniques described in more detail in the book The Myth of the Mousetrap, How to Get your Ideas Adopted (and Change the World) by Anne Miller.

Findings

New ideas face four stages of resistance, in which people are blind, frozen, interested and integrated. In the first ideas are ignored because they do not fit, so you have to open their eyes, for example by changing their environment. In the second people are aware but insufficiently motivated. If you can give them a shock, connection and safety they will unfreeze. In the third, they are interested, but may oppose your idea, while in the fourth stage the new idea needs help to become normal, otherwise people will slip back into their old habits. All four stages must be addressed if ideas are to be adopted and changes to stick.

Originality/value

The paper helps busy executives learn new techniques to get their ideas adopted, and hence deliver results fast and make change stick.
Precision refurbishment of buildings: a façade refurbishment case study
Authors: Saari Arto
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic refurbishment design procedure that allows precision refurbishment and thus enables the preservation of existing structures and their component parts.

Design/methodology/approach

The participatory research method was chosen and was used to develop and test a precision refurbishment procedure. This involved preparing the programming and design documents of an ongoing refurbishment project in cooperation with the designer. The actual refurbishment work was carried out using the documents developed in the study.

Findings

The principal finding was that a thorough, objective analysis of the condition and functioning of the structures in question is essential for determining a precision refurbishment procedure of the type presented here. With the refurbishment design incorporated into the contract, including precise product specifications and drawings, the client will be in a strong position in relation to the contractor during the actual refurbishment process. The way in which the product specifications were presented in the refurbishment specification allows systematic and precise depiction of the content and focus of the refurbishment. At the same time, the level of detail in the product specifications can be easily “regulated”.

Originality/value

The paper offers a tested systematic method for drawing up precise and unambiguous refurbishment designs for building refurbishment projects.
Work‐life balance in the Australian and New Zealand surveying profession
Authors: Wilkinson Sara J.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to establish and illustrate the levels of awareness of work‐life balance policies within the surveying profession in Australia and New Zealand. The culture and characteristics of the Australian and New Zealand work force are to be identified. The key aspects included in work‐life balance policies are to be illustrated and the perceived benefits for the surveying profession are to be noted. The paper seeks to posit that it is vital to comprehend the levels of awareness of work‐life balance issues within the surveying profession first, so that benchmarking may occur over time within the profession and second, that comparisons may be drawn with other professions.

Design/methodology/approach

There is a growing body of research into work‐life balance and the built environment professions. Using a questionnaire survey of the whole RICS qualified surveying profession in Australia and New Zealand, this paper identifies the awareness of work‐life balance benefits within the surveying profession.

Findings

This research provides evidence that awareness of the issues and options is unevenly spread amongst professional surveyors in the region. With shortages of professionals and an active economy the pressures on existing employees looks set to rise and therefore this is an area which needs to be benchmarked and revisited with a view to adopting best practice throughout the sector. The implications are that employers ignore work‐life balance issues at their peril.

Practical implications

There is much to be learned from an increased understanding of work‐life balance issues for professionals in the surveying discipline. The consequences of an imbalance between work and personal or family life is emotional exhaustion, cynicism and burnout. The consequences for employers or surveying firms are reduced effectiveness and profitability and increased employee turnover or churn.

Originality/value

Leading on from Ellison's UK surveying profession study and Lingard and Francis's Australian civil engineering and construction industry studies, this paper seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting work‐life balance policies within surveying firms and to establish benchmarks of awareness within the Australian and New Zealand surveying profession.
Key decision‐making attributes for project inception
Authors: Smith Jim , Wyatt Ray , Love Peter E.D.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the intense research activity with regard to the project inception stage. The need to establish the project parameters and performance requirements is crucial to the success of any construction project. Many organizations have been developing approaches to assist everyone involved in this process. This study aims to provide some data on one approach used by the authors during these early stages.

Design/methodology/approach

One approach to these early stages of the project is the use of a workshop‐based technique termed “strategic needs analysis”. Strategic needs analysis assists in these critical inception stages in the development of a project. Six action research studies based on these workshops were organized and analyzed by the authors. This has resulted in the development of a series of decision‐making attributes that capture the key characteristics relevant to the project inception stages.

Findings

This paper analyzes and identifies on a two‐dimensional scale the best‐ and worst‐performing of the identified attributes classified by the stakeholders in each study.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions to this research suggest that working during these early inception stages with briefing workshops is both challenging and difficult.

Practical implications

The findings provide a springboard for pointing out how an ambitious approach like this will always lead to practical implementation problems. It also provides data to indicate where one can begin to try to overcome these deficiencies.

