bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial. Virtual research environments
Authors: Wusteman Judith
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This editorial aims to introduce a special issue of Library Hi Tech on “Virtual research environments: issues and opportunities for librarians”. It defines the concept of the virtual research environment (VRE), describes its relationship both to the virtual learning environment and to Web 2.0, and proposes that librarians play a central role in VRE development and use.

Findings

The VRE is likely to have a huge impact on many aspects of research and, thus, on the role of the academic and the research librarian. If VREs are to fulfill their potential as useful and usable artifacts, librarians need to have a central role in their development and application.

Practical implications

Librarians need to be proactive in identifying and advocating for their potential roles in VRE development and use. These roles need to be taken into account in the curricula of schools of library and information studies.

Originality/value

This is an ideal time for librarians to explore the potential of VREs because there is still time to influence their eventual form.
Virtual research environments in scholarly work and communications
Authors: Voss Alexander , Procter Rob
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of the emergence of virtual research environments (VREs) and related e‐research tools for scholarly work and communications processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts of VREs and of e‐research more generally are introduced and relevant literature is reviewed. On this basis, the authors discuss the developing role they play in research practices across a number of disciplines and how scholarly communication is beginning to evolve in response to the opportunities these new tools open up and the challenges they raise.

Findings

Virtual research environments are beginning to change the ways in which researchers go about their work and how they communicate with each other and with other stakeholders such as publishers and service providers. The changes are driven by the changing landscape of data production, curation and (re‐)use, by new scientific methods, by changes in technology supply and the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of research in many domains.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on observations drawn from a number of projects in which the authors are investigating the uptake of advanced ICT in research. The paper describes the role of VREs as enablers of changing research practices and the ways in which they engender changes in scholarly work and communications.

Practical implications

Librarians and other information professionals need to be aware of how advanced ICTs are being used by researchers to change the ways they work and communicate. Through their experiences with the integration of virtual learning environments within library information services, they are well placed to inform developments that may well change scholarly communications fundamentally.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to emerging discussions about the likely trajectory and impact of advanced ICTs on research and their implications for those, such as librarians and other information professionals, who occupy important support roles.
Dealing with the complexity deluge
Authors: Dunn Stuart
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review the concept of the virtual research environment (VRE) in the light of its development over the past five years, and assess its applicability to the arts and humanities disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence from a number of case studies exemplifying the VRE approach is reviewed, and the case of a VRE in archaeology, the Silchester Roman Town project, is discussed in detail. The interpretive implications of using computers as a means of dealing with artistic and humanistic data, are highlighted.

Findings

There is a critical comparison to be drawn between VREs in the sciences and the humanities/arts. This is caused by the “fuzzy” nature of data and workflows in the latter, as compared with the more formal and definable research practice in the former. It is proposed that, to deal with this, the plan of any project which seeks to set up a VRE in the humanities should consider the research process under three headings: processes which the VRE seeks to introduce, existing processes which it seeks to undertake digitally, and processes which will be unaffected by the VRE.

Originality/value

In order to progress “the VRE” from being an artificial construct, driven by dedicated project funding, towards being an embedded part of research practice, those concerned with developing VREs need to consider the nuances of those research practices. This paper seeks to review those nuances by synthesizing data and experience from existing projects, thereby facilitating that embedding process.
Virtual research environments – a Web 2.0 cookbook?
Authors: Myhill Martin , Shoebridge Michele , Snook Lee
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the potential use of Web 2.0 tools as the basis for the creation of a virtual research environment. Specific features of the Web 2.0 world are explored because of their suitability for this purpose.

Design/methdology/approach

The concepts of virtual research environment and Web 2.0 are defined and the theoretical merits of using Web 2.0 tools are considered against the key components required for the successful implementation and operation of a VRE in the context of the UK academic sector. The most relevant Web 2.0 tools are considered on a brief, individual basis before being mixed together to construct a desktop‐based VRE based on a web browser. Final sections explore the role for the librarian in this user‐led environment and whether the approach described has global application.

Findings

A VRE based on Web 2.0 technology is not only viable but a certainty. However, some desirable features of a VRE may have to wait until Web 3.0 tools become available.

