bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reliable technique for solving third‐order dispersion equations
Authors: Lesnic D.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Initial value problems for the one‐dimensional third‐order dispersion equations are investigated using the reliable Adomian decomposition method (ADM).

Design/methodology/approach

The solutions are obtained in the form of rapidly convergent power series with elegantly computable terms.

Findings

It was found that the technique is reliable, powerful and promising. It is easier to implement than the separation of variables method. Modifications of the ADM and the noise terms phenomenon are successfully applied for speeding up the convergence of non‐homogeneous equations.

Research limitations/implications

The method is restricted to initial value problems in which the space variable fills the whole real axis. Modifications are required to deal with initial boundary value problems. Further, the input initial condition is required to be an infinitely differentiable function and obviously, the convergence radius of the decomposition series depends on the input data.

Practical implications

The method was mainly illustrated for linear partial differential equations occuring in water resources research, but the natural extension of the ADM to solving nonlinear problems is extremely useful in nonlinear studies and soliton theory.

Originality/value

The study undertaken in this paper provides a reliable approach for solving both linear and nonlinear dispersion equations and new explicit or recursively‐based exact solutions are found.
Reconciliation of perception of information granules and granular mappings
Authors: Pedrycz W.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose is to formulate and present algorithms of reconciliation of perception of information granules regarded as fuzzy sets. It also discussed a problem of a multi‐view reconciliation of perception of granular mappings and their reconciliation.

Design/methodology/approach

It is realized in the framework of logically‐oriented transformation of the membership functions and mappings.

Findings

A suite of optimization techniques is presented and their performance illustrated with the aid of numeric experiments.

Practical implications

An important step enhancing the development of fuzzy rule‐based systems.

Originality/value

The concept of reconciliation of information granules has been formulated for the first time. The algorithmic setting offers additional practical value.
Numerical solution of the Burgers' equation over geometrically graded mesh
Authors: Dağ İdris , Şahin Ali
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the numerical solution of the Burgers' equation is obtained using the methods of cubic B‐spline collocation and quadratic B‐spline Galerkin over the geometrically graded mesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The spatial domain is partitioned into geometrically graded mesh. The finite element methods are constructed within the Galerkin and collocation methods using an expansion of the quadratic and cubic B‐splines as an approximate function, respectively, over this mesh.

Findings

When the higher errors are observed at near boundaries for shock‐like and travelling wave solutions of the Burgers' equation, accuracy of the defined methods increase by using finer mesh at near this boundary.

Originality/value

Over the geometrically graded mesh definitions of the quadratic B‐spline Galerkin and cubic B‐spline collocation are given.
Systems view, emergence and complexity
Authors: Korn J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To describe a view of parts of the world as assemblies with emergent properties constructed from related properties or objects, and the modelling of production of emergent properties arising by chance or design.

Design/methodology/approach

One and two place sentences of a homogeneous language are combined in a static state to show a variety of possibilities of new structures. Combinations of such sentences in a dynamic state derived from narratives that show how static states are produced.

Findings

Using Cartesian products and network theory the kind and number of new structures can be calculated. Semantic diagrams exhibit the propagation of dynamic states leading to the use of predicate logic statements as carriers of properties of objects with uncertainties.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is based on linguistic analysis being able to encapsulate linguistic complexities, expressions of feelings, emotions, etc. in homogeneous language. Interpretation of semantics is restricted to human mind. Research may lead to a science and design of complex systems.

Practical implications

The method embedded in the approach can be developed into a design aid for managers subject to its passing the test of debate and development of software.

Originality/value

The research has led to a more rigorous approach to the analysis and design of scenarios including those with human activities.
Time‐splitting procedures for the solution of the two‐dimensional transport equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The diffusion‐advection phenomena occur in many physical situations such as, the transport of heat in fluids, flow through porous media, the spread of contaminants in fluids and as well as in many other branches of science and engineering. So it is essential to approximate the solution of these kinds of partial differential equations numerically in order to investigate the prediction of the mathematical models, as the exact solutions are usually unavailable.

