bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The paradigm of a new decentralization
Authors: Jürgen Drumm Hans
Published: July 2002

An analysis of five concepts of management from an organizational
theoretical approach reveals a common organizational pattern. From this
pattern the paradigm of a new decentralization can be recognized. A more
exact analysis of the structural elements reveals many unsolved
organizational problems. In a similar manner, implications of this
pattern entail many unsolved or poorly‐solved problems for human
resources management, most of which result from the implicit premiss of
an all‐too‐heroic notion of human nature in all of the five concepts.
Trade unions and the training of health and safety representatives in Europe
Authors: Walters David
Published: July 2002

Discusses research into provisions for education and training in health and safety offered by trade unions in a number of European countries. Uses material gathered in the survey to consider the role of trade union training in health and safety and its contribution to the operation of participative management of health and safety at the workplace level. Discusses the significance of employee representation in health and safety regulation and examines the support provided by trade union training in the context of factors that influence its effectiveness. Several specific aspects of trade union training are identified as characteristic. Other aspects of trade union health and safety education that contribute to the overall support and proactive role of trade unions in preventative health and safety are identified and discussed. Trade unions make extensive provision for education and training in occupational health and safety. This is a significant factor in raising awareness of health and safety issues and the development of a preventive health and safety ethos in all of the countries included in the study. Argues that it is possible to identify a common pedagogy in trade union education and training in occupational health and safety. This pedagogy is rooted in the educational methods of labour education, emphasizing the value of participants’ own experience and developing a collective approach to the definition and solution of problems, while encouraging listening and communication skills in this process. Shows that although trade unions have suffered a loss of influence and power across Europe during the past decade ‐ and in some countries their losses have been severe ‐ in the case of education and training in health and safety, generally trade unions have maintained a significant provision as well as continuing to develop an innovative and dynamic approach to its content and delivery.
Employers’ recruitment tools across Europe
Authors: Tixier Maud
Published: July 2002

Throughout Europe, recruitment tools appear remarkably similar. The tools most used across Europe to recruit executives for a company are: application forms, employment interviews and tests. How these vary across Europe is the purpose of the description found in the article. However, behind the various application forms, the manner in which selection interviews are conducted, and the uses made of certain tests, what emerges is the attachment of these tools to the national cultures from which they issue. It is this variety of these instruments and their modes of use which this article discusses.
Islamic revival in Asia and human resource management
Authors: Tayeb Monir
Published: July 2002

Discusses some of the implications of Islamic values for management of the workforce in organizations in Muslim countries in the light of the rise of Islamist movements in many of these countries. Discussion is placed within the context of the debate about the influences of national culture on organizations in general and employee‐management relationships in particular. Argues that there are differing manifestations of Islamic values in the countries concerned, which could lead to differing implications for human resource management (HRM). Highlights difficulties in trying to isolate the influences of Islam on organizations from those of other institutions, such as the economy, politics and business imperatives. As a result, and also given the limited available comparative studies into the issue, it would be unwise to suggest an Islamic HRM model. However, Islam, as an all‐encompassing religion, is bound to have implications for certain aspects of organizations, especially in those countries which are organized and run in accordance with an Islamic ideal. Attempts to explore, therefore, the likely relationship between Islamic values and certain HRM features in Muslim countries.
A natural alliance: integrated vocational rehabilitation and human resource management
Authors: Kearns Dan
Published: July 2002

Changes in the nature of work, social policy, and concepts of disability allow increased potential for the integration of vocational rehabilitation (VR) in the workplace. Concurrently, workplace rehabilitation programmes are becoming more popular, as organizations see the value of VR in improving workplace culture and reducing insurance premiums. Investigates the opportunities for collaboration between rehabilitation and human resource management (HRM) at policy, planning and practice levels. Failure to integrate can lead to the VR programme being marginalized and needless duplication of activities. Concludes by calling for increased cross‐disciplinary training for both HR practitioners and VR professionals as a basis for effective integrated rehabilitation at the workplace.
Toyota’s supply chain: changing employee relations
Authors: Winfield Ian , Hay Amanda
Published: July 2002

Examines the extent to which a major purchaser can affect company behaviour within those firms supplying to it. Eleven major UK suppliers to Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK were compared with other non‐supply chain companies to examine the extent to which new forms of customer‐supplier relationships are spreading within supply chain firms into wider aspects of organizational behaviour, as a direct consequence of close involvement. Toyota appear to affect supply firms’ communication patterns, employee relations, and approaches to problem solving directly.
Part‐time work in Europe
Authors: Clifford Noreen , Morley Michael , Gunnigle Patrick
Published: July 2002