Research limitations/implications

There is very limited literature describing operational applications of a Web 2.0 approach to the development of a VRE. This study is therefore conceptual.

Practical implications

The concepts considered are capable of easy implementation by academic researchers.

Originality/value

A major impact of the “credit‐crunch” will be that research funds become harder to obtain. Systems which enhance the quality of research – as a VRE undoubtedly does – will become even more important. The paper concludes that a VRE based on Web 2.0 tools is totally viable.
From OPAC to CMS
Authors: Garza Alejandro
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document how the library at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey Campus came to use the open source Drupal with other freely available tools as the basis for an extensible platform for current and future information discovery gateways.

Design/methodology/approach

After informal gathering of user opinions, formal usability testing of the current OPAC and Digital Library, and an evaluation of available options, Tecnológico de Monterrey's Library decided in October 2007 to build and test a prototype version of a new portal in April 2008, which after usability testing and interviews was improved and released for its users in June 2008.

Findings

The development team found out that Drupal, despite its steep learning curve, was a solid development platform which could achieve all the functionality the library set out to achieve through its freely available modules or custom, locally‐developed modules.

Originality/value

This paper documents the steps required to build an information discovery tool using Drupal and other freely available tools, thus demonstrating that Drupal is a viable and extensible development platform for libraries.
Discovering discovery tools
Authors: James Dean , Garrett Michael , Krevit Leah
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Many libraries are now designing and implementing their own tools to meet users' needs for search and data discovery. The aim of this study is to share the experiences of the HAM‐TMC Library, one of the largest US medical libraries, in creating and implementing such a tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative of the process demonstrates the genesis of the project and highlights the importance of collaboration with entities outside the usual library sphere.

Findings

Results show that libraries have choices to make in designing their own futures and in offering innovative services to their users. Taking a proactive approach can yield exciting results.

Originality/value

Many libraries accept federated search and other technologies directly from their library management system vendors as the simplest way to proceed with implementing new technologies. The HAM‐TMC Library recognized that its particular information environment required learning the “problem space” thoroughly before investigating available options. As a result, the new tool the Library is providing is much more likely to meet specific user information needs.
YAZ proxy installation to enhance Z39.50 server performance
Authors: Dixson Larry E.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to promote the usage of an open‐source gateway product that will enhance the functionality of a Z39.50 server that is maintained by a third‐party vendor.

Design/methodology/approach

The required functionality improvements, needed by the LC Z39.50 server (i.e. the problems LC needed to solve) will be listed and described. Possible approaches to solving the problems will be listed. The selected open‐source gateway product and its features will be described. A possible instance of the product's configuration file will be provided and annotated.

Findings

It is possible for many third‐party server problems to be corrected or controlled even if the server application is not accessible by vendor APIs. LC was able to do this by installing the YAZ Proxy, a product that is both a Z39.50‐to‐Z39.50 gateway and an SRU‐to‐Z39.50 gateway. The proxy provides a way to filter and sanitize problematic Z39.50 requests, and it also allows the ILS system server to support retrieval of XML records and to support access via an XML‐based search protocol. Dramatic system performance improvements resulted from the installation of this product.

Originality/value

The paper describes an inexpensive way to provide performance improvements to a ILS system Z39.50 server and to provide enhancements that allow XML retrieval of MARC records and the support of an XML‐based search protocol.
Crossing the IT hurdle: a practical approach to implementing records management technology
Authors: Vednere Ganesh
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of implementing a records management system in an ever changing business, regulatory and operational landscape and to suggest remediation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the author's experiences of implementing large scale enterprise‐wide content and records management systems. Practical advice is provided on key measures to be undertaken to mitigate the challenges of implementing records management systems.

Findings

The key findings highlight that records managers must have a deep understanding of the business/regulatory environment, technology landscape and the organizational culture. The challenge of managing records in multiple applications, different platforms and varying formats coupled with constantly changing business, regulatory and technology environments is not easy. By properly planning the design and development of the technology system, one can look forward to a well received used records management programme.

Practical implications

The paper describes the challenges facing records managers in implementing a technology solution and highlights key areas that records managers need to focus on during the implementation lifecycle and describe key lessons learnt.