Design/methodology/approach

The difficulties arising in numerical solutions of the transport equation are well known. Hence, the study of transport equation continues to be an active field of research. A number of mathematicians have developed the method of time‐splitting to divide complicated time‐dependent partial differential equations into sets of simpler equations which could then be solved separately by numerical means over fractions of a time‐step. For example, they split large multi‐dimensional equations into a number of simpler one‐dimensional equations each solved separately over a fraction of the time‐step in the so‐called locally one‐dimensional (LOD) method. In the same way, the time‐splitting process can be used to subdivide an equation incorporating several physical processes into a number of simpler equations involving individual physical processes. Thus, instead of applying the one‐dimensional advection‐diffusion equation over one time‐step, it may be split into the pure advection equation and the pure diffusion equation each to be applied over half a time‐step. Known accurate computational procedures of solving the simpler diffusion and advection equations may then be used to solve the advection‐diffusion problem.

Findings

In this paper, several different computational LOD procedures were developed and discussed for solving the two‐dimensional transport equation. These schemes are based on the time‐splitting finite difference approximations.

Practical implications

The new approach is simple and effective. The results of a numerical experiment are given, and the accuracy are discussed and compared.

Originality/value

A comparison of calculations with the results of the conventional finite difference techniques demonstrates the good accuracy of the proposed approach.
Communications and forum
Authors: Lee L.P.
Published: June 2007

Considers that virtual reality, the creation of highly interactive computer‐based multimedia environments in which the user becomes a participant with the computer, will have major social and psychological implications.
The origins of logic
Authors: Brennig James D.
Published: June 2007

Discusses the meaning of logic and its historical origin. Relates considerations to human knowledge and sees logic as a set of rules that were included from the beginning to bind facts together. Considers how logic functions in the human brain.
Contemporary systems and cybernetics
Authors: Rudall B.H.
Published: June 2007

Gives reports and surveys of selected current research and developments in systems and cybernetics. They include: A calculus of ethics for a systemic world, Biocybernetics, Neuroscience, Neural technology, Computational model for chocolate, Safety‐critical systems (SCSs), Scientific and technical information from Russia, Cybernetics and systems control, Automation and cybernetics, UK science research.
Investigation of colour consistency in acrylic sheet products
Authors: Jiang X. , Lin L. , Bai X. , Gu J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To identify the causes to the variation of shade of coloured acrylic sheets from one batch to another and to propose solution to alleviate such a phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of analytical techniques, including spectrophotometric measurement, evaluation of dispersion stability, pigment particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, were employed to assess the degree of colour shade variation, the degree of dispersion and nature of the particles within the acrylic sheet formulations and the acrylic sheet products.

Findings

It was found that the variation of shade of the coloured acrylic sheets from one batch to another was mainly caused by the lack of dispersion stability of the pigment particles concerned over time.

Practical implications

The investigation found solutions to the variation of shade of the coloured acrylic sheets from one batch to another.

Originality/value

Colour and colour consistency are a key attribute of the coloured acrylic sheets. Although not frequently encountered, such imperfections were undesirable. The investigation identified the causes to such imperfections and found a way to eliminate such imperfections.
An investigation of the new generic consumer
Authors: Herstein Ram , Tifferet Sigal
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This research is designed to characterize new generic consumers and assess their willingness to purchase generic brands in non‐generic product categories.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 500 generic consumers participated in the study. Participants were customers of two large private chain stores in central Israel, known for their abundance of generic products.

Findings

the paper finds that new generic consumers have a somewhat different profile than that of generic consumers of the 1980s. Furthermore, generic consumers are prepared to purchase generic brands even in categories not defined as generic.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on a market characterized by economic instability, which may contribute to strong readiness to purchase generic brands even in product categories not generic by definition. Future research is needed to study the profile of the new generic consumer from the perspective of cultural differences among countries and not within countries.

Practical implications

The willingness of generic brand marketers and retailers to enter product categories not defined as generic will open new business avenues and a create a relative advantage for them over their competitors, while guaranteeing a larger market segment and an increased volume of sales in the short term.