Seeks to contribute to the flexibility debate by addressing the following research questions: What are the European trends pertaining to the use of part‐time workers? How has the situation changed over the past three years? To what extent do organizational characteristics, such as size, unionization and sector, impact on the nature and extent of part‐time employment? Despite recent attempts by the European Union to bring to the fore the issue of working time, it has a rather long pedigree in labour management literature. The main arguments dictating the direction of change in working time arrangements are associated with discretion/choice debates, labour force changes, equality issues, technology and organiza‐tional efficiency and the unemployment/work‐sharing argument. Focuses specifically on one workforce variable, namely part‐time work. Believes that the classification of the labour market into the core (typical) and periphery (atypical), in the context of labour flexibility, is far too simplistic. Refers to how it has been argued in the literature that the components of the peripheral workforce possess different characteristics and cannot be lumped together.
Employee representation and health and safety
Authors: Walters David
Published: July 2002

Considers the role of employee representation in improving health and safety performance within small enterprises. Focuses on an approach to employee participation through regional health and safety representatives and provides an analysis of the factors necessary to ensure their effectiveness, based on previous studies in the UK and Sweden. Identifies and analyses the challenges presented by small enterprises in light of evidence from existing evaluation of regional representative schemes. Identifies and discusses supportive factors that might enhance representative participation in health and safety in small enterprises, including the role of regulation, and employer and trade union support. Considers the implications of the Health and Safety (Consultation of Employees) Regulations 1996 and concludes that in their present form they offer only very limited support for employee representation in health and safety in small enterprises.
Occupational pensions forall employees
Authors: Cooper D.R.
Published: July 2002

Defined benefit occupational pension schemes are a valuable employee benefit. This paper looks at problems in their design and considers whether it is possible to address them. The risk profile of money purchase schemes is described, with particular reference to employees in less secure employment categories. These considerations are set alongside the requirements employers have from occupational pension schemes. The conclusion is that money purchase schemes fail to meet employees’ needs, in particular at a time when the security and level of state pensions is being progressively eroded. An alternative defined benefit structure is proposed, that is, the revalued career average pension scheme. It is argued that this benefit structure can be made attractive to both employers and employees, as it addresses many of the problems associated with final salary schemes and provides pension scheme members with the security they value.
Investment in management training and development by small businesses
Authors: Loan‐Clarke John , Boocock Grahame , Smith Alison , Whittaker John
Published: July 2002

The topic of management training and development (MTD) in small businesses is relatively under‐researched, and an increased understanding of the factors influencing the purchase of MTD by small businesses is needed. Therefore, a survey of 551 small businesses in the Midlands region of the UK sought to: identify influences on MTD investment and preferred MTD activities; and establish whether small businesses perceive a link between investment in MTD and business success. Interviews were also conducted with 12 organisations. Results show that the organisational characteristics of ownership, size, number of managers and family management have a significant influence on MTD investment. Of the sample organisations, 85 per cent considered investment in MTD to be linked to business success and 80 per cent of organisations engaged in some form of MTD. However, promoters of MTD to small businesses need to recognise that organisations in this sector are not homogeneous and desire customised training.
Gender differences in company training: the case of Taiwanese high‐tech firms
Authors: Huang Tung‐Chun
Published: July 2002

Previous studies have examined the impact of gender on training opportunities, but only within the context of Western societies. This study explores the effect of gender on access to company training in Taiwanese high‐tech firms. It finds that although males enjoy a slight advantage over females in obtaining training, there are no significant gender‐based differences. Females in Taiwan appeared to be more successful in accessing company training than their counterparts in the USA and the UK. Higher labour‐market status is offered as a potential reason for such relative success. Consistent with human capital theory, a direct relationship is found to exist between seniority and the probability of receiving training.
Transaction costs in human resource management – Interaction and interdependence with organisational structure
Authors: Jürgen Drumm Hans
Published: July 2002