Originality/value

The paper is beneficial to information and compliance managers who are looking to automate the task of records and information management by providing key considerations prior to and during the implementation of large scale enterprise wide technology systems. It provides valuable insight and key points that must be discussed by any implementation team prior to embarking upon a major records management systems initiative.
Implementing a managed learning environment in the NHS
Authors: Gray Sue , Plaice Caroline , Hadley Sharon
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to detail the implementation of a managed learning environment (MLE) in a large National Health Service (NHS) Trust employing 8,500 staff. It aims to be of use to those seeking to implement a virtual or managed learning environment within their organisation and to help in reflecting on the project so far and to learn lessons to support the implementation of a national MLE for the NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the practical experiences and challenges of implementing an organisation wide system, reflecting candidly on the successes and failures of such a project.

Findings

The success of the MLE implementation is to a large degree based on the quality of the legacy data, and of the ability of the organisation to respond to changes in the way data are collected and processed. The ability of a supplier to work with a large and complex organisation is also a critical success factor, yet it is difficult to assess this suitability through comparison with other large organisations.

Practical implications

The authors' experiences are transferable and there are a number of key messages which will be of use to other implementers. The findings in relation to the way data are collected and processed have highlighted and in some cases suggested ways forward to improve how records are managed locally.

Originality/value

As blended learning in both public and private sectors increases in popularity, the planning and implementation of systems able to accurately reflect training needs and achievements is vital, yet the reality is that these systems often rely at the outset on poor legacy data. The authors are not aware of another article in this genre in the UK.
An evaluation of MoReq2 in the context of national EDRMS standard developments in the UK and Europe
Authors: Wilhelm Philipp
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the differences between European Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) standards in Europe with special focus on MoReq2 and TNA 2002 and to explore the benefits and problems of superseding national standards by a European model.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 18 key stakeholders from across Europe. The qualitative method was chosen for the open‐ended interviews.

Findings

There is a wide range of opinions on national and European standards. MoReq2 is widely valued as a comprehensive and modern standard. Some interviewees indicated that the standard did create a culture of overregulation and was too detailed. Market impact depends on the compliance testing regime and legislation.

Originality/value

Within the field of EDRMS standards there has been limited research. This paper presents the first comparison of TNA 2002 and MoReq2. In addition it evaluates the economic impact EDRMS standards can have on vendors and users of these systems.
Towards establishing a framework for managing trusted records in the electronic environment
Authors: Ismail Aliza , Jamaludin Adnan
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to establish a framework for managing trusted records in the electronic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collates the criteria required to manage trusted electronic records through the available literature and best practice and tests these on experts through an opinion survey. The study was done via email inviting 40 selected experts (18 participated), known in the fields of records and archives management all over the world, to respond to a structured framework of managing electronic records.

Findings

The findings indicate that the experts are unanimously agreed that the five main contexts, namely governance, recordkeeping, archival, technological, skills and competency, serve as an audit list providing the trusted environment for managing records in the electronic environment.

Research limitations/implications

The collation of the criteria for trusted electronic records management, based on available literature and best practice in the field, may not be exhaustive as new literature on the latest information and knowledge, debates and practices continues to emerge throughout the records and archives community.

Practical implications

The study's findings are significant in confirming that the criteria collated are highly recommended and crucial in ensuring the reliability, authenticity, integrity and long term accessibility of electronic records.

Originality/value

The study establishes the elements in building trusted management of electronic records. This framework provides a basis for good records management practices to ensure that electronic records are to be managed in an efficient and consistent manner. This is vital for the long‐term preservation of those records with continuing value or as the evidence of transactions and the accountability that the records held for their current use.
Segmenting consumers for food defense communication strategies
Authors: Degeneffe Dennis , Kinsey Jean , Stinson Thomas , Ghosh Koel
Published: June 2009

Purpose

In the light of lessons learned from recent disasters (The London subway bombings, and Hurricane Katrina), it has become increasingly clear that supply chain partners as well as government agencies need to be prepared to communicate effectively to consumers and customers before, during and after a disaster. Effective communication can minimize confusion and harm to company reputations, to consumers, the economy and the nation. Incorporating consistent communications into supply chain management (SCM) plans used by all parties in the supply chain will enhance competitiveness of the whole chain and speed recovery from potentially disastrous events. Findings from a national survey of consumer's attitudes about terrorism provide information about the development of targeted and effective communications.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey of more than 4,000 US consumers, this study used “predictive segmentation” which consists of a canonical factor analysis relating general consumer attitudes and values to their more specific fears and concerns about terrorism. A clustering of consumers then identifies six diverse consumer segments providing a framework for the development of communication strategies.