Originality/value

This research is the only one which has examined generic brand consumers' buying power, on four types of buying behaviors based on the degree of buyer involvement and the degree of differentiation among brands.
Networking a nation: ILL developments in Australia
Authors: Missingham Roxanne
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to describe developments in Australian libraries and the national interlibrary loan and document delivery systems, in particular the outcomes of the Local Interlending and Document Delivery Administration Systems (LIDDAS) project. Australian libraries have had a highly cooperative approach to resource sharing for many years. ILL (Inter Library Loan) has become increasingly automated since the introduction of the online union catalogue in 1981 and the national interlending system in 1989. In 2004 interoperability was introduced, with 2006 developments in directories completing the national connected system.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis is undertaken of the factors leading to a national approach, use of the automated solution by libraries and trends in use by end users.

Findings

Rapid and easy access to interlibrary lending has increased significantly through automation of local and national systems. While the overall number of loans and copies has not increased, the speed of delivery and efficiency of ILL has increased significantly.

Practical implications

By understanding the environment that led to a coordinated approach to automation by libraries in a variety of sectors, and evaluating the outcomes of the technological developments, this paper gives a basis for considering opportunities for future cooperative arrangements.

Originality/value

LIDDAS has stood the test of time as a highly original approach to providing access to the resources of the nation's libraries. This paper provides a study of the outcomes of the project, the impact of interlibrary lending in Australia and a cooperative approach between university, state, national and public libraries.
Using podcasts to promote Government documents collections
Authors: Barnes Newkirk
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a model for creating podcasts to promote academic library resources and services, with an emphasis on government documents collections.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the Mississippi State University (MSU) Libraries' project to develop podcasts that promote the Libraries' numerous resources and programs to the University's students, faculty and staff. Specifically, the paper discusses the Government Documents and Microforms Department's involvement in this project.

Findings

The Government Documents and Microforms Department's three podcast links received a total of 64 hits during the first three months the MSU Libraries' podcasts were available (September 2006‐November 2006). This is in comparison with the 4,318 hits the Department's six major online resources received during the same period.

Practical implications

This paper will allow academic librarians to gain a basic knowledge of the podcast technology, identify possible resources from their own libraries to advertise via the podcast medium, and learn strategies for creating podcast scripts to promote both government and non‐government information resources.

Originality/value

By subscribing to podcast feeds that describe library resources or events, patrons can learn more about these resources, and receive instruction in how to use them, at their convenience. By promoting the use of government documents in particular, librarians can connect students, faculty and other researchers with information materials that are applicable to a wide range of academic disciplines and to daily life.
GIS and census data: tools for library planning
Authors: Hertel Karen , Sprague Nancy
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to demonstrate a technique for using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze US Census data to better understand potential library users and improve library service planning.

Design/methodology/approach

A GIS was used to link variables such as age, race, income, and education from the 2000 US Census with service area maps of two proposed branch libraries. Thematic maps were created for each of the census variables to display demographic information about potential library users within a three‐mile radius of the proposed libraries.

Findings

The GIS maps and their associated attribute data enhanced the ability to analyze and compare the demographics of potential users in the two library areas and identify significant differences. The data on age, race, education and income for residents in the two areas were combined with known library use indicators to help plan library services with the potential to attract different populations in the local community.

Originality/value

Provides practical information about downloading US Census data into a GIS to be able to present demographic data about potential library users both visually and quantitatively.
New web site, new opportunities
Authors: Kane David , Hegarty Nora
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article sets out to describe the background behind WIT Libraries' recently launched new‐look web site: its origins, implementations and long‐term goals, and explain how the library is using a new web content management system to its best advantage, particularly in terms of compliance with web standards and guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study reports on the use of a web content management system to develop the new library web site. It describes the move from an existing site, where the main focus was on visual impact to the new site, which also focuses on providing open and equitable access to information for all users.

Findings

Concludes by stating that the new library web site, as managed by the content management system, adheres to accessibility standards, which the old site, managed in a less efficient way, could not maintain.

Research limitations/implications

The project is still in development. The study provides a short‐term view of one small academic library's experience of implementing a usable and fully accessible web site.