Classical transaction cost theory is not applicable to decisions on HRM or organizational design. This article overcomes such a fruitless situation. First on an operative level the two types of HRM and separately organizational transaction costs will be analyzed and then linked together in a substitutive or cumulative way. Second, transaction cost analysis is extended to the higher level of strategic HRM and organization design. There both types of transaction costs are linked again. Furthermore, they control types and size of HRM and organizational transaction costs on the operative level. As a decision base consequently both levels and both types of transaction cost should be analyzed and determined simultaneously.
Training needs of practising professional librarians in the Kenyan public university libraries: a critical analysis
Authors: Ondari‐Okemwa Ezra
Published: July 2002

Examines the training needs of practising professional librarians in the Kenyan public university libraries. There is a general, but false assumption, in this sector that professional librarians who have attained the minimum professional qualifications need no further training on the job. Many changes have taken place and many more are likely to occur, which are likely to affect the working environment of librarians. Librarians must be trained in preparation for managing such changes. Suggestions for sources of funding are given. The specific training needs of practising librarians are described.
Being negligent and liable: a challenge for information professionals
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: July 2002

In recent years, increasing attention appears to have been paid by information professionals to issues of professional negligence and liability. Key legal issues are discussed, and negligence and liability is examined in the electronic domain. It is suggested that the commercialisation of the information marketplace and growing awareness of negligence and liability issues are encouraging information professionals to look to a mixture of law, ethics, and self‐interest for personal and professional effectiveness and security.
Shanghai Library’s quality service campaign
Authors: Wang Renfang , Wu Jianming , Wu Jianzhong
Published: July 2002

Describes the planning and implementation of a quality service programme in Shanghai’s prestigious new public library. This is part of a city‐wide initiative to develop quality service in organisations in the private and public sectors. The organisation and administration of the library’s programme is described, including the involvement of library staff at all levels, the development of service norms, and the ways by which the staff were encouraged to deliver quality service. The experience was transferred to other librarians. The outcomes of the programme are described.
Managing academic and research libraries partnerships
Authors: Rader Hannelore
Published: July 2002

USA academic libraries are rethinking their activities and repositioning themselves to take advantage of new opportunities to build partnerships with faculty members and campus related entities to support teaching, learning, and research endeavours.
Management of libraries in Saudi Arabia: practices and constraints
Authors: Siddiqui Moid Ahmad
Published: July 2002

Discusses the management of different types of libraries in Saudi
Arabia with reference to the existing practices in the country.
Indicates various problems faced by these libraries, such as absence of
library legislation, absence of a library association, lack of funding,
scarcity of native librarians, etc. Suggests how to overcome these
constraints.
Libraries and local government review – the Humberside
experience
Authors: Roberts Gareth
Published: July 2002

Discusses how the reorganization of local government, enforced by
recent government legislation, has affected Humberside County Council′s
leisure services department. Highlights the key issues to be addressed
by library services in the reorganization process. Explains the
preparations for change and new initiatives at both the corporate and
departmental level aimed at improving communications during this
process. Deals with service profiles, joint arrangements, budget
disaggregation and staffing considerations. Explains staff transfer and
recruitment procedures, with reference to statutory transfer orders
(STOs) made by the Secretary of State. Concludes that the staff most
involved in driving through the process of change do not have the
security of being on a provisional STO, yet their positive commitment is
essential if services are to be transferred effectively to new
authorities.
Contracting out in the public sector ‐ issues and implications
Authors: Grimwood‐Jones Diana
Published: July 2002

Traces the development of contracting out library and information services in the public sector. Looks at perceived benefits of contracting out, and notes some of the key issues and implications for service delivery and staffing. One feature of this is an attempt to follow the progress of the pilot projects nominated by the Department of National Heritage; hence surveys the literature describing these. Concludes that there is still little published guidance for library managers assessing contracting out as an option or actually going through the process, and that what is available relates to local authorities rather than government departments. Ends with a checklist of actions for successful contracting out.
Quality management: the way to improve Latin American public libraries?
Authors: Vergueiro Waldomiro C.S.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on public libraries in Latin America as one important means of information provision at the end of the twentieth century, discussing how they can improve their effectiveness. Defends the view that Latin American countries can use quality management to improve the services they provide through their public libraries. Suggests that, to receive the most benefit from this management theory, public librarians in Latin American countries should be aware of the specific characteristics of their institutions and their clienteles. Analyses the possibilities for implementing quality management in Latin American public libraries, as well as the limitations they may eventually face to fulfil this objective.
Rural business information needs in the north‐east of Scotland
Authors: Marcella Rita , McConnell Michael , Moore Gerald , Seton Michael
Published: July 2002

