bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents affecting public service motivation
Authors: Camilleri Emanuel
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine various antecedents to establish their effect on public service motivation (PSM) and its four dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Five categories of antecedents were examined these included: personal attributes, role states, job characteristics, employee‐leader relations, and employee perception of the organisation. Results were obtained through: structural equation modelling for the examination of multiple relationships between PSM and its dimensions, and the antecedents; and ANOVA for testing the individual hypotheses.

Findings

This study provides some evidence to show that the PSM of public employees is mainly the result of the organisational environment surrounding them. The motivational context variables particularly those related to the organisational setting are the most dominant predictors of the PSM dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical results presented in this study should be viewed as preliminary that necessitate further extensive empirical research.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that public sector management has the task of creating a proper and appropriate climate for its employees. Furthermore, PSM has generated particular interest because it is perceived or assumed to have a positive impact on the job behaviour of individuals in particular, job satisfaction and fulfilment, and their respective level of performance. It is therefore important that public sector organisations find ways of encouraging PSM amongst its employees.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature regarding PSM by examining the relationship between dominant antecedents and the dimensions of PSM, and presents the findings as a model to show the dynamics in these relationships.
Human resource management in Chinese small and medium enterprises
Authors: Xue Cunningham Li , Rowley Chris
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to emphasise the development, importance and pressures on the under‐researched area of Chinese small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and human resource management (HRM) and provide a review and research agenda, especially relating to the debate on convergencevis‐à‐visdivergence.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent research papers are discussed and possible convergence and the pressures on HRM and its practice in Chinese SMEs are examined. Key elements in Chinese HRM are highlighted. Four main dimensions of HRM are compared in terms of western and Chinese characteristics and their cultural impacts and problems. A conceptual framework to locate influences on Chinese HRM is outlined as well as a set of propositions for future research and examination of key HRM areas.

Findings

The continuing influences on HRM suggest that a distinctly Chinese HRM approach combining western practice with Chinese characteristics may be one way for SMEs to develop.

Originality/value

It is central to a better understanding of Chinese SMEs and helps fill some of the gap in the analysis of HRM in Chinese SMEs. It also offers insights which managers, policy makers and Chinese government can use to construct and reform the supporting system for SMEs.
Employee perceptions of recent work environment changes in Japan
Authors: Duignan René , Yoshida Kosaku
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This study aims to assess how Japanese employees perceive their changing work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of Japanese white‐collar employees towards defined aspects of their work environment were tested and compared in a sample set of Japanese, European and US financial securities companies operating in Japan, in order to find which international model provided the highest evaluations.

Findings

Results revealed that employees in Japanese companies displayed significantly higher levels of understanding of company goals and objectives than their counterparts in the foreign companies. Employees in Japanese companies also evaluated their training significantly higher than their counterparts in European companies. However employees in European companies rated their future prospects significantly higher than their counterparts in Japanese and US companies. Perceptions of Japanese employees of US and European companies provide mixed results which should be of serious concern to foreign companies aiming to integrate and motivate Japanese workers.

Originality/value

The paper shows that despite the trend towards the “westernization” of the work environment in Japan, key elements of the Japanese model remains highly‐rated.
To share or not to share: modeling knowledge sharing using exchange ideology as a moderator
Authors: Lin Chieh‐Peng
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose important determinants of knowledge sharing, including co‐worker congruence, received task interdependence, organizational commitment and participative decision‐making. Exchange ideology is considered a moderator in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐step procedure of structural equation modeling is applied for data analysis. The moderating effects are simultaneously examined using data from employees across different industries.

Findings

This study suggests the influence of co‐worker congruence on knowledge sharing is stronger for individuals with low exchange ideology than for those with high exchange ideology, while the influence of received task interdependence on knowledge sharing is stronger for individuals with high exchange ideology than for those with low exchange ideology. The influence of participative decision‐making on knowledge sharing is stronger for individuals with high exchange ideology than for those with low exchange ideology.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations may relate to the possibility of a common method bias and causal ordering between knowledge and its determinants.