Originality/value

Data analysis and experience on this key stage of a project are now available to inform future researchers and practitioners in this complex but important area of activity.
Bridging the digital divide
Authors: Vahid Aqili Seyed , Isfandyari Moghaddam Alireza
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the digital divide has become a common metaphor originating from now nearly obsolete phrases such as “information have and have nots” and “information rich and information poor”. The article aims to focus on several dimensions of the digital divide that pertain to service as well as the responsibilities of libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This article places emphasis on the role of librarians and information professionals in bridging the digital divide by indicating some aspects related to it as evidenced in the literature including its definition, aspects, factors affecting, and internet users.

Findings

Libraries are treated as one of the major social tools which can solve the information divide rooted in the digital divide and contribute to the realization of democratic society.

Research limitations/implications

This article revolves around the authors' points of view. So, further studies, especially comparative research between developed and developing countries which vary in terms of digital divide rate, can help to understand the real role librarians and information professionals play.

Practical implications

Rethinking the digital divide, librarians must redesign and redefine their service menu for their customers through thinking functionally. They also need to review the various IT devices and information services available and examine which can be employed to present a more effective library service. In addition, policy‐makers should consider the vital role that librarians can play in the realization of knowledge‐based society and sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical basis for librarians to be more active and sedulous and policy‐makers to be vigilant and place much value for information sector and its professionals, particularly librarians working in various libraries.
Improved rank‐niche evolution strategy algorithm for constrained multiobjective optimization
Authors: Chen Ting‐Yu , Chen Meng‐Cheng
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve and to extend the use of original rank‐niche evolution strategy (RNES) algorithm to solve constrained and unconstrained multiobjective optimization problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A new mutation step size is developed for evolution strategy. A mixed ranking procedure is used to improve the quality of the fitness function. A self‐adaptive sharing radius is developed to save computational time. Four constraint‐treating methods are developed to solve constrained optimization problems. Two of them do not use penalty function approach.

Findings

The improved RNES algorithm finds better quality Pareto‐optimal solutions more efficiently than the previous version. For most test problems, the solutions obtained by improved RNES are better than, or at least can be compared with, results from other papers.

Research limitations/implications

The application of any evolutionary algorithm to real structural optimization problems would face a problem of spending huge computational time. Some approximate analysis method needs to be incorporated with RNES to solve practical problems.

Originality/value

This paper provides an easier approach to find Pareto‐optimal solutions using an evolutionary algorithm. The algorithm can be used to solve both unconstrained and constrained problems.
A parabolic cable element for static analysis of cable structures
Authors: Ren Wei‐Xin , Huang Meng‐Gang , Hu Wei‐Hua
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a finite element formulation of enhanced two‐node parabolic cable element for the static analysis of cable structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike the assumed polynomial displacement interpolation functions, the present approach uses the analytical cable dynamic stiffness matrix to obtain the explicit expression of the static stiffness matrix of an inclined sagging cable by setting the frequency at zero. The Newton‐Raphson‐based iterative method is used to obtain the solution.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the present results agree well with those obtained from the nonlinear analytical theory of a parabolic cable and previous reported methods in the literature.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a two‐node parabolic cable element. For comparable accuracy with the truss element method, fewer numbers of such cable elements are needed.
A culture‐based approach to understanding the adoption and diffusion of new products across countries
Authors: Yalcinkaya Goksel
Published: May 2008

Purpose

For international product managers, one critical question is how fast a new product is likely to be adopted and diffused in different nations. One possible way to answer this question is by collecting data on the diffusion in a large number of countries and analyzing them. However, one of the main problems associated with collecting data are the lack of sufficient early‐period sales data to ensure reliable estimations. The estimation process becomes even harder since word‐of‐mouth and imitation play significant roles in the adoption of a new product given that the spread of information in a social system is complex. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship among social interactions, cultural differences, and the adoption of new products, and propose a new technique to work with the complexity arising from social interactions, as well as the few data points.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is presented and propositions are constructed.

Findings

The study suggests that, while social interactions are an important element for adoption of new products in every country, the strength of their impact on adoption varies across countries based on culture.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes by offering a deeper understanding of the impact of social interactions on international innovation adoption and provides a new foundation for the literature by combining individual heterogeneity, cultural differences, and word‐of‐mouth communication in one study.

Practical implications

Understanding the effect of cultural variations on the adoption of new products in a specific country will help management in the forecasting of demand by decreasing the perceived uncertainty of foreign cultural environments.

Originality/value

Even though diffusion models often describe innovation diffusion patterns over time fairly well, it is unclear how social interaction processes in different countries influence the adoption and diffusion speed of new products. There seems to be a large gap in the international marketing literature since it has long been accepted that personal interactions play a key role in product adoption and dissemination and that individuals communicate differently in the different parts of the world. An understanding of social interactions role on adoption of innovation will contribute to the international marketing field.
Country classification and the cultural dimension: a review and evaluation
Authors: Vanderstraeten Johanna , Matthyssens Paul
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, review and evaluate international marketing (IM) studies in the domain of cultural country classification (1985‐2006).