Describes the results of a Scottish Library and Information Council‐funded project into the business information needs of companies in the rural areas of the north‐east of Scotland. Based on a survey by questionnaire, interviews and case studies, describes the information providers available to rural businesses, the pattern of present use of such agencies by companies, the nature of respondents’ information needs, problems in accessing information and attitudes to IT. Highlights as significant to businesses particular types of information, some of which are felt to require the support of expert advice. The use of existing agencies suggests that many companies are poorly informed as to which agencies to approach and that these are less likely to approach libraries than “business” organizations, i.e. those providers which are seen as being more dedicated to the interests of the business community. Finds that business information provision is a dynamic and constantly shifting environment, in terms of the appearance and demise of information providers; and suggests there are lessons to be learned from the experience of the traditional and long‐established services.
Information services and user training in the electronic library
Authors: Lapp Erdmute
Published: July 2002

In the service era electronic products in libraries should be offered in combination with information services. Presents an approach to a reference, information and training services concept which is designed to meet the needs of users of electronic libraries. The approach includes the following aspects: introduction to the library; online training for OPAC searching; searching bibliographic and subject databases; finding relevant information on the Internet; and evaluating of activities.
Publishing at the Institute of Management’s Information Centre
Authors: Irving Ray , Smith Cathy
Published: July 2002

Describes and discusses the publishing programme undertaken by the Institute of Management’s Information Centre, including the reasons for setting up the programme, the use of resources and the benefits and drawbacks. Argues that many information and library services have, through their staff and stock, the expertise and knowledge to undertake a publishing programme.
Copyright in the electronic domain: an author’s view
Authors: McKnight Cliff
Published: July 2002

If electronic networks generate distribution mechanisms capable of undermining the traditional model of publishing, what are the implications for established copyright practices? Seeks to answer this question from the viewpoint of academic authorship, in particular that of the academic who chooses journals as vehicles in which to disseminate ideas and research results. Regards the surrender of copyright by academic authors to their publishers as an exchange which benefits both parties: publishers got to fill their learned journals, and academics had their work distributed to a far wider readership than could otherwise have been reached ‐ until very recently. The Internet and its continued growth present academic authors with desktop access to what is potentially the greatest distribution network in existence. Concludes by considering the future of journal publishing and copyright in the electronic domain, and offers reasons for guarded optimism about the roles of both publishers and libraries in the light of two viable models of electronic journal publishing ‐ project ELVYN and project MUSE.
Information technologies and organizational structure
Authors: Sehanovic´ Jusuf , Zugaj Miroslav
Published: July 2002

Investigates the influences of information technologies on the development of organizational structure in the hotel, catering and tourist industry in Istria, the best known and most developed tourist region of Croatia. The research relates to the period 1971‐1990.
Utilization of quantitative methods in decision making among Nigerian university librarians
Authors: Selong Edem U. , Olat Lawal Olu
Published: July 2002

Presents survey data used to determine how university librarians in Nigeria utilize quantitative methods in decision making in diverse areas such as personnel management, acquisition, storage and circulation of information materials. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 22 out of 35 university librarians. The survey results indicate that four (18.19 per cent) respondents have good knowledge of quantitative methods, i.e. its use and application in decision making; whereas as high as 18 (81.8 per cent) are hardly aware of, and have not used these statistical tools in decision making in university libraries. The research study uncovers factors that hinder the utilization of quantitative methods such as lack of understanding of the subject; a traditionally held view of librarianship as not requiring such statistical analysis; inadequate time for its teaching and acquiescence; dislike for intellectualism in resolving library problems; and disproportionate views of top practitioners on the concept of decision making. Submits that it would augur well for library practice at a high level if university libraries could use and apply quantitative methods in their work situations. This could ideally be learned and perfected through special courses. workshops, management seminars or formal academic programmes. Adequate exposure of respondents through continuing education would enhance proper utilization of quantitative methods in decision making in university libraries thereby guaranteeing efficiency, effectiveness and quality library services to library clientele, as well as enhancing the librarian’s own standing and image among academic peers.
Bibliographic record provision in the UK
Authors: Chapman Ann
Published: July 2002