Practical implications

Management who wish to increase the incentive to share knowledge should first establish a harmonious atmosphere that fosters interpersonal congruence among employees and encourages employees to work closely together. A culture that arouses employees' organizational commitment and encourages employees to participate in decision‐making is most likely to increase willingness to share knowledge. Finally, the implications for moderating effects of exchange ideology are also provided.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the moderating impacts of exchange ideology and guide management to design a variety of strategies for different staffs and thus obtain successful knowledge sharing in an organization.
Recruitment, training and turnover: another call centre paradox
Authors: Townsend Keith
Published: April 2007

Purpose

There appear to be many paradoxes within the management of the growing call centre sector. The purpose of this paper is to consider one of these paradoxes, the extensive recruitment and training regimes in workplaces that are faced with very high levels of turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is of a single worksite, a call centre of a public utilities company. The research method was non‐participant observation over a seven‐month period coupled with ten interviews with key personnel.

Findings

It was found that the organisation was able to offset the costs of training and recruitment through internal transfers within the larger organisation.

Research limitations/implications

It is a single site study, hence, while of substantial depth the findings are not generalisable. More broad based research is required in the area.

Practical implications

A useful source of information for practitioners in call centres, as well as researchers in the area of recruitment, training and call centres.

Originality/value

This paper provides a valuable insight into an area of call centres that has not been adequately investigated; that of recruitment and training employees for emotional labour.
An operations management view of the services and goods offering mix
Authors: Luiz Corrêa Henrique , Ellram Lisa M. , José Scavarda Annibal , Cooper Martha C.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To develop and propose a framework, termed here as the value package prism, for assessing the kinds of management processes and flexibility available in providing a range of value packages (services and goods offering mix).

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is examined and a set of highly‐visible Latin‐American examples are presented to support the development of the proposed framework.

Findings

Provides an additional perspective to the traditional set of characteristics (intangibility, inseparability, heterogeneity, and perishability) for differentiating services and goods. The proposed framework (stockability, intensity of interaction, simultaneousness of consumption, and ease of performance assessment) and the value prism may be useful to operations managers in developing, planning, organizing, or controlling the production and delivery of services or goods.

Originality/value

Offers a new framework and an applied way to improve operations management by moving away from the extremes of pure services and pure goods to embrace how businesses compete and operate today, by delivering value packages. Provides an approach that facilitates operations managers' understanding and ability to manage substantial changes in the value packages offered to customers.
GMM Luton examines the case for more robots to boost van output
Authors: Mortimer John
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe how GM Manufacturing Luton in the UK is examining the case for raising the number of installed robots as a means of increasing van assembly for when the next generation vehicle is launched. Also describes some operational experience associated with a variety of industrial robots in body‐in‐white and spray painting environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the major production line techniques that are used in the manufacture of compact van body‐in‐white (BIW) steel structures; as well as the functions of robotized painting. BIW techniques include spot‐welding and sealants.

Findings

Over the space of the last four years or so, the management of GM Manufacturing Luton has been tackling constraints in the bodyshop using General Motors' through‐put improvement process (TIP) to achieve greater utilization of its existing capacity, and improving productivity.

Research limitations/implications

General motors has a system of continuous improvement, which it uses in most of the functions involved in the assembly of a motor vehicle. As part of this process engineers are continually looking at ways of removing constraints from equipment in the bodyshop and working closely with equipment suppliers to reduce the number of hours required to build a van body. But as proposals to build the next generation of vans are being considered so too is the requirement to increase the number of robots in the bodyshop. There is also much to be gained from the interchange of information between the various plants within General Motors worldwide with a view to implementing continuous improvement. In this connection, benchmarking is one of the techniques employed to ensure that the Luton facility is not only in step with sister GM plants to improve quality and productivity, but also is best placed for winning the next generation vehicle programme.

Practical implications

It is likely that, arising out of greater plant integration and utilization, the management of GM Manufacturing Luton Ltd (GMM Luton) will be able to further increase the capacity of its van production units to be in a position to move to the next stage of expansion, namely to edge towards a target of 100,000 units a year.