Design/methodology/approach

First, articles in which an “original” classification is developed are identified. Then, the paper characteristics are summarized using Ronen and Shenkar's characteristics. Eventually, Hunt's evaluation criteria are used to evaluate these classifications.

Findings

Summarizing and evaluating the selected papers reveals that the authors of the selected papers do not always seem to explicitly consider Ronen and Shenkar's useful recommendations concerning questionnaire and sample characteristics. Moreover, evaluation seems to indicate that Hunt's evaluation criteria are not always met.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that future cultural country classification researchers consider Ronen and Shenkar's recommendations. Moreover, researchers might explicitly specify the concept of culture and/or incorporating other influencing factors. It is also recommended that researchers develop their own classification scheme to check whether the scheme meets Hunt's evaluation criteria. Other researchers might try to contribute to a convergence of the cultural country classification domain by empirically testing newly developed typologies; refining studies; assigning other countries; and testing comparatively existing classifications.

Practical implications

Practitioners might think of grouping countries culturally for fine‐tuning marketing strategy. When seeking for co‐ordination and synergy, multinationals can use country cluster offices as a step‐stone or alternative to more centralized, global headquarters.

Originality/value

Besides, Ronen and Shenkar's paper in 1985 – another evaluation paper in the domain of cultural country classification and IM was not discovered. The paper tries to offer some useful recommendations to both scientific researchers and practitioners.
The resource matching foundations of competitive advantage
Authors: Seggie Steven H. , Griffith David A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The extant international service marketing literature focuses heavily on the impact of globalization on the outward process of the internationalization of service firms. The purpose of this paper is to propose scholars examine international service marketing from a different perspective, that of the globalization of domestic markets and the existence of global segments throughout the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses resource‐advantage theory and a congruence approach to suggest that the alignment of resources with consumer needs in the globalized domestic market leads to competitive advantage for the firm.

Findings

It can be argued that this alignment will lead to the replication of the competitive advantage across global segments in expansion to new markets.

Originality/value

The paper provides two significant contributions to the literature: a new perspective for considering the globalization of services that incorporates the challenges of operating in globalized markets; and develops seven propositions that can serve as a foundation for a stream of research on the globalization of services.
Confucian culture and whistle‐blowing by professional accountants: an exploratory study
Authors: Hwang Dennis , Staley Blair , Te Chen Ying , Lan Jyh‐Shan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use survey data to examine the impact of culture on current and future accounting and auditing professionals' intent to be whistle‐blowers in a Chinese cultural society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines intent to whistle‐blow and factors influencing whistle‐blowing, using survey data collected by the authors.

Findings

It was found that a majority of respondents believe that a general sense of morality was the most important factor to encourage whistle‐blowing, with abiding by the policy of their organization as the second; it was also found that guanxi, fear of retaliation, and fear of media coverage may discourage whistle‐blowing in a Chinese society.

Research limitations/implications

The data are all from Confucian societies, which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere.

Practical implications

The paper will help auditors, accountants, and policy makers to design policies that encourage whistle‐blowing.

Originality/value

The paper uses original survey data collected by the authors, and the analysis will enable policy makers and professional accountants to anticipate and predict whistle‐blowing, a key factor in improving financial management and reporting, and possibly undermining auditor independence, audit quality, and the quality of financial reporting.
Environmentally friendly assembly of robust electronics without solder
Authors: Fjelstad Joseph
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Tin‐lead solder has been the primary method for connecting electronic components to printed circuit boards since near the time of its inception. Over the last 60 years, solder has proven a viable assembly method over that time and there is a deep understanding of the technology won over years of practice. However, the European Union has banned the use of lead in electronic solder, based on the misguided assumption that lead in electronic solder represented a risk to human health. Aims to describe a new approach to manufacturing electronic assemblies without the use of solder.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses how the new era of lead‐free solder has resulted in a host of new problems for the electronics industry, many of which had not been experienced when elemental lead was included in the solder alloy.

Findings

Electronics assembly technology literature is rife with articles and papers citing the problems or challenges of lead‐free assembly and proposing new or improved solutions or investigative tool to better unearth the problems of lead‐free. The new process has come to be known as the Occam process, named to honor the fourteenth century English philosopher and logician, William of Occam, whose rigorous thinking and arguments in favor of finding the simplest possible solution served as the inspiration and catalyst for the new approach.

Originality/value

The paper describes a new approach to manufacturing electronic assemblies without the use of solder.
Assessment of blind via holes – an alternative approach
Authors: Willis Bob
Published: May 2008

Purpose

To present a simple way of assessing blind vias, making failure analysis easier to perform and generating less controversy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a procedure that may be used to examine blind via hole interconnections for routine testing or during failure analysis of a printed circuit board.

Findings

The technique described complements existing methods for assessing vias.

Originality/value

The paper details a new method of via assessment that can be an alternative to established techniques.