Findings

Results from this study demonstrate that people can be grouped based on their general attitudes and values in such a way that their diversity can be captured in a simple framework of segments each reflecting striking differences in the level of concern over potential terrorist attacks.

Practical implications

Guidance is offered for the development of communication strategies based on the information needs and media behavior of each consumer segment to mitigate the impact of a potential terrorist attack or catastrophic food safety breaches. It provides practical and logical extension of former studies that suggest incorporating consumers, attitudes into SCM and business continuity plans.

Originality/value

This study leverages a common and proven marketing research approach – segmentation – used in private industry for the marketing of goods and service. It applies this method to defining segments of consumers based on their attitudes and concerns about terrorism that will be useful in supply chain communication management.
Improving bid pricing for humanitarian logistics
Authors: Trestrail John , Paul Jomon , Maloni Michael
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Humanitarian logistics plays a critical role in the aid response to hunger and disasters worldwide. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses a competitive bidding process to procure P.L. 480 Title II food aid, a $2 billion business annually. This paper describes a mixed‐integer program (MIP) decision tool that mimics the USDA bid approach in order to improve ocean carrier and food supplier bid pricing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the USDA bid process is detailed and the MIP decision tool is described. Then how the tool is run against historical data to approximate future USDA bid awards is explained, allowing the authors to subsequently advise food supplier and ocean carrier clients of expected price competition and pricing flexibility before they submit bids.

Findings

The MIP decision tool has demonstrated its effectiveness in supporting $8 million in food aid bids. Bidding implications for food aid carriers and suppliers are provided as well as suggestions for additional opportunities for humanitarian logistics research are offered.

Originality/value

Extant literature in procurement offers little practical support for bidder pricing preparation. Additionally, humanitarian logistics is an emerging, under‐researched field, and this paper is the first to address sourcing and distribution of Title II food aid.
Non‐equilibrium viscous shock‐layer technique for computing hypersonic flow around blunt‐nosed slender bodies
Authors: Ghasemloo S. , Mani M.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a non‐equilibrium viscous shock layer (VSL) solution procedure that considerably improves computational efficiency, especially for long slender bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

The VSL equations are solved in a shock oriented coordinate system. The method of solution is spatial marching, implicit, finite‐difference technique, which includes coupling of the normal momentum and continuity equations. In the nose region, the shock shape is specified from an algebraic expression and corrected through global passes through that region. The shock shape is computed as part of the solution beyond the nose region and requires only a single global pass. For this study, a seven‐species (O2, N2, O, N, NO, NO+, e−) air model is used.

Findings

The present approach eliminates the need for initial shock shape, which was required by previous method of solution. This method generates its own shock shape as a part of solution and the input shock shape obtained from a different solution is not required. Therefore, in comparison with the other VSL methods, the present approach dramatically reduces the CPU time of calculations. Moreover, by using the shock oriented coordinate systems the junction point problem in sphere‐cone configurations is solved.

Practical implications

This method is an excellent tool for parametric study and preliminary design of hypersonic vehicles.

Originality/value

The present method provides a computational capability which reduces the CPU time, and expands the range of application for the prediction of hypersonic heating rates.
Thermophoresis particle deposition – thermal radiation interaction on natural convection heat and mass transfer from vertical permeable surfaces
Authors: Duwairi H.M. , Damseh Rebhi. A.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study thermophoresis particle deposition and thermal radiation interaction on natural convection heat and mass transfer by steady boundary layer flow over an isothermal vertical flat plate embedded in a fluid saturated porous medium.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations are transformed into non‐similar form by using special transformation and then the resulting partial differential equations are solved numerically by using an implicit finite difference method.