Originality/value

This is the first time in the UK that Comau Smart H4 robots have been used on a significant scale. The introduction of these robots created a steep learning curve both for those installing the machines and for those operating them. The plant as a whole makes use of various makes of robot including Comau in the bodyshop and KUKA, Fanuc and Durr machines in the paint shop. The company is also preparing the ground for the introduction of the next generation of robot, the Comau NH4.
Materials flow improvement in a lean assembly line: a case study
Authors: Domingo Rosario , Alvarez Roberto , Melodía Peña Marta , Calvo Roque
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse the internal materials flow in lean manufacturing in an assembly line of the Bosch factory, located in Spain. The objective is to develop a handling system in a small space, capable of solving the problems of accumulated intermediate stocks of parts. An improvement is proposed adopting the milkrun handling system, while verifying the advances by means of lean metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on this case study, the paper identifies data from value stream mapping and uses lean metrics, such as dock‐to‐dock time and lean rate. The case study develops a timetable and routing analysis for the milkrun to improve materials flow.

Findings

The proposed logistics allows an improvement of lean metrics, without modifying the layout and production planning. The routing flexibility of the milkrun reduced stocks, work‐in‐process and dock‐to‐dock time, while increasing lean rate.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited due to the focused nature of the case study. Although the solution is designed for a particular plant, the methodology is fully exportable.

Practical implications

The paper shows a real case study illustrative for systems management. This research shows significant benefit associated with the implementation of lean programs.

Originality/value

It details how the application of lean manufacturing tools could necessitate a study of materials handling to improve lean metrics.
Evolving paradigm and challenges of collection management (CM) in university libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Ameen Kanwal , Haider S.J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore some major challenges in the area of collection management faced by university libraries in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology includes a literature review and a survey of university libraries in Pakistan in 2004.

Findings

The challenges regarding collection management in university libraries in Pakistan are: handling the hybrid character of collections, service to users, training of collection management staff, collection evaluation, resource sharing and preservation.

Originality/value

This paper provides an example of the challenges of university libraries in a developing country which must plan and develop a customized paradigm of library service which combines the traditional and modern services.
What's your story? Corporate messages to touch the soul
Authors: Murray Wallace
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Springboard stories will motivate to embrace change in away that other approaches will not. However, narrative and story forms have many other applications in organizational and indeed personal development. The form can help people through the change process, create “followership”, communicate values in a compelling way, and nurture cross‐team working. In essence, they address the psychology of change more effectively than any other medium.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
A management development model
Authors: Pool Steven , Pool Brian
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of organizational commitment and the impact on executive's motivational level in providing job satisfaction within a learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A management development model examines the relationship between the measurable constructs. The model explores the relationship between the executive's motivation level and their outcome with job satisfaction and organizational learning.

Findings

The results indicate there is a goodness‐of‐fit for the research model. The path coefficients explained a significant amount of variation along with the identification that organizational commitment is a significant attribute in the management development model.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the self‐report methodology that measures perceptual data with a series of questionnaire items.

Originality/value

The study examines executive's perceptions and the significance of organizational commitment. Management development specialists will recognize the dynamics of organizational commitment and its linkage with motivation and job satisfaction in a learning organization. There are practical applications for management development specialists and the model supports an environment in which employees are encouraged to use new behaviors and operation processes within the learning organization.
Enriching e‐learning metadata through digital library usage analysis
Authors: Ferran Núria , Casadesús Jaume , Krakowska Monika , Minguillón Julià
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to propose an evaluation framework for analyzing learning objects usage, with the aim of extracting useful information for improving the quality of the metadata used to describe the learning objects, but also for personalization purposes, including user models and adaptive itineraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents experimental results from the log usage analysis during one academic semester of two different subjects, 350 students. The experiment examines raw server log data generated from the interactions of the students with the classroom learning objects, in order to find relevant information that can be used to improve the metadata used for describing both the learning objects and the learning process.