States that since 1980, UKOLN has been carrying out a survey to monitor the availability of bibliographic records in the BNB files on the British Library automated information service (Blaise). Work on the ordering stage sample is now to be extended by investigating the availability of records from other sources of bibliographic records. Looks at the survey and the new sources to be included in the extended survey. Divides the participant sources (BNB, BDS, Book Data, J. Whitaker & Sons, BLCMP, CURL, LASER, OCLC and SLS (Information Systems) Ltd into two groups and describes the survey methodology and sample structure. Presents a set of source profiles which have been prepared as background material to accompany the results for each source since straight comparisons would not be advisable, given the differences in objectives and set‐up of the sources. Gives some comparisons of the features of different sources.
Downsizing in libraries: experiences and expectations
Authors: Burgin Robert
Published: July 2002

A 1995 survey of 119 academic and public library directors in North Carolina, USA, examined the degree to which their libraries had experienced downsizing and the expectations of these librarians regarding downsizing. While 27 per cent of the respondents had downsized in the past two to three years, only 7 per cent expected to do so in the near future. Likewise, fewer respondents expected to reduce personnel as a response to downsizing than had done so when downsizing did take place and, by contrast, more respondents expected to reduce or eliminate specific services than had actually done so when downsizing did take place. The survey also found that few libraries were prepared for downsizing; only 28 per cent of the respondents reported feeling at least well prepared, and only 2 per cent of the respondents felt very well prepared.
In the name of development: change at the University of the West Indies
Authors: Helenese‐Paul Kathleen
Published: July 2002

Recently the Library of The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, structurally expanded two of its floors which house the agriculture and life sciences division and the humanities division. Four of the library’s six subject divisions which provide services to readers have now been physically expanded. Discusses this space expansion with its attendant problems and future prospects for the humanities division and also the library’s attempt to merge expansion with the emerging networked services environment.
The implementation of information technology projects in Polish research and academic libraries in the early 1990s: questions of scope and effectiveness
Authors: Górny Miroslaw , Jazdon Artur
Published: July 2002

Reports the results of an inquiry directed at Polish academic, research and scientific libraries. An appraisal of the current IT infrastructure, degree of advances in automation in libraries, and utilization of the electronic sources has been carried out, based on the completed questionnaires received from the libraries in question. It has been recognized that the best developed IT infrastructure is to be found in the academic libraries and that they are well prepared for automation. The situation is much worse in the special libraries of the research and scientific institutes. Half of the libraries in the latter group are not engaged in any preparation for automation, mainly owing to a lack of financial resources. Also, they do not provide readers with access to sources in an electronic format. Points out that a relevant consistent programme for the implementation and utilization of IT in Polish libraries has not yet been prepared.
Staff retention in public libraries in Ghana
Authors: Mensah Vida , Alemna A.A.
Published: July 2002

There is excessive turnover among trained graduate librarians of the Ghana Library Board (GLB). All too often, the ones who leave are not the ones that management, as well as colleagues, wish would leave. An acceptable reason from the management point of view is that they leave to accept a position with higher pay. Management finds comfort in this explanation. Nevertheless, research has proved that employees leave for a number of reasons, besides money. The trained graduate librarians who leave the GLB are no exception. Examines the problems of voluntary turnover, by analysing these reasons, and attempts to offer suggestions which it is hoped could help reduce the incidence of turnover at the GLB to the barest minimum.
The application of TQM in cataloguing
Authors: Khurshid Zahiruddin
Published: July 2002

Discusses the possible application of various TQM tools in cataloguing operations. Focuses on the methods libraries have adopted to identify user needs and to improve services to meet user needs. Many of these methods either are based on the TQM philosophy or can be adapted to it.
Pricing of information products: three scenarios
Authors: Spingies V.H. , du Toit Adeline S.A.
Published: July 2002

Contends that the management of information services should consider the pricing of information products as a challenge which demands an understanding of economic principles. Illustrates the range of ideas and tools economists offer for the practical development of a price strategy for information products. Uses three scenarios to demonstrate the formulation of different pricing strategies for different information products. The information products used as examples in these scenarios are a CD‐ROM database, a training programme and a report on the involvement of mechanical engineers with the Reconstruction and Development Programme in South Africa.
The provision of recommended reading in an academic library
Authors: Sherwood Karen , Lovecy Ian
Published: July 2002

Provides an update on a project at the University of Wales Bangor, reported in an earlier issue, to ensure that books on reading lists are available in the library, that missing books are replaced, and that newer editions are purchased when available. New aspects of the project are described, improving staff co‐operation by interrelating this work with the selection of short‐loan material and improving student access to books by using a course code as an OPAC enquiry. Describes the problems encountered which are likely to be of relevance to other libraries. Compares the overall results with the earlier report showing substantially improved provision as a result of four years of the project.
Strategic turbulence in the public library service: vision and reality
Authors: Murray Ian
Published: July 2002

