bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The black hole of South‐East Asia: strategic decision making in an informational void
Authors: Haley George T. , Tan Chin‐Tiong
Published: July 2002

Proposes that most managers and researchers acknowledge that emerging and newly industrialized markets do not have the same quantity of secondary data as the long‐industrialized economies of North America and Western Europe. Presents the results of a search of available, business‐related, secondary data on South‐East Asia’s rapidly growing economies; highlights how this dearth of data has resulted in an informational void that affects the practice of strategic management in the region. Also delineates how regional managers cope with and adapt to the informational void, and to the region’s fast‐changing business, cultural and competitive environments, by developing their unique, highly‐intuitive style of strategic management. Finally, provides some suggestions to bridge this informational void for management practice and for future research.
Differences between Hispanic and Anglo consumer expectations
Authors: Herbig Paul , Yelkur Rama
Published: July 2002

The Hispanic market is growing and changing, providing a vital and necessary marketplace for a wide variety of products. Analyses the Hispanic market in the USA, concentrating on advertising. Identifies the Hispanic market through demographic analysis, reviews the manner in which advertisers have portrayed Hispanics, and looks into the tactics which advertisers use in order to market to that inherent market.
Stop analysing and start thinking: the importance of good thinking skills in a value‐managed company
Authors: Kilroy Denis B. , McKinley Michael T.
Published: July 2002

The last 15 years or so have seen the emergence of a powerful management philosophy known as value‐based management (VBM). The premiss underlying this philosophy is that management’s primary responsibility is to maximize value for shareholders. Much of the work which has been done in this field has focused on value measurement rather than value creation. Argues that we need to shift the focus from value measurement to value creation and to do this, we need to accept that shareholder value creation is a creative act, not an analytical process. Value creation requires a combination of creative and analytical thinking skills. These skills can be developed, and if properly integrated into a hybrid thinking process, can lead to better strategies, better financial performance and much more satisfied employees.
Modelling the impact of customer‐employee relationships on customer retention rates in a major UK retail bank
Authors: Clark Moira
Published: July 2002

Concerned with modelling the impact of customer‐employee relationships on customer retention rates in a major UK retail bank. Reveals that employee and customer perceptions of service quality are related to customer retention rates and that employee and customer perceptions of service quality are related to each other.
East Asia as an independent engine of growth: prospects and implications for managers
Authors: Tan Kong‐Yam
Published: July 2002

States that since the mid‐1980s, substantial deregulation and competitive liberalization of the South‐East Asian economies in their trade and investment regimes has resulted in greater integration of their economies with the North‐East Asian economies. Proposes that, together with the rising purchasing power of the expanding middle class, massive infrastructural development, as well as the expansion in intra‐regional trade and investment, East Asia has emerged as an independent centre of growth in the global economy since the early 1990s. Presents empirical evidence on the rise of this autonomous growth momentum. Contends that, no longer a mere wagon hitched to the locomotive of the US and European economy, East Asia′s emerging independent engine of growth has tremendous implications for executives of multinationals keen to expand market share and form strategic alliances with companies in East Asia. Submits that it also has implications for fund managers in the OECD countries keen to look to the region for asset diversification and higher returns.
Why managers do what they do
Authors: Sashittal Hemant C. , Jassawalla Avan R.
Published: July 2002

When it comes to descriptions of what managers do in practice, and insights about what managers ought to do, the literature provides a wealth of information. When it comes to explaining why managers do what they do, or why an almost infinite variety exists in what they do, however, the literature grows notably silent. We explore this complex question about the whys in the context of marketing strategy implementation in smaller industrial organizations. Using a symbolic interactionist perspective to analyze interview transcripts, we trace a link that exists between managers’ thinking, subjective interpretations, and actions, and address questions about why marketing implementation processes unfold the way they do in practice.
The Internet as a new locus for value creation
Authors: Yakhlef Ali
Published: July 2002

The aim of this paper is to explore the Internet as a new locus for value creation. Three value‐adding strategies ‐ content, context and infrastructure ‐ are used to analyse three examples of Internet ventures involving a virtual university, the restaurant business and the music industry. The establishment of a home page on the Internet creates a new context in which providers and consumers of products and services interact and transact more conveniently and cost‐efficiently. It is argued that a new context may enhance the quality of content itself. It is therefore crucial for managers to consider the effect of Internet on all the components of the value proposition, separately and in aggregation.
Body Shop International: an exploration of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Dennis Bryan , Neck Christopher P. , Goldsby Michael
Published: July 2002