Practical implications

This account of WIT Libraries' experience of working with a content management system to develop a usable and fully accessible web site is likely to be a useful source of practical information for organisations in similar positions, faced with similar challenges of a comparable scale.

Originality/value

Offers practical insights for libraries in similar positions, showing them how successful transference of the library web site to a web content management system can include having excellent compliance with web standards and accessibility guidelines.
Copyright in the networked world: international document delivery
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This column seeks to look at the case of a long‐standing project to arrange document delivery between US and German libraries. This case represents the broader problem of international document delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary methodology is anthropological. The column considers cultural and economic differences and assumptions, as well as differences between the law codes that enable document delivery.

Findings

Document delivery is at least temporarily impossible from Germany to the USA owing to lawsuits and agreements within Germany. The introduction of Digital Rights Management (DRM) software into new agreements may lead to programs with seriously abbreviated rights for users.

Originality/value

The case of US‐German document delivery has particular importance because of the amount of research contact between the two countries and because of the substantial differences in their legal systems and their copyright laws.
Institutional Archives for Research: Experiences and Projects in Open Access
Authors: Giglia Elena
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To share an important national meeting in Italy that provided an international overview of the Open Access movement to date and how progressive the European commitments have been in mandating OA publishing profiles, and more comprehensively how OA is being practiced in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the main points of the meeting.

Findings

This Congress included the major themes that brought together the research communities, the libraries and librarians, the scholarly publishing enterprises and highlighted the technologies in place to make OA a viable solution to the scholarly communication problems that currently exist.

Originality/value

By reviewing OA strategies and initiatives in place around the world at different institutions in different countries it is clear that there are ways to lay this groundwork so that long‐term success can be achieved. Lessons learned and best practices in place lead to more articulate and comprehensive ways to approach the ongoing problems to ensure that widespread adoption is close in Italy.
KTH in Sweden: Hosting June Conference on Global Access to Science
Authors: Lager Gunnar
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The 2007 IATUL meeting will be held at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and this brief introduction to the host institution prepares committed and potential attendees of what they can expect. Design/methodology/approach – Provides a brief outline of what can be expected of the meeting.

Findings

A state of the art and very attractive library will greet visitors when they come to the library and to Stockholm to attend what is expected to be a meeting of timely presentations by an international cadre of library professionals and an opportunity to explore Stockholm at probably its finest season.

Practical implications

Interesting professional program awaits attendees in a wonderful setting with many talented colleagues from throughout northern Europe and many other continents. Orginality/value – Provides information of value to information management profesionals.
Reports from the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting: Seattle, Washington, January 18‐22, 2007
Authors: Brown Mitchell , Cox Christopher , Gelfand Julia , Riggs Colby
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To share information and insights from the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting. Several contributors reported on different aspects of this meeting. Design methodology/approach –A report of the conference.

Findings

Summary of discussion forums, work of ALA's Divisions, and conference lore.

Practical Implications

A working meeting to plan for the annual conference in June 2007. This meeting attracts the current leadership of the different divisions in ALA who are holding discussion groups and committee meetings as there are no official programs at Midwinter.

Originality/value

Conference reports on many current trends in scholarly communication issues to information professionals in academia, access, and intellectual property issues related to a range of library environments and the state of the art in technology.
Beyond Library Literature: Getting Great Ideas from Outside “Libraryland”
Authors: Fifarek Aimee
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To remind readers that there are many established and new sources, some by subscription and others free on the net that chronicle information relevant to technology, automation, IT broadly and include new forms of media such as blogs and other means of interacting with readers. These sources are now increasingly mainstream and where major changes are announced and trends established.

Findings

Readership is changing from the news media to the mentioned sources in this piece. A wide variety of journalistic styles combining science and business with technical savvy are what many of the current online and print publications now promise. Practical implications – Information comes in different forms and readers have many choices today to study almost anything they want.