Findings

Preliminary studies have been carried out in order to obtain an initial picture of the interactions between learners and the virtual campus, including both services and resources usage. These studies try to establish relationships between user profiles and their information and navigational behavior in the virtual campus, with the aim of promoting personalization and improving the understanding of what learning in virtual environments means.

Research limitations/implications

During the formal learning process, students use learning resources from the virtual classroom provided by the academic library, but they also seek information outside the virtual campus. All these usage data are not considered in the model proposed here. Further research is needed in order to obtain a complete view of the seeking information behavior of students for improving the users' profile and creating better personalized services.

Practical implications

This paper suggests how a selection of fields used in the LOM standard could be used for enriching the description of learning objects, automatically in some cases, from the learning objects usage performed by an academic community.

Originality/value

From libraries beginnings, they have been a “quiet storage place”. With the development of digital libraries, they become a meeting place where explicit and implicit recommendations about information sources can be shared among users. Social and learning process interactions, therefore, can be considered another knowledge source.
Putting it right: service failure and customer loyalty in UK banks
Authors: Jones Henry , Dawes Farquhar Jillian
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine minor service failures in UK banking and consider the impact that satisfaction with service recovery has on customer intentions to continue their custom and make recommendations, used as measures of loyalty behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered on customer satisfaction with service recovery attempts, intended loyalty behaviours and the sources of service failures were gathered by means of an on‐line survey from approximately 2,000 respondents.

Findings

Few customers who complained about minor service failures report that they were very satisfied with the service recovery. Weak service recovery influenced customer intentions about continued custom and recommendation. Minor failures in account management and bank charges are shown to have a marked effect on intended loyalty behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reports the work of a short, e‐mail survey, gathering frequency data from customers of UK banks and reports the impact of service recovery on customer intentions rather than their actions. Further investigation is needed using more a more sophisticated instrument.

Practical implications

In this paper low levels of satisfaction with managing service recoveries are reported, no matter which channel the customer used, no matter how the service failure is managed.

Originality/value

The preliminary work in this paper demonstrates the impact that weak service recovery of minor complaints has on customers' intended loyalty behaviours in UK banking.
A new universal method for solving all problems of operational research
Authors: Mazza J.C. , Cherruault Y. , Mora G. , Konfé B. , Benneouala T.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To use a new method based on α‐dense curved for solving problems of operational research.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of global optimization (called Alienor) is used for solving problems involving integer or mixed variables. A reducing transformation using α‐dense curves allows to transforms a n‐variables problem into a problem of a single variable.

Findings

Extends the basic method valid for continuous variables to problems involving integer, Boolean or mixed variables. All problems of operational research, linear or nonlinear, may be easily solved by or technique based on α‐dense curves (filling a n‐dimensional space). Industrial problems can be quickly solved by this technique obtaining the best solutions.

Originality/value

This method is deduced from the original works of Y. Cherruault and colleagues about global optimization and α‐dense curves. It proposes new techniques for solving operational research problems.
Blazing the Tech Trail: Tips for Implementing New Technologies in a Risk‐Adverse Environment
Authors: Fifarek Aimee
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Provides good suggestions about how to introduce new and emerging technologies in public library environments that may not initially welcome change or new methods of doing things or utilizing technology more effectively.Design/methodology/approach – The article is in the form of suggestion for actions.

Findings

Trying different things is the key here and overcoming excuses about why it is not right or the timing is not there to do something different. There are human as well as environmental reasons why technology is not embraced when it can make a real impact in how things are done.

Originality value

Demonstrates how change is good and what it takes to exercise risk in public libraries and try something new and powerful. That empowerment technology allows can be introduced in different ways and this piece introduces different approaches to test, pilot and launch new technologies and how to evaluate the experience.
The impact of participation in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge on adolescent resiliency and health behaviours
Authors: Grunstein Rose , Nutbeam Don
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine characteristics of resilience among Australian adolescents, the extent to which resilience might be strengthened through participation in a dance/drama competition, the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge (REC), and the impact participation may have on health related behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Students completed questionnaires at the commencement of the REC planning and rehearsals in schools. The survey was repeated immediately after completion of the competition. Three groups of students were compared comprised students engaged in the REC (participants), students from Rock Eisteddfod schools who did not participate in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge (REC school non‐participants) and students from schools that did not participate in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge (control school students). The questionnaire was designed to measure changes to key modifiable elements of resiliency and selected health behaviours.