Attempts to examine the following question: is Body Shop International a socially responsible organization? This exploration includes a description of the concept of corporate social responsibility and an investigation of some specific actions by Body Shop International to ascertain whether or not these actions are in fact socially responsible in nature.
User involvement in organisational decision making
Authors: Cairns George , Beech Nic
Published: July 2002

Aims to make critical comment on the role of expert consultants and the contribution of communication in organisational decision making, through reference to theory and case studies. The three case studies analyse factors in decision making processes at different stages and relating to different aspects of facilities management, including re‐planning, relocation and development in IT use. Although there are clear differences in the organisations and the foci of the projects, the issues of expert intervention and the nature of communication cross cut the different cases. Through reflection on three iterations of expert intervention, the basic model of power/knowledge/communications is criticised and developed in such a way as to redistribute responsibilities and power, and hence to encourage knowledge‐focused communication. The emergent model is not one which will be comfortably accepted by all the parties, since it challenges the mystique of the expert as provider of knowledge inputs, the role of the manager as holder of power, and the user as being devoid of responsibility.
Constellation of competitive advantage: components and dynamics
Authors: Ma Hao
Published: July 2002

To achieve persistent superior performance, a firm needs competitive advantages, a constellation of them. Superior firms typically do not do just one thing well, they often excel in multiple aspects. Nurturing an evolving constellation of multiple advantages and undertaking timely renewals help carry the firm through competition over time. To maintain healthy dynamics of a firm’s constellation of advantage, the following tasks should be carefully attended to: establishment of dominant advantage which defines the firm’s core purpose and identity; accumulation of supporting advantages to complete the constellation; amplification of complementary advantages for maximum performance; trade‐off among competing advantages for long‐term viability; and renewal of both dominant and supporting advantages, in adaptation to changes in the firm, competition, and the general environment. Knowledge of the relationship between and interaction of multiple advantages is essential for managing a firm’s advantage constellation, a critical challenge facing general managers.
From marketing research to competitive intelligence: useful generalization or loss of focus?
Authors: Walle Alf H.
Published: July 2002

The history of competitive intelligence (as an organizational function) and its evolution out of marketing research are discussed. Besides a straight historical overview, the transition from marketing research to competitive intelligence is analyzed in order to point to both the potential strengths and weaknesses of having intelligence form an independent “freestanding” discipline. While military analogies can be seductive, organizations should continue to embrace the marketing concept which centers on cooperation and service, not conflict.
Organisation change and management decision in museums
Authors: Abraham Morris , Griffin Des , Crawford John
Published: July 2002

A survey of 24 museums of various kinds in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA sought to identify the processes that these organisations used to manage change. It was hypothesised that those organisations which were assessed by respondents to have achieved successful change outcomes would also have managed the change process in accordance with general guidelines on effective change in the change literature. The general guidelines largely recommend a consultative or participative style of leadership as being most effective for leading change. Recent contingency models relating change leadership style to change strategy predict that participative leadership styles are not always appropriate or effective for leading change, and that under circumstances, exceptions to the general guidelines would apply. However, it was argued that due to the nature of museums as professional bureaucracies, such exceptions are unlikely to occur for the organisations studied in this paper. The findings provided strong support for these general principles of effective change management.
Food safety behaviour in butchers’ shops
Authors: Worsfold Denise
Published: July 2002

An evaluation of staff food safety behaviour in 91 butchers’ shops was conducted using direct observation and questionnaires. The investigation focused on behaviour that could lead to cross‐contamination during the handling of ready‐to‐eat high‐risk products. It was found that the businesses lacked separate staff for handling cooked products but had separate equipment, surfaces and utensils for raw and cooked products. Equipment that was most likely not to be segregated included vacuum packers, film wrappers and chillers. Work routines appeared to provide many opportunities for contamination of hand and food contact surfaces. Unsatisfactory cleaning procedures were observed; the main defects being inadequate cleaning frequency, incorrect use of wiping cloths, improper use of cleaning chemicals, neglect of hand contact surfaces. The results are discussed in relation to the establishment of an effective HACCP system and recommendations for improving food safety behaviour that will control potential cross‐contamination are given.
Antioxidative properties of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in linoleic acid model system
Authors: Tee Pau‐Ling , Yusof Salmah , Mohamed Suhaila
Published: July 2002