Findings

Different results are obtained and displaced graphically to explain the effect of various physical parameters on the wall thermophoresis deposition velocity and concentration profiles. It is found that the increasing of thermal radiation parameter or dimensionless temperature ratio heats the fluid and decreases temperature gradients near permeable wall, which increases local Nusselt numbers and decreases wall thermophoresis velocities. It is also found that the effect of power indices of either temperatures or concentration enhances both local Nusselt numbers and wall thermophoresis velocities. Comparison with previously published work in the limits shows excellent agreement.

Originality/value

The paper presents useful conclusions based on graphical results obtained from studying numerical solutions for thermophoresis‐thermal radiation heat and mass transfer interaction by steady, laminar boundary layer over a vertical flat plate embedded in a porous medium.
Flow over solid blocks in open ended cavity
Authors: Shuja S.Z. , Yilbas B.S. , Khan S.M.A.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider flow over heat generating bodies in an open‐ends cavity, which finds applications in electronics cooling and industrial processing. Heat transfer rates depend on the flow situation in the cavity, which is influenced by the cavity inlet and exit port locations, heat transferring body size and its orientation in the cavity, and the cavity size. Consequently, modeling of flow over heat transferring bodies in an open‐ends cavity and examination of the effect of the aspect ratio and orientation of the heat transferring bodies on the flow field and heat transfer rates becomes essential.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow over heat generating solid blocks situated in an open‐ends cavity is considered and the effects of blocks' orientations and aspect ratios on flow field as well as heat transfer rates are examined. A numerical scheme using a control volume approach is introduced to predict flow field in the cavity and heat transfer rates from the blocks.

Findings

It is found that complex flow structure is generated in the cavity due to the aspect ratios and orientations of the blocks. This, in turn, influences significantly heat transfer rates from the blocks in the cavity.

Research limitations/implications

Surface areas of blocks are kept the same and aspect ratio is varied such that the surface area of each block remains the same in the simulations. In addition, Steady flow situation is considered for governing equations of flow and heat transfer in the cavity. However, for the future study transient heating and flow situations can be considered while varying the surface araes of the blocks. This will provide useful information on the circulations in the cavity and the enhancement of heat transfer due to the complex flow structure.

Practical implications

In practice, cooling effectiveness can be improved through changing the aspects ratio of the heat generating bodies in the cavity.

Originality/value

The findings are original and will be useful for the scientists and the design engineers working the specific area of heat transfer and fluid flow.
Conjugate heat transfer in porous triangular enclosures with thick bottom wall
Authors: Varol Yasin , Oztop Hakan F. , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the conjugate heat transfer via natural convection and conduction in a triangular enclosure filled with a porous medium.

Design/methodology/approach

Darcy flow model was used to write governing equations with Boussinesq approximation. The transformed governing equations are solved numerically using a finite difference technique. It is assumed that the enclosure consists of a conducting bottom wall of finite thickness, an adiabatic (insulated) vertical wall and a cooled inclined wall.

Findings

Flow patterns, temperature and heat transfer were presented at different dimensionless thickness of the bottom wall, h, from 0.05 to 0.3, different thermal conductivity ratio between solid material and fluid, k, from 0.44 to 283 and Rayleigh numbers, Ra, from 100 to 1000. It is found that both thermal conductivity ratio and thickness of the bottom wall can be used as control parameters for heat transport and flow field.

Originality/value

It is believed that this is the first paper on conduction‐natural convection in porous media filled triangular enclosures with thick wall. In the last years, most of the researchers focused on regular geometries such as rectangular or square cavity bounded by thick wall.
Pressure drop caused by two‐phase flow of oil/water emulsions through sudden expansions and contractions: a computational approach
Authors: Roul Manmatha K. , Dash Sukanta K.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compute the pressure drop through sudden expansions and contractions for two‐phase flow of oil/water emulsions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two‐phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations, using Eulerian–Eulerian model, are employed to calculate the velocity profiles and pressure drops across sudden expansions and contractions. The pressure losses are determined by extrapolating the computed pressure profiles upstream and downstream of the expansion/contraction. The oil concentration is varied over a wide range of 0‐97.3 percent by volume. The flow field is assumed to be axisymmetric and solved in two dimensions. The two‐dimensional equations of mass, momentum, volume fraction and turbulent quantities along with the boundary conditions have been integrated over a control volume and the subsequent equations have been discretized over the control volume using a finite volume technique to yield algebraic equations which are solved in an iterative manner for each time step. The realizable per phase k‐ ε turbulent model is considered to update the fluid viscosity with iterations and capture the individual turbulence in both the phases.