Findings

The majority of participants in the REC were girls, and the analysis of results was restricted to a matched group of girls from Year 9 (age 13‐14) and above. Girls in this group from REC schools scored significantly higher in measures of overall resiliency during the rehearsal period than students from control schools. Within REC schools, participants scored higher for a combined measure of resiliency than non‐participants. High scores for resiliency were consistently associated with lower prevalence of reported substance misuse across the whole sample. In general, increases in substance use observed over the time period from baseline to follow up was less in the REC group than the control group.

Research limitations/implications

Several methodological problems were encountered in this study, including identification of adequate measures of personal skills and characteristics, difficulty in obtaining a true pre‐intervention point to commence the study; and in identifying a large balanced sample of students that would allow for meaningful analysis of results; as well as the normal difficulties of identifying and maintaining contact with a large cohort of students in many different sites. For these reasons, the results need to be treated cautiously, and “causal” conclusions about the intervention could only be preliminary.

Practical implications

The study indicates the potential benefits of participation in programmes like the REC, and the results are consistent with other studies indicating positive associations between participation in the REC and a range of positive personal, social and behavioural outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper highlights some of the methodological challenges in conducting a prospective assessment of the effects of participation in a health oriented dance/drama event. It indicates the potential of this type of activity as a vehicle for the communication of health messages, and the possibility of a more direct influence on personal skills and health related behaviour.
The utility of a board game for dengue haemorrhagic fever health education
Authors: Lennon Jeffrey L. , Coombs David W.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an educational board game for increasing knowledge, positive attitudes‐beliefs, and self‐efficacy for dengue prevention in a sample of Philippine school children and adolescents. Effective board games are more advantageous than lectures because they are adaptable, inexpensive and foster learning independently of teachers or lecturers. Also tested were relationships between perceived fun by students playing the game and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A school‐based pre‐test/post‐test experimentally controlled design was employed in a Filipino primary and secondary school population.

Findings

The lecture was more effective in increasing knowledge. But neither was more effective than the other in increasing positive attitudes‐beliefs and self‐efficacy. Both modes produced specifically significant increases in knowledge and self‐efficacy; only the lecture produced significant increases in attitudes‐beliefs. Also, there was a significant relationship between fun and self‐efficacy in the game group at the reduced regression model level but not in the presence of all study variables.

Research limitations/implications

No long term outcomes or behavioral change outcomes were measured. However, an educational game may increase knowledge and self‐efficacy about the dengue fever without the assistance of a teacher or other pre‐game instructional aids. In addition, the board game technique is flexible and easily adapted to other community or school health issues.

Originality/value

This was the first experimentally controlled study on the use of a game with the topic of dengue. The study on the use of a game was the first to demonstrate a significant increase in self‐efficacy as a result of the play of a board game. Original instruments measured self‐efficacy related to dengue control and also the variable of fun.
An exploration of the relationship between learning organisations and the retention of knowledge workers
Authors: Lee‐Kelley Liz , Blackman Deborah A. , Hurst Jeffrey Peter
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a relationship between learning organisation theory and the potential to retain knowledge workers. It emphasises that human resource (HR) managers must recognise specific relationships between learning organisation elements, job satisfaction facets and turnover intent as they emerge for their knowledge workers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was undertaken sampling knowledge workers in the information technology (IT) industry. Measured on a Likert scale, the instrument was designed to explore the impact of learning organisation disciplines upon job satisfaction and the importance of job satisfaction in determining turnover intent.

Findings

Analysis of the survey showed evidence of a relationship between learning organisation disciplines and turnover intent. All the learning organisation disciplines discussed in the paper correlated to at least one of the six job satisfaction dimensions, of which reward and challenge exerted the most significant influence upon turnover intent.