A study was conducted to determine the antioxidative properties of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) methanol extract by monitoring the formation of diene‐conjugated compounds and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in linoleic acid model system. The properties were compared to those of butylated hydroxy‐anisole (BHA) and α‐tocopherol. Results indicated that the roselle extract showed stronger antioxidant properties than BHA or α‐tocopherol. A total of 200 parts per million (ppm) of the extract inhibited more than 85 per cent of diene‐conjugated compounds after seven days of incubation at 40○C. The total phenolic compound was found to be 2.96mg/g calyx as gallic acid equivalent. This indicates that roselle is a good source of natural antioxidants which may protect the body from damage by free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The protective effect is probably through the action of highly bioavailable ascorbic acid, β‐carotene and phenolic compounds, especially the anthocyanins.
Physico‐chemical characteristics of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)
Authors: Wong Peng‐Kong , Yusof Salmah , Ghazali H.M. , Che Man Y.B.
Published: July 2002

The physico‐chemical characteristics of roselle from Malaysia were studied. The parameters analysed included size, weight, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, anthocyanin contents, organic acids and sugars. Succinic and oxalic acids were the predominant organic acids found in roselle while glucose was the major sugar present. The present study was also conducted to determine and quantify the most biologically effective natural antioxidants present in roselle. Ascorbic acid, β‐carotene and lycopene, were separated, identified and quantified by HPLC. The amounts of ascorbic acid, β‐carotene and lycopene contents were 141.09mg/100g, 1.88mg/100g and 164.34μg/100g, respectively. The individual anthocyanin in roselle was characterised by TLC and HPLC. Delphinidin‐3‐sambubioside and cyanidin‐3‐sambubioside were the main anthocyanin present in roselle.
Nutrition in Chester
Authors: Fallows Stephen
Published: July 2002

Advises that the opportunities to study one of a range of nutrition‐related programmes at Chester College of Higher Education are about to increase significantly as a range of major new initiatives at undergraduate and post‐graduate levels come on stream over the next year or two. Provides a brief review of these exciting initiatives and places them into the context of the College’s current provision in the area of nutrition.
Healthy Dim Sum
Authors: Wu Yee‐man
Published: July 2002

Reviews the Chinese dish, dim sum, in the light of healthy eating
recommendations, especially cooking methods, use of ingredients and the
fat and sugar intake. Notes in conclusion that, with over 100 varieties
of dim sum, many modifications are still required.
Food and Nutrition Update:
Authors: Sumar S. , Coultate T.P. , Davies J.
Published: July 2002

Provides an overview of the analytical methods used to quantify the
macronutrients (protein, water, lipids and carbohydrates) present in
food. Considers principles of the methods of analysis employed.
Incidence of Campylobacter and possible modes of
transmission
Authors: Phillips Carol A.
Published: July 2002

Enteritis caused by members of the genus Campy‐lobacteris
now the most common cause of bacterial food poisoning incidents in the
UK. Although isolates are reported to the Communicable Disease
Surveillance Centre (CDSC), because reporting is voluntary and the
symptoms are generally relatively mild, there is difficulty in assessing
the true incidence of campylobacteriosis because of under‐reporting.
Analyses some possible reasons for the trend in incidents of food
poisoning due to Campy‐lobacter spp., and investigates the two
most common modes of infection.
Trans‐fatty acids: an introduction
Authors: Holley Kathy M. , Phillips Paul S.
Published: July 2002

Fats and oils contain triglycerides that are esters formed between
the alcohol glycerol and fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids contain
carbon‐carbon double bonds. For such a double bond, cisand trans‐isomers are possible. The overwhelming majority of unsaturated
fatty acids from plant oils are cis. In margarine manufacture,
double bonds are hydrogenated so as to increase the melting points of
the oil. A consequence of this is that a proportion of the double bonds
remaining becomes trans. The proportion of trans‐fatty
acids in some margarines is around 20 per cent. Argues that the
implications of this for human health are worrying. Trans‐fatty
acids have been implicated as the possible cause of a number of health
problems. Recent research has identified that this isomer is the cause
of an increased level of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Towards a leaner kitchen
Authors: Silverstone Rob
Published: July 2002

With one‐third of food now consumed outside the home, it is
important for caterers to adapt their techniques in order to accommodate
dietary advice on fat reduction. Considers how best to modify kitchen
practice, and assesses the outcomes in terms of sensory and nutritional
evaluation. It appears that dietary guidance is most effective when
conveyed in terms of foodstuffs rather than nutrients.
Dieting ‐ are nutritional requirements satisfied?
Authors: Eves Anita
Published: July 2002