Findings

The contraction and expansion loss coefficients are obtained from the pressure loss and velocity data for different concentrations of oil–water emulsions. The loss coefficients for the emulsions are found to be independent of the concentration and type of emulsions. The numerical results are validated against experimental data from the literature and are found to be in good agreement.

Research limitations/implications

The present computation could not use the surface tension forces and the energy equation due to huge computing time requirement.

Practical implications

The present computation could compute realistically the two‐phase pressure drop through sudden expansions and contractions by using a two‐phase Eulerian model and hence this model can be effectively used for industrial applications where two‐phase flow comes into picture.

Originality/value

The original contribution of the paper is in the use of the state‐of‐the‐art Eulerian two‐phase flow model to predict the velocity profile and pressure drop through industrial piping systems.
Strategic alliances as a competitive strategy
Authors: Rajasekar James , Fouts Paul
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how domestic airlines benefit when they have code sharing arrangements with international carriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this research study have been collected primarily from three sources. The first database, the digest of statistics no. 400 is from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) based in Montreal, Canada. The second source of data comes from the Airline Business database. The third source of data for this research study is from Official Airline Guide (OAG). Ten years of data from 1994 to 2004 are collected from the databases of ICAO, Airline Business and also from individual airlines. Data such as the revenue passenger miles (RPMs) and load factor are obtained from the ICAO database and data such as alliance pattern are culled from the Airline Business database.

Findings

This research study reveals that code sharing agreements between a domestic and international airline will benefit the former by way of increased RPMs, passenger load factor (PLF), and market share. However, the coefficients of the hypothesized variables suggest that the initial gains achieved by the domestic airlines by way of increased RPMs start to erode in the long run. Thus, a domestic airline must form a code sharing agreement with an international airline at the earliest, so as to get the initial increase in RPMs. The effect of code sharing on the market share of domestic airlines is explicit and consistent throughout this research study. The second dimension in the code sharing is the multiple alliances between domestic and international airlines. Multiple alliances refer to an airline having more than one code sharing agreement with international carriers. The third factor in this sequence of hypotheses is equity investment by international carriers in domestic airlines. The relationship between equity investment and its influence on the performance of the targeted firm is always an interesting topic explored by both the academic researchers and practitioners. However, in this study, the regression results do not support the hypothesis. That means that mere equity investment by international carriers in domestic airlines may not result in increased RPMs, load factor and the market share for domestic airlines. The interesting finding in this particular section is the influence of the large size of the alliance partners on all the three dependent variables; RPMs, PLF, and the market share. Therefore, we can conclude that if both the airlines are large enough and they form code sharing agreements, then this may result in increased RPMs, PLFs, and market share for the domestic airlines. Similarly, the study supports the premise that if the partners are unequal, then the domestic airlines may not be able to increase the RPMs, load factor, and the market share.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that code sharing arrangements reached earlier in the competition is better as the benefits tend to reduce after a certain period of time.
Service quality management applying the balanced scorecard: an exploratory study
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the balanced scorecard methodology in web services quality. A balanced scorecard framework is developed for web services quality by identifying critical success factors that make up the business objectives, measures, targets, and initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework of web services quality applying the balanced scorecard methodology is developed by integrating the theory of balanced scorecard and web services. Then, case studies with two organizations in the agricultural industry are deployed to test the framework of the balanced scorecard.

Findings

The findings of the exploratory case studies suggest a cyclic process that was created with the use of the balanced scorecard approach to evaluate the quality of web services applications and in order to integrate quality and to provide a strategic map and indicate how information will be disseminated so that the potential use of web services can be attained.