Originality/value

This brief article introduces readers to a range of those publications and encourages people who want to be in the know to read widely.
Negative impacts of minimum wage and anti sweatshop legislation
Authors: Greene Zoë , Henry Sally , Nathanson Coby , Block Walter
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to combat economic illiteracy concerning poverty, minimum wages, sweatshops and working conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives were achieved by (among others) making a proper economic analysis of the unemployment effects of minimum wage laws. The main method(s) used for the research are empirical and theoretical.

Findings

The results point to laissez‐faire capitalism as the last best hope for the poor, whether in third world countries or in advanced economies. If the minimum wage were ended, and sweat shop conditions allowed to be bargained competitively, the poor would be much better off. Happily, in the nineteenth century, these regulations were not in force, and as a result the advanced economies were allowed to advance.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of the present research is deregulation in the labor market.

Practical implications

The practical implications of such a legal change would be lowered unemployment rates, and an improvement in economic welfare on the part of the poor.

Originality/value

The present paper combines an analysis of minimum wages laws and sweatshop working conditions.
Importance of company size in long‐term orientation of supply function: an empirical research
Authors: Polo Redondo Yolanda , Cambra Fierro Jesús J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The study of the relationships established between firms and their suppliers is of great interest at the present time, not only among academics but also among practitioners in business. But, although many works analyze this temporal orientation, fewer analyze the effect of company size on it. This paper sets out to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

An important proportion of firms is made up of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and their economic importance is vital. Therefore, this current work, taking the Spanish agro‐food industry as a reference, analyzes the possible influence of the size of the customer firm on the temporal orientation of its supply relationships, specifically differentiating between SMEs and micro‐SMEs. The moderating effect analysis, included in the EQS software, has been used.

Findings

The company size influences the temporal orientation of firm‐supplier relationships. Important conclusions related to trust, commitment and satisfaction emerge. Discussions related to main results and to the main implications of the study are also included.

Research limitations/implications

The specificity of the sector considered in the empirical analysis may limit the scope for generalization of the conclusions.

Originality/value

No previous research analysing the effect of size on the temporary orientation of firm‐supplier relationships has been identified.
Customer orientation, relationship quality, and relational benefits to the firm
Authors: Macintosh Gerrard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This research seeks to test a model examining the potential links between customer orientation, expertise, and relationship quality at the interpersonal level and the link between relationship quality and positive service outcomes at the firm level, such as loyalty and positive word of mouth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a survey methodology to obtain the opinions of 220 business travelers regarding their relationships with their travel agents. The hypothesized relationships were testing using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The research found significant positive relationships between customer orientation and expertise and respondents' perception of relationship quality. It also found significant links between relationship quality at the interpersonal level and positive outcomes at the organizational level. Interpersonal relationship quality enhanced customer satisfaction with the service firm but was also directly linked to loyalty to the firm and positive word‐of‐mouth about the firm.

Research limitations/implications

The study reinforces the importance of examining firm‐level and personal‐level relationships in services. Further, it verifies empirically an important link between customer orientation and relationship quality.

Originality/value

For managers, the study demonstrates the importance of having customer‐oriented employees and the importance that the relationship between customers and employees plays in fostering customer loyalty and positive word‐of‐mouth about the firm.
Services purchased at brick and mortar versus online stores, and shopping motivation
Authors: Rajamma Rajasree K. , Paswan Audhesh K. , Ganesh Gopala
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to explore the idea that consumers select a particular shopping mode – i.e. bricks and mortar versus online outlet – based on their perceptions about whether a product or service is best bought from one or the other. It aims to posit that this perception is associated with the importance allocated to various shopping motivation dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected using a self‐administered mail survey from 689 internet‐enabled US households. They represent a 28 percent response from 2,500 households that received the survey. Extensive non‐response analysis ruled out serious bias in the data.

Findings

The results from this empirical study suggest that different shopping motivations indeed influence perceptions of service type and shopping mode congruence differently. In addition, the results also suggest that services are more likely to be associated with the online shopping mode, whereas more tangible products are likely to be associated with bricks and mortar stores.