Examines the prominence of information technology in the strategic and “vision” statements made by government, and reviews the role of IT in the various initiatives under way. Considers the implications for the public library service and draws on research evidence obtained by the Aslib Review of the public library service in England and Wales. Elaborates on the reasons which illustrate that there is now a fundamental change in the way IT is enabling end‐users to utilize information. This has altered public perceptions of the public library service. Considers the argument that, unless libraries participate fully in the current revolution in communications technology, there is a danger the service might be “marginalized”. Compares IT initiatives in the UK primarily with Singapore and Europe. Draws the conclusion that there is much that is already being done in the UK but there remains a danger of not being able to provide a fully effective service to all if the public library branch network continues to be diminished by budgetary constraints.
The training and development of academic librarians in Ghana
Authors: Effah Paul
Published: July 2002

The academic support service provided by the library is critical to the attainment of the University’s central mission of teaching, research and service. This paper contributes to the quest for appropriate approaches for the training and development of academic librarians to ensure that the important role assigned to the library is fulfilled. It discusses schemes available in Ghana for equipping academic librarians with the requisite training and skills to enable them to fulfil their roles efficiently and effectively. In the process, a number of important issues such as training needs assessment and responsibility for training receive attention. Recommendations are made for more structured, consistent and systematic training and development programmes for academic librarians in Ghana.
The information society: a new challenge for management
Authors: Ershova Tatiana
Published: July 2002

Considers the problem of Russian library managers facing the information age. The author reflects on her nine years of management experience of a large institution during a difficult period. The Russian State Library is moving from a totalitarian past to a democratic future. The problems touched on include preparing staff for change and innovation, the differences between leaders and managers, and the new managerial culture introduced by the Internet, which implies decentralisation and self‐management. The article will hopefully contribute to worldwide discussion about the library’s role in the information society and help managers to prepare the ground for transition.
An analysis of the opportunities for information technology in improving access, transfer and the use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya
Authors: Kiplang’at Joseph
Published: July 2002

Presented at the SCANUL‐ECS Conference held in Kenya 23‐26 July 1998. Examines the opportunities of information technology (IT) in improving access, transfer and use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya. This paper has used the term “information technology” to include CD‐ROM, computer networks, desktop publishing, interactive video, packet radio, expert systems, geographical information systems and satellite communications. The methodology adopted by the study was the use of case studies of the organisations and institutions that use IT in disseminating agricultural information to the rural population in Kenya. The study was limited to agricultural information. The information technologies examined include CD‐ROM, computer networks, video and desktop publishing. Highlights the advantages and limitations of IT in disseminating information in the rural areas of Kenya. Among the factors that make IT relevant for rural development are vast storage, fast and inexpensive communication channels, links between different media, easy and enjoyable use at comparatively and steadily declining costs. Concludes that for IT to have more impact on rural development, it should be needs driven, rather than technology driven. This can only be achieved if the needs of the users are placed at the centre and appropriate technologies adopted.
Waiting for the millennium: some thoughts on being elected President of the Library Association for the year 2000
Authors: Cornish Graham P.
Published: July 2002

Everyone needs milestones in their lives and the millennium provides one, whatever we think of the event personally. Librarians and information workers are facing major changes as this date approaches. Despite having little history, the skills of the professional will be crucial in managing the exponential explosion of information and creativity. The needs of users will focus as much on leisure as academic study, which may be a challenge to some people. Libraries will be points of access, not physical collections which require different psychology for users and professionals alike. The costs of information provision may need to be moved from the institution to the user, with special provision for those with particular social needs. This raises social and ethical issues. The millennium has a spiritual dimension, which may require many people to question the direction in which the profession is going.
Librarians and the emerging information market in Botswana
Authors: Aina L.O. , Moahi K.
Published: July 2002

Reports a survey of 86 organisations which have a strong information component, in Botswana, with the objective of determining the types of information‐related activities they perform. The study also aimed to ascertain the possibility of employing librarians trained at the University of Botswana. The findings revealed that a number of the organisations’ information‐related activities could be handled by librarians; however, the organisations seem to prefer computer scientists, information scientists and accountants. The study concluded that the department should revamp the curriculum in such a way that it will enable the products to function effectively in these organisations.
Storm Center: a discursive approach to constructions of library workers
Authors: Kerslake Evelyn , O’Brien Ann
Published: July 2002