Practical implications

The study contributes to practitioners as they will have a system which will provide them with timely, cost‐effective, scalable, manageable, and reliable feedback on their strategic performance. Further, the balanced scorecard gives a holistic view of the firms by simultaneously examining its performance from four perspectives; namely learning and growth, internal business processes, customer, and financial perspectives.

Originality/value

Unlike previous research that uses the balanced scorecard to measure the economic impact on the firm. This paper discusses the role of the balanced scorecard methodology in improving the service quality of firms using web services. Further, it provides lessons learned, as in measures that firms can be aware of in the quality of the services they provide.
A study of relations among service quality differences, post‐purchase behavior intentions with personality traits, and service recovery strategy as intervening variables
Authors: Lin Wen‐Bao
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of the difference between the consumer's expectation and perception of service quality on post‐purchase behavior intentions, and the effect of the consumer's personality traits and the enterprise's service recovery strategy as intervening variables on post‐purchase behavior intentions of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A sampling survey is carried out among customers of the top ten banking industries in Taiwan. A convenient sampling survey is carried out among customers of the top ten banks. A total of 243 effective samples are returned.

Findings

The result shows that the smaller the difference between expectation and perception of service quality is, the more the consumers will show their loyalty in post‐purchase behavior; the bigger the difference between expectation and perception of service quality is, the more the customers will make complaints and convert to other brands. When the difference is bigger between customer expectation and perception of service quality, the personality trait of external control orientation may prevail over the personality trait of internal control orientation.

Research limitations/implications

Intangible service is the core product of banks, but it is easily copied by competitors. Therefore, creation of brand image and improvement of goodwill are important for the establishment of uniqueness and distinguishability of a bank.

Practical implications

Service recovery is one of the major factors that influence the sequential actions of consumers. Service quality does not directly influence the sequential attitude and behavior of consumers; other intervening variables that exert direct influence exist.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers practical help to the service industry.
Bootstrapping and the financial condition of small firms
Authors: Ebben Jay J.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships between financial condition and the use of bootstrapping in small firms.

Design/methodology/research

A total of 901 manufacturing firms were selected from a comprehensive financial database containing income statement and balance sheet records. Surveys were sent to each of these firms and 186 firms returned usable surveys. Survey responses on bootstrapping techniques were compared with financial data for these 186 firms. Both the initial financial status and the financial status of these firms two years later were analyzed.

Findings

The results indicate that highly levered, illiquid, and underperforming firms were more likely to use certain bootstrapping methods than other firms, and that the methods they used may have been detrimental to future firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings support a resource dependence model and raise questions as to why financially constrained firms chose to use particular bootstrapping methods. Generalizability of the study is limited due to the homogeneous sample of manufacturing firms and due to the sample and recall biases associated with surveys.

Practical implications

Small business owners should understand the options available for bootstrapping as well as the importance of proactive as opposed to reactive financial strategy.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies that investigates the relationship between financial condition and bootstrapping, and it provides insight into how and when small firms bootstrap as well as some potential implications of bootstrapping on firm outcomes.
The truncated narrative of gender and development
Authors: Tripathy Jyotirmaya
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Research in gender and development (GAD) remains largely preoccupied with women's issues and ignores the gendered nature of masculine experience. While exposing this inconsistency in gender research, the present paper highlights the gendered nature of men, and sets an agenda for their inclusion in gender research and planning.

Design/methodology/approach

To engage with the issue, the paper resists an unproblematic understanding of men as a singular formation, and instead builds on cultural and historical approaches which locate masculinity within modes of production.

Findings

Instead of casting men in the problem mode and theorizing masculinity as an ahistorical universal, an attempt is made to delink men from patriarchy. For development to be truly transformative, men's issues should be addressed not just as instruments for women empowerment, but also as subjects in themselves.

Practical implications

The paper, at a very broad level, pleads for a need to re‐vision and “men” stream development that does not ignore women, but accommodates men as gendered subjects.