Originality/value

The findings have significant implications for services retail managers of both bricks and mortar and online service outlets in the areas of segmentations, targeting, and retail mix strategies. Apparently, consumers also tend to group related services or products into homogeneous shopping baskets based on their perception of congruence between the product or service and the shopping mode – online versus bricks and mortar store. These findings should help a manager plan for retailing mix strategies, catering to various shopping motivation dimensions, thus enhancing consumer satisfaction. In addition, the results hold important implications in the areas of segmentation and targeting decisions.
The service recovery paradox: justifiable theory or smoldering myth?
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Ford John B. , Markowski Edward P. , Honeycutt Earl D.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the discrepancy between research that supports the service failure recovery and that which does not by examining customer satisfaction in the event of a service failure empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of the study was achieved by conducting role‐play experiments on undergraduate business students.

Findings

Analysis showed that a service recovery paradox is most likely to occur when the failure is not considered by the customer to be severe, the customer has had no prior failure with the firm, the cause of the failure was viewed as unstable by the customer, and the customer perceived that the company had little control over the cause of the failure.

Originality/value

This information should benefit service managers since service failures are common and typically trigger heightened customer attention. These findings may stimulate future research because the limitations of this study include the use of undergraduate business students and the examination of only one service setting. Nevertheless, this paper does demonstrate that, under the appropriate conditions, a customer can experience a paradoxical satisfaction increase after a service failure.
A multiple regression model for predicting reference desk staffing requirements
Authors: Murgai Sarla R. , Ahmadi Mohammad
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a multiple regression model that can be used to predict the number of patrons that seek assistance at the reference desk of the library. This will facilitate the scheduling of the reference desk librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple regression model is developed, where the dependent variable in the regression model is the number of patrons that seek assistance at the reference desk of the library and the predictor variables (independent variables) are the door count and the semester under study. Data were gathered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for an entire year. Using these data, a multiple regression model was formulated and tested for significance. Then, the model was used for forecasting the required staff at the reference desk for a period for which data was available.

Findings

The regression model, with the addition of daily variations, proved to be a good predictor of the number of patrons seeking assistance. Hence, the staffing need was estimated. Overall, the regression model with the added daily index proved to be a very good predictor.

Originality/value

It is crucial to be able to predict the number of clients at the reference desk that seek assistance per day. With the use of a sample of data, it was possible to predict the number of clients seeking assistance at the reference desk.
Unseen measures: the need to account for intangibles
Authors: Nash White Larry
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the needs to assess the value and impact of the intangible resources and efforts produced by the library.

Design/methodology approach

A literature overview is used to provide the background of intangibles assessment and its application in libraries, with examples of library intangible resources used and efforts produced, and reviews the possible benefits for libraries in adopting and effectively utilizing intangible assessment.

Findings

The library has multiple intangible assets, resources, and efforts it produces that are not generally accounted for in annual assessments, accountability reporting, or budget planning. Learning to account for and include the intangibles used/produced by the library will increase the library's capability to address accountability concerns of stakeholders, more effectively align the library's resources with strategic responses, and more effectively utilize intangible assets and resources.

Originality/value

Increased reporting and usage of intangible resources/products by the library could provide library administrators with a proactive means of increasing the effectiveness and scope of library assessment, valuation, and resource planning and usage.
“But it's not my job … ”
Authors: Ercolano Adriana
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of librarians and library staff in a successful development program.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative article to emphasize that successful library development programs require the input and support from librarians and library staff.

Findings

Library development programs do not operate in a vacuum and in fact draw upon the talents of many key personnel throughout the library.

Originality/value

Practical suggestions for incorporating the whole library organization into development and fundraising efforts.
Whose space?
Authors: Maxymuk John
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to consider the appeal and impact of internet social networking sites and reflect upon a likely disconnect between libraries and the current web generation.

Design/methodology/approach

Makes reference to previous authors' works relating to social bookmarking and portable bookmarks.

Findings

Finds that serious academic researchers now utilize social bookmarking software.