Practical implications

The results suggest that three initial strategies should be implemented by HR managers in order to reduce possible staff turnover. The strategies identified are first, linking shared vision, challenge and systems thinking together via personal mastery; second, being more critical of which mental models are developed and shared within the organisation; and finally, developing team learning systems throughout the organisation.

Originality/value

This study emphasises that HR managers should recognise specific career needs for their knowledge workers and that adopting appropriate strategies will increase retention.
Discovering and articulating what is not yet known
Authors: Pauleen David J. , Corbitt Brian , Yoong Pak
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To provide a conceptual model for the discovery and articulation of emergent organizational knowledge, particularly knowledge that develops when people work with new technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on two widely accepted research methods – action learning and grounded theory – and is illustrated using a case study of virtual team leadership, which investigated how virtual team leaders developed relationships with their virtual team members.

Findings

The article demonstrates how action learning and grounded theory – two widely accepted research methods – can be used to discover and articulate new organizational knowledge.

Practical implications

The model allows organizations to gain practical and highly current experiential knowledge from employees working in novel situations, including those using new organizational processes and technologies. Such knowledge can provide competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the areas of knowledge management and particularly organizational learning by providing a method that maps how organizations can learn from novel situations involving people and technology
Evaluation of participants' contributions in knowledge creation based on semantic authoring
Authors: Kamimaeda Naoki , Izumi Noriaki , Hasida Kôiti
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate participants' contributions to the development of discussion and knowledge creation as organizational knowledge management, and thereby help them better develop the discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate participants' contributions more accurately, a method which analyzes discussion structures by Discourse Semantic Authoring was employed, which represents discussion structures explicitly in terms of discourse and dialogue relations.

Findings

The method successfully evaluates participants based on the content of their comments rather than their number. More fine‐grain semantic structure should be considered in order to improve the accuracy of this evaluation.

Originality/value

This paper presents a first attempt to analyze discussion structures to evaluate participants' contributions.
What if? Alternative histories and their future implications
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and explains the development of the evolving mental phenomenon of alternative history.

Design/methodology/approach

The article analyzes the role of the fiction known as the “What if?” school of speculation about the past, some of its conspicuous exemplars, and how its adaptation might affect attitudes and even prejudices about how to view life.

Findings

Present and future are not always what one thought they could become. “What if?” also gives rise to endeavours in “science” fiction and structured projections today dealing with circumstances of tomorrow and after.

Originality/value

Besides providing diversion, the approach serves to illustrate foresight's conception of “retrostrategy”.
Stakeholder involvement in the development and maintenance of web sites for children
Authors: Coomes Christopher , Li Liew Chern
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate how public and state libraries are responding to research recommendations that the usability of a web site for children is improved by involving a wide range of stakeholders and particularly the end‐users, in its creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a self‐administered, structured e‐mail questionnaire.

Findings

The development of children's web pages is usually the responsibility of teams of internal stakeholders, with the librarians responsible overall for the library web site being involved most, followed by children's librarians. Other library staff, information technology staff from the parent organisation and external experts made smaller contributions. The target group of children were less involved and took informal, indirect roles, rather than the direct, formal roles recommended by research.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is small and includes only children's web pages in Australia and New Zealand.

Originality/value

The paper presents a valuable analysis of stakeholder involvement in the development and maintenance of web sites for children among state and public libraries in Australia and New Zealand.
The implementation of faceted classification in web site searching and browsing
Authors: Nasir Uddin Mohammad , Janecek Paul
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop and implement a multidimensional classification system in the web that can provide an alternative but convenient structure for organising and finding information content.

Design/methodology/approach

A prototype system is developed following the views of Ranganathan's faceted classification, which is to provide multiple classifications of the web documents through content oriented metadata organised under different facets (orthogonal groups of categories).

Findings

Based on an architectural framework this study demonstrates a prototype faceted classification system (FCS) that is integrated into a general open‐source content management system and populated with a sample collection of institutional web pages/documents.