Originality/value

In this context, power may be seen as embedded in specific modes of production, and not inherent in patriarchy. The paper argues that development agenda should go beyond categorical thinking, include men in gender planning, and create conditions for social justice.
The role of individual values in the process of economic growth
Authors: DiPietro William
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate whether, and, if so, to what extent, the valuation that nations place on individual personality traits change with economic growth and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the averages of the cross‐country valuations of eight different personality characteristics for various levels of development, and, in addition, employs cross‐country regression analysis to assess the impact of economic growth on the value placed on these characteristics.

Findings

In general, the findings of both the comparative analysis and the cross‐country regression analysis indicate that the valuation counties place on individual personality characteristics change with economic growth and development, and for certain characteristics, rather dramatically.

Research limitations/implications

A major implication of the findings of the paper is that economic growth may not just act in a neutral fashion by merely providing additional material goods, but may have profound effect on future national identity, on the definition of the type of individual that a nation values.

Practical implications

Since economic growth changes the way personality characteristics are valued by a nation, it is possible that the growth process itself can alter the future growth prospects of a nation, because some personality characterizes are apt to be growth fostering, while others are likely to be growth inhibiting.

Originality/value

The paper should be of interest to anyone interested in the changes brought about by growth and development.
Role of microfinance saving in Cameroon: a neo‐structuralist analysis
Authors: Tche Jacob
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to establish an original database from fieldwork on microfinance institutions in Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method used for the research involved statistical analysis of an original survey data. The latter fieldwork analysis has enabled us to test the hypothesis of neoclassical and neo‐structuralist economists advocating a significant relationship between microfinance savings and liberalised real bank deposit interest rates.

Findings

The statistical analysis carried out indicated that microfinance savings are associated to variables other than the rate of interest. The failure of a liberalised interest rate policy to cause a significant portfolio shift from microfinance into the banking system does not support the interest responsiveness of savings as advocated by the McKinnon‐Shaw school. This paper supports, therefore, the neo‐structuralist analysis of financial development where microfinance institutions are an important structural feature of financial systems in many developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to extend statistical analysis undertaken in this paper to other African countries.

Practical implications

The main policy issue affecting microfinance from the empirical analysis is the need to mitigate the extremely high interest rates utilised by microfinance. Banks may be encouraged to undertake a series of measures such as guaranteeing of future loans to their customer by linking savings and loans to attract microfinance members.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper, therefore, is to provide a unique opportunity to investigate the association between microfinance institution assets and real interest rates in an African country.
Measuring the ROI of talent management
Authors: Yapp Maria
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to consider how effectively today's organizations assess the return on investment (ROI) of their talent management initiatives. It aims to explore the question: How do they know whether the money they spend on recruitment, development and succession management generates a worthwhile commercial benefit to the organization?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on research conducted with a number of global organizations – including Fujitsu, British American Tobacco, Premier Foods, PepsiCo and Marks & Spencer – this article looks at the steps organizations take to assess the ROI on their investment.

Findings

The paper presents practical case study material from npower – the UK gas and electricity supplier. The case study shows how the business worked to identify leaders and future leaders from its existing talent pool and how this talent management initiative was measured, creating a clear benchmark from which to measure and review future talent investment.

Originality/value

The paper ascertains the key ROI trends and themes that occupy present‐day HR professionals in the UK and outlines a number of practical approaches HR professionals can adopt to evaluate whether their investment in talent is delivering value for the business.
Challenging times require a different talent focus
Authors: Barker Gordon
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The economic downturn has created new priorities for HR, including a greater focus on organizational performance and less emphasis on recruitment. This paper seeks to outline the results of a new survey, which claims that HR teams are being asked to do more with less, and explains how organizations can increase the “likelihood of engagement”.

Design/methodology/approach

The Employee Engagement and Retention Survey 2009 was conducted via a detailed questionnaire, completed online by HR practitioners working in a cross‐section of 336 UK organizations.

Findings

This paper offers insights and practical recommendations for HR practitioners. The full survey report and/or an executive summary can be downloaded free from TalentDrain's web site, www.talentdrain.com Originality/value – The paper is based on original TalentDrain research. It translates the survey findings into practical implications for HR practitioners and organizations facing difficult economic times.