Originality/value

Is of value to librarians who might consider using social bookmarking tags to reach out to today's net generation.
The business of universities and the role of department chair
Authors: Hancock Terence M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyze traditional duties of academic administrators in light of fundamental changes in the ways universities operate, increasing demands in teaching, research and costs management, and a looming shortage of qualified faculty, to determine need and opportunity for a better administrative design. Design/methodology/approach – Survey, interview and budget data are collected across a major public university. Findings – Across seven categories of chair duties, 71.3 percent of time demands, more than 3.5 of 5 days in a typical week, involve general managerial tasks that require no discipline‐specific academic credentials. Costs of performing these tasks, both in the way of lost productivity and extra pay, are compiled. Research limitations/implications – While the personal and institutional costs of placing senior faculty in managerial roles has been well‐discussed, prior research has not been directed toward quantifying those costs to suggest remedy. Practical implications – Delegating appropriate duties to committee and non‐academic staff could free senior faculty in leadership roles to remain fully active in teaching and research, the productive work of colleges they're highly trained and most needed to do. Originality/value – This paper builds foundations for restructuring academic leadership more in tune with current realities within higher education so senior faculty are not consumed with duties more efficiently done other ways.
Teachers' salaries in public education: between myth and fact
Authors: Nir Adam E. , Naphcha Melly
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of research is to attempt to determine to what extent the salary level of teachers working in public educational systems is connected with the trend towards privatization considering that privatization has become nowadays a prominent phenomenon in educational systems around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary analysis of the 2003 data coming from 29 OECD countries is conducted attempting to reveal what educational as well as economic antecedents other than the GDP per capita may account for the differences among various countries in the salary level of teachers working in public education.

Findings

When GDP per capita is controlled in the analysis, it is evident that teacher salary level is correlated with the degree of privatization characterizing a particular educational system. Specifically, the evidence suggests that if less than 15 percent of the students study in private schools in a given state, teachers' salaries are likely to be below the expected salary according to the state's GDP per capita.

Originality/value

These findings enable the conclusion that the existence of a private sector alongside the public one may indirectly contribute to an increase of the salary level of teachers working in the public education sector.
Balancing trust and technocracy? Leadership training in higher education
Authors: Aasen Petter , Stensaker Bjørn
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyse how participants in leadership training programs in higher education value and perceive their training process.

Design/methodology/approach

A stylized theoretical model is developed indicating that leadership training may be designed along a collegial‐managerial continuum. To study how participants placed themselves on this continuum, a questionnaire was distributed to participants in three different leadership training programs.

Findings

The study shows that leadership training programs are tools to modernize higher education without resulting in a rejection of inherent values and characteristics of the sector.

Originality/value

Leadership training programs need to be supplemented with broader organisational development activities and a more systematic follow‐up process after completion of the program.
Competencies for effective leadership in higher education
Authors: Spendlove Marion
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to set out to investigate the role of the Pro‐Vice‐Chancellor, Rector, or Principal of a university, and the competencies (attitudes, knowledge and behaviour) that are needed for effective leadership in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were held with Pro‐Vice‐Chancellors at ten UK universities representative of the sector.

Findings

Most respondents perceived that academic credibility and experience of university life were crucial for effective leadership in higher education, and continued with their research and teaching activities alongside their managerial roles. People skills, including the ability to communicate and negotiate with others, were also felt to be important. Most universities in the study had no systematic approach for either identifying or developing leadership skills.

Research limitations/implications

Although this was a relatively small study, the research highlights the need for a more proactive approach to identifying leadership competencies and developing leadership throughout universities.

Originality/value

The effective leadership and management of universities is a crucial issue for policy makers, leaders themselves, and for university staff. The research shows that university leadership is fundamentally different from leadership in other contexts, and demands additional competencies. It adds to debates about whether leaders in higher education should be academics, or professional business administrators.
Negative behaviours in the workplace
Authors: Burnes Bernard , Pope Rachael
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the need to treat negative workplace behaviours which are not perceived as bullying as seriously as those which are. The paper also aims to examine whether or not the National Health Service (NHS) appears to experience a higher level of negative behaviour than private sector organisations and whether lower frequency behaviour has similar levels of effect as higher frequency behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed‐method approach is used whereby a mainly quantitative questionnaire is complemented by the inclusion of qualitative questions and the collection of qualitative data collected within the two NHS Trusts concerned.