Originality/value

The study provides significant grounds for the IR community to improve interface structure for easy access, management, and retrieval of web information. In addition, the integration of content management tools with multidimensional taxonomies can be a new instance of a corporate web system for easy content creation, organisation, and navigation.
On prefabrication implementation for different project types and procurement methods in Hong Kong
Authors: Tam Vivian W.Y. , Tam C.M. , Ng William C.Y.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The use of prefabrication has been considered as one of the most effective waste minimization methods in the construction context; however, the industry has found difficulties to implement it. Contractors lack experience in using prefabrication and they do not know how to implement prefabrication to their projects effectively. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study on the implementation of prefabrication in the context of different project types and procurement approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines possible project types and procurement methods to maximally gain benefits of using prefabricated building components. A questionnaire survey and structured interviews have been conducted.

Findings

From the results, it should be noted that residential projects and design and build procurement methods are the most effective project types and procurement methods, respectively, in using prefabrication. In the interview discussion, one of the governmental employees highlighted that about 65 percent of projects are residential projects. The high supply of residential housing suits fast population growth in Hong Kong. The interviewee also explained that shortening construction period is one of the main goals in their projects. Furthermore, an interviewed main contractor highlighted that the involvement of contractors at the early design stage in a project can bring advantages in considering construction methods before project commencement on site and to improve project constructability. An interviewed subcontractor also explained that the involvement of construction organizations in the design stage can effectively improve the use of prefabrication in major activities including concreting, plastering and formworking, rather than wet‐trade construction activities. Therefore, the use of standardized designs and prefabricated building components are highly encouraged.

Originality/value

This brings early considerations and suggestions to project parties to improve prefabrication implementation. The effects of prefabrication implementation are also considered.
Factors influencing water consumption in South African schools
Authors: Oliver Neil N. , Gerhardus Brümmer Diederick
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Schools throughout South Africa, as with many other institutional facilities, are becoming increasingly pressured to reduce operating costs. Utility costs are often overlooked as opportunities to reduce school operating costs. Whilst environmental management is the responsibility of every school governing body, and should be addressed in a holistic and responsible manner, the reduction of water consumption may provide not only environmental benefits, but also cost savings to the institution. The purpose of this study, whilst reinforcing the need for water use management within schools, is to provide a structured approach to identify opportunities for water use reduction within these facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Practical interventions, available to school management, are illustrated relating water conservation to cost savings and the preservation of water as a scarce national resource, assisting non‐technical school managers to identify possible applications.

Findings

Water conservation in the form of reduced consumption will have varied impacts. These include environmental benefits and direct and indirect cost savings.

Originality/value

The paper offers recommendations regarding the installation of pressure reducing devices, water strainers, and non‐return equipment, use of irrigation of sports fields and gardens, and regular and consistent monitoring.
Personal identity management and electronic government
Authors: Beynon‐Davies Paul
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to unpack some of the socio‐technical relationships inherent in contemporary notions of personal identity management. For this purpose it considers the issue of personal identity management in terms of a framework, which distinguishes between the related processes of authentication, identification and enrolment.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model described in this paper is reflected against an important recent case in which issues of personal identity management are being enacted: the introduction of a UK national identity card. Both this issue and case are particularly examined in the light of the growth of e‐Government in the UK.

Findings

The paper relates issues associated with the technical infrastructure of e‐Government with some of the costs and benefits associated with the social infrastructure of e‐Government. This device offers a useful framing for a whole range of issues surrounding individual‐organisation interaction in the Information Society that rely on elements of personal identity management.

Research limitations/implications

In the paper the issue of personal identity management is under‐represented in the Information Systems and Information Management literature. The conceptual approach adopted in the paper is used to identify areas of further research in terms of issues relevant to the technical infrastructure of e‐Government.

Practical implications

The paper identifies a number of personal identity management issues embedded in the technical infrastructure required for effective e‐Government.