The film Storm Center was released in 1956, featuring Bette Davis as a librarian in small town America. The narrative is a parable of anti‐communism in the McCarthy era where the town council tries to remove a book on communism from the library. The librarian opposes this and is fired. The details and consequences provide a rich framework for a discursive approach to the text. A discursive approach is chosen because of the film’s extensive use of thematic oppositions around the central concern of censorship and freedom of information. A number of discourses are briefly explored including: femininity; the individual and the group; emotion and scientific rationalism. Concludes that qualitative work in library and information studies might benefit by considering the type of questions posed by discourse theory, as outlined here.
Optimization of staff numbers in the process industries: an application of DEA
Authors: Al‐Subhi Al‐Harbi Kamal M.
Published: July 2002

The process industries are particularly vulnerable to plant, process, and product failures. They are also interested in reducing labor costs and improving the efficiency and manpower utilization of the maintenance labor and supervision. This article suggests the utilization of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as an objective optimization approach for the comparative efficiency evaluation of the maintenance sections of a maintenance department. An example is presented with real life data from a local petrochemical company to demonstrate the application of the method. Comparative efficiency scores indicate that the petrochemical company could reduce the number of staff and supervisors in a number of maintenance sections or, alternatively, improve their outputs.
HIV and the workplace
Authors: Lim Vivien K.G. , Leng Loo Geok
Published: July 2002

This study examined human resource managers’ knowledge of HIV transmission, their attitudes towards employing persons living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PWHIVs) and disclosure of HIV‐related information. Results indicate that respondents were generally knowledgeable about the transmission of HIV and viewed the employment of PWHIVs as having adverse organisational consequences. With respect to disclosure of HIV‐related information, findings suggest that generally respondents felt that employers should have access to health records of persons infected with HIV while they were more ambivalent about the issue of revealing such information to co‐workers of PWHIVs. Implications of findings for organisations are discussed.
Multiple regimes in human capital accumulation
Authors: Giannini Massimo
Published: July 2002

Aims to provide an analytical framework investigating the accumulation of human capital in an OLG framework characterized by a continuous interplay between human capital distribution and individual choice of accumulation. This leads to a wide variety of dynamics. Generally, more equal economies tend to accumulate a higher human capital but other cases are possible. The accumulation is characterized by bimodality or multimodality in the human capital distribution and by an endogenous poverty trap.
Unemployment: national policies in a global economy
Authors: Eatwell John
Published: July 2002

Two issues have dominated the recent employment experience of the major industrial countries: first, the common rise in unemployment throughout the OECD; second, the diversity in the scale and content of that rise as between, on the one hand, the core of the European Union and Australia, and, on the other hand, North America. The growth and persistence of unemployment may be the result of the deregulation of global financial markets in the 1970s that has been followed by huge growth in short‐term capital flows. These flows have produced a significant increase in risk aversion in public sector and private sectors. This is the major source of deflationary pressures and persistent unemployment throughout the world. Those pressures could have been substantially mitigated if a key lesson had been drawn from the development of domestic financial markets – liberal markets are only efficient if they are efficiently regulated.
Has the shift toward markets hurt ethnic minorities?
Authors: Giddings Lisa
Published: July 2002

Relies on cross‐sectional survey data from 1986 and 1993 to explain an increase in the ethnic Turk‐ethnic Bulgarian earnings differential in Bulgaria in the country’s early transition. Empirical evidence indicates that the ethnic Turks closed both the gap in the number of years of education and experience acquired during this time. Further, the Turks began to enter the growing commerce and transportation industries in the early transition. Shifts in the wage structure, however, favored the ethnic Bulgarians, and these changes outweighed ethnic Turk gains in the measured characteristics. In addition to these shifts, an increase in the overall level of inequality in the labor market punished those at the low‐end of the wage distribution, exacerbating the existing ethnic earnings differential. These results imply however, that the ethnic Turks are responding to market signals and if it continues, this trend will diminish the ethnic earnings gap.
The effects of training and overeducation on career mobility in a segmented labour market
Authors: Dekker Ron , de Grip Andries , Heijke Hans
Published: July 2002