Findings

The evidence collected draws attention to the considerable impact that workplace incivility, which may or may not be classed as bullying, has on the well‐being of employees and the effectiveness of organisations. Where aggression is present, the levels of effect are shown to be higher and the behaviour is always classed as bullying. The evidence also shows that the NHS does appear to experience a higher level of negative behaviour than private sector organisations, and that lower frequency behaviour does indeed appear to have similar levels of effect as higher frequency behaviour.

Originality/value

This article shows that the focus placed by many researchers and organisations on countering/eliminating behaviour purely perceived as bullying is unlikely to be effective unless they also adopt a similar approach to the full range of negative behaviours that employees experience/witness in organisations.
Human resource management at the negotiating table
Authors: Bolton Sharon C. , Way Roz
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the role of various management functions within the complex multi‐layered and multi‐faceted history and structure that is the National Health Service (NHS) hospital service and explore the legitimacy of the role of human resource management (HRM).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews with senior medical professionals and HR managers of one particular Hospital Trust are presented within a conceptual framework based upon an interpretivist notion of “vocabularies of motive”.

Findings

Qualitative research at an executive level demonstrates vocabularies of motives in action, where it appears that the role and status of HRM is potentially more dominant and influential than has previously been suggested.

Research limitations/implications

Data are limited to a small group of senior managers and medical professionals and, therefore, does not represent generalisable knowledge. It does, however, offer insights from actors employed in senior roles in one particular hospital trust employing a conceptual framework that may have relevance for other studies concerned with the role of HRM and the dynamics of organisational change.

Practical implications

The paper offers insights into the complexities of change in a complex bureaucracy such as the NHS hospital service. It suggests that government policy and management practice can benefit from an understanding of the various vocabularies of motive at play and how these may effect the successful interpretation of policy into practice.

Originality/value

The paper offers original data and a useful conceptual framework which offers the potential for a more nuanced understanding of the implementation and interpretation of government policy in the NHS hospital service
HRM and the management of clinicians within the NHS
Authors: McHugh Marie , Johnston Karen , McClelland Donna
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The management of human resources is of crucial importance in enabling the delivery of efficient and effective services. The purpose of this paper is to explore one issue relevant to Human Resource Management, that is, the management of hospital doctors in the NHS. The present‐day UK National Health Service faces countless challenges at both the macro and operational level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the implications for the NHS in general, and the medical profession in particular, of the continued dominance of the medical profession over the career management of hospital doctors.

Findings

The paper argues that HRM must play a pivotal role in the management of clinicians to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of NHS reforms. The challenges to HRM and the medical profession that are inherent in this process are outlined.

Research implications/limitations

It is argued that the potential long‐term gains to be derived from the development of closer working relationships between human resource managers and medical managers are crucial for the delivery of an effective health service.

Originality/value

A new and innovative way of looking at the management of doctors and their careers within a changing NHS.
Corporate disclosure and the deregulation of international investment
Authors: Bailey David , Harte George , Sugden Roger
Published: June 2007

Drawing on evidence of major Western governments’ concerns with the wider economic, social and environmental impact and performance of transnational firms, we argue that recent emphasis on deregulating industrial development, such as in the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment and ongoing discussions over a multilateral framework on investment, necessitates a fuller and regulated, rather than voluntaristic, corporate accountability, covering further details of the impact and performance of transnationals.
Communication and antithesis in corporate annual reports: a research note
Authors: Davison Jane
Published: June 2007

The paper aims to identify one of the communication techniques which creative designers may use in the annual review/annual report and accounts, described by Hopwood in 1996 as a “largely unresearched document”. It offers a new dimension to add to existing work on graphs, accounting narratives, readability and visual images. Using analytical methods from within artistic disciplines, the paper examines the use of antithesis in structure, visual material and text of Reuters 2000 Annual Review and Report and Accounts. It is suggested that the framing and communicative power of such techniques may supplement the accounting disclosures. Further possible applications and lines of enquiry are outlined.