Originality/value

This paper raises the importance of personal identity management to the success of the e‐Government agenda. It also links classic information management issues to the issue of personal identity management and identifies the challenges for e‐Government within this.
Reflection as a means of understanding
Authors: Haller Coralie , Fisher Ron , Gapp Rod
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To provide an understanding of the ways in which Confucian Heritage students use reflection as a means of learning at university.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is an exploratory qualitative study into the ways in which Confucian Heritage students learn while studying at university. Data are collected by means of semi‐structured formal interviews involving six students enrolled in a first‐year business course at an Australian university. Interviews are analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify major themes.

Findings

The research finds that values and cultural background influence Confucian Heritage students' approaches to teaching and learning at university. Beliefs that Confucian Heritage students learn through “rote learning” are challenged. Reflection is shown to be an important means of understanding, through deep learning, for Confucian Heritage students.

Practical implications

Understanding the relationship between culture and learning will inform teaching practice, thus enabling educators to guide and facilitate learning outcomes more effectively.

Originality/value

The research challenges the assumption that Confucian Heritage students use surface learning approaches such as “rote learning”. In fact, repetition is part of a process of reflection leading to deep learning. The research shows the importance of understanding culture as a means of improving learning outcomes.
Disconfirmation of taste as a measure of region of origin equity
Authors: d'Hauteville François , Fornerino Marianela , Philippe Perrouty Jean
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Disconfirmation of expectations is the mismatch between the expected and blind evaluation of a product. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relation between expected and perceived value (quality), focusing on wines from the French regions with varying levels of notoriety and image content.

Design/methodology/approach

From the consumer's point of view, the hedonic evaluation of a product under full information (intrinsic and extrinsic) is considered as a measure of perceived quality. Generally, the perception of the quality of a product differs according to tasting conditions (blind, or full information). Based on previous literature on food marketing it is assumed that the change of preference between blind and full conditions reflects the influence of extrinsic information (here, the region of origin). Two types of results can be expected from disconfirmation: “assimilation” occurs when the final evaluation of the product changes in the direction of the expectation provided by the extrinsic cue, whereas “contrast” occurs when this change is contrary to the expectation. Five wines selected among regions with different reputation levels, and two groups of consumers, characterized by their level of expertise (trained/untrained students) are used in the experiment.

Findings

The experiments suggest that disconfirmation may be used to measure and interpret region of origin equity on a behavioural basis rather than just attitudinal.

Originality/value

Provides information resulting from research on disconfirmation of expectations.
Determinants of wine consumption of US consumers: an econometric analysis
Authors: Hussain Mahmood , Cholette Susan , Castaldi Richard
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify econometrically the determinants of wine consumption of US consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In empirically identifying driving forces of wine consumption, we used 122 survey responses from Northern California consumers.

Findings

The study found that even knowledgeable or frequent consumers of wine purchase across all price points. Further, a significant positive correlation exists between knowledge and volume of wine consumed. All three regression techniques applied in this paper indicate that knowledge remains the most important determinant in wine consumption.

Practical implications

The results emphasize the need for US wineries to better educate and connect with consumers by developing compatible positioning strategies and marketing programs that are as informative as they are appealing.

Originality/value

As one of the few studies of the US wine market employing econometric analysis, this paper offers a fresh perspective on the consumption behavior of wine drinkers in the USA.
UNEMPLOYMENT POLICIES IN AN ECONOMY WITH ADVERSE SELECTION
Authors: Kudoh Noritaka
Published: April 2007

This paper studies the effects of unemployment policies in a simple static general equilibrium model with adverse selection in the labour market. Firms offer a contract that induces the self‐selection of workers. In equilibrium, all unskilled workers are screened out and some skilled workers are rationed out. It is shown that the provision of unemployment insuranceraisesinvoluntary unemployment by encouraging adverse selection, while unemployment assistance – or subsidy to unemployment – reduces involuntary unemployment. A simple efficiency wage model is also presented to show that either of the two policies reduces employment by taxing effort and subsidizing shirking. The key is whether the social role of unemployment is a sorting device or a worker discipline device.