This paper analyses the effects of both training and overeducation on upward mobility in the internal labour market, the professional market and the “supplementary labour market”. The latter segment can be considered as a broadly defined secondary labour market as it is not restricted to the low‐level unskilled jobs only. This broader definition – also found in initial segmentation theory – allows for the changed character of the secondary labour market in the industrialized countries. As expected, “career training” influences upward mobility positively. However, contrary to the predictions of segmentation theory, particularly in the supplementary labour market career training is a means of gaining promotion to a higher level job. Overeducation also affects upward mobility positively, which indicates that overeducation is to some extent a temporary phenomenon at the individual level. However, this also holds in particular in the supplementary segment of the labour market. The estimation results show that the supplementary labour market is less of a dead end than the segmentation theory predicts and is a more valuable place to get training than has been recognized. The supplementary market probably plays an important role in the transition process between initial education and the labour market. Although workers may be initially overeducated in their first jobs, a supplementary segment job could be an attractive step towards reaching a more suitable position in the labour market.
Market Failure, Institutional Structure and Skill‐formation
Authors: McNabb Robert , Whitfield Keith
Published: July 2002

Examines the link between the institutional structure of the market for
training and economic performance. Suggests that the market for training
has a major potential for failure and that institutional structures are
needed to mitigate this. Outlines the main structures which have been
developed in different countries. Concludes that there is no single
institutional arrangement which is optimal but that countries performing
best internationally seem to be those which take the potential for
failure most seriously.
The Treuhandanstalt, FDI and Employment in Germany
Authors: Balasubramanyam V.N.
Published: July 2002

Analyses the role of the Treuhand in promoting inward foreign direct
investment, labour productivity and employment in the former East
Germany. Argues that the Treuhand should concern itself not only with
privatization but also with restructuring of the firms on its books. In
the absence of restructuring, privatization may only mean a mere
transfer of ownership without any improvement in the productive
efficiency of the firms. Concludes by arguing that the Treuhand should
promote management contracts between foreign firms and the firms on its
books with a view to enhancing the managerial and productive efficiency
of the firms.
Human Resource Management Problems in Sino‐foreign Joint Ventures
Authors: Tsang Eric W.K.
Published: July 2002

Sino‐foreign joint ventures have been the major form of foreign direct
investment in China since the economic reform in late 1978. Among the
many problems faced by the foreign partner of a joint venture, human
resource management (HRM) is one of the most often cited. Offers a
comprehensive review of the major HRM problems, namely recruitment,
dismissal, remuneration, labour discipline, managerial skills, training
and trade unions. In order to understand the nature of the problems
better, an effort is made to trace the origin of these problems back to
the former centrally planned economy and the Chinese culture. The
discussion covers the entire Chinese workforce consisting of both
workers and managers. Cites survey results and real life cases for
illustration. In addition to analysing the problems, offers some
practical solutions.
Is pay discrimination against young women a thing of the past? A
tale of two cohorts
Authors: Paci Pierella , Joshi Heather , Makepeace Gerry , Dolton Peter
Published: July 2002

For nearly 20 years, equal treatment of men and women in the labour
market has been enshrined in British law. This was due to the twin acts
supporting this: the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act. There
were amendments in 1983 to allow equal pay to be claimed in comparable,
rather than identical, jobs. By the 1990s, therefore, pay discrimination
against women ought to have become a thing of the past. Investigates
whether this is so, taking evidence on men and women in their early 30s
at two points during this period.
Migration equilibria/disequilibria and the natural rate of
unemployment in a regional context
Authors: McGregor P.G. , Swales J.K. , Yin Y.P.
Published: July 2002

Examines the theory of regional equilibria in the presence of
endogenous migration, where net migration flows are determined by real
consumption wage and unemployment‐rate differentials. Provides a
theoretical analysis of market clearing and steady state concepts of
equilibrium and examines the impact on local demand of government
expenditure. Concludes that a natural rate input‐output model applies,
but that the system takes a long time to return to the equilibrium.
Assimilating knowledge‐based systems: the roads to success
Authors: Martinsons Maris G.
Published: July 2002

Knowledge‐based systems (KBS) can help organizations to leverage
their professional expertise and manage their human resources. Considers
the introduction and assimilation of a new technology such as KBS in
your organization. Proposes five strategic alternatives: paving
footpaths – building the low road, building the high road,
building a road network, and waiting for the green light. Considers
their relative merits by using a case‐study methodology to examine
organizations that have followed each road. Relative costs, risks and
required resources are noted while the importance of a fit between a
chosen road and the existing knowledge structure is discussed.