Diets, notably diets aimed at weight reduction, appear regularly in women’s general interest magazines. Recently there has also been an increase in publications aimed at health promotion or slimming, and in the availability of “slimming aids”. The efficacy of some of these has been questioned, and concern expressed over the nutritional adequacy of some diets. Investigates the nutritional adequacy of nine diets drawn from a variety of publications. Most diets were aimed at weight loss, but some were promoted as a “new way of life”, e.g. food combining. Energy levels supplied by all diets were below current recommendations, thus weight reduction would be the result of low energy intakes. Overall, the nutritional value of the diets was reasonable.The main concern was low iron intakes supplied by the Food Combining for Health diet, where the diet is followed for long periods.
Food for thought ‐ or thought for food: diet and individual effects
Authors: McCormack Andrina E.
Published: July 2002

Looks at the effect of diet on disease and ill health from three perspectives: the past, the present and the future; the latter section listing dietary factors which the author believes will affect future practice of dietitians, food scientists and psychologists.
Adulteration and fraud threaten safety
Authors: Barnes Peter J.
Published: July 2002

Examines the health hazards presented by fraud in the food and drinks industry, and provides examples involving factors such as counterfeiting, re‐labelling and substitution of inferior ingredients. Gives detailed information relating to impure olive oil in the USA and toxic rapeseed in Spain. Considers advances in methodology for detection of adulteration and methods for the prevention of fraud and adulteration. Notes the systems put in place by Nestlé and J. Sainsbury plc. Concludes that the competition between fraudsters and the food and drinks industry is likely to increase in the future, especially as the threat to consumer safety becomes more apparent.
Health and diet in a rural area: the construction of food choice in later life
Authors: Lilley Jeanette M. , Johnson Angela E.
Published: July 2002

Describes a study of food choice among elderly people living in a rural area. The findings reveal that knowledge about “healthy foods” in this age group is good and that people often choose healthier foods in preference to alternatives, despite finding the alternatives more palatable.
Food biotechnology: current developments and the need for awareness
Authors: Jones Leighton
Published: July 2002

Discusses some current and future applications of genetic modification of food production, and describes some of the initiatives under way to raise awareness of these developments among industry and consumer groups.
Using drama as a nutrition education tool in schools
Authors: Parker Linda
Published: July 2002

Reports on the use of peer education in the form of drama, as a nutrition education medium in secondary schools. Describes the process of devising a forum theatre show ‐ “The Food Show” ‐ as part of the formal and informal curriculum, using drama and PSHE lessons. Short‐term evaluation demonstrates increased food and health awareness in year 9 pupils, to whom the show is performed, and identifies positive trends towards healthier eating behaviour at school. Details an ongoing programme of long‐term evaluation in researching effective nutrition interventions in schools.
Healthy Schools Award ‐ the nutritional component
Authors: Blades Mabel
Published: July 2002

Looks at the nutritional element of the Healthy Schools Award, which has been developed to promote health in schools. Gives some background details about the award and outlines how schools work towards the award. Considers the criteria for food which is based on The Balance of Good Health. Concludes that the award contains positive elements for schools.
Iodine in food and health
Authors: Sumar Sam , Ismail Hanaa
Published: July 2002

Looks at the problems relating to iodine deficiency disorders and examines in depth the various aspects of iodine, considering its history, properties and sources. Notes the importance of iodine in nutrition and health and focuses on goitre as the most familiar iodine disorder. Considers various methods of assessment and detection of iodine deficiency and outlines geographical areas where iodine deficiency disorders are most prevalent.
Obesity: is it related to sugar in children’s diets?
Authors: Gibson Sigrid
Published: July 2002

Children’s diets tend to be higher in sugars than those of adults, and parents often associate sugar with obesity. Contrary to this hypothesis, surveys of various age groups all tend to show an inverse relationship between sugars and body mass index (BMI). In the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey of children aged 11/2 to 41/2 years, children with the lowest sugar intakes, or whose diets were lowest in biscuits and cakes, or table sugar and preserves, had the highest BMI. Over‐emphasizing the avoidance of sugars may, paradoxically, be counterproductive in preventing obesity. Due to the phenomenon known as the sugar:fat see‐saw, a diet low in sugars tends to be proportionately high in fat. It is concluded that there is little justification in limiting NME sugars to 10 per cent of energy, for the avoidance of obesity.
The National Health Survey ‐ consumer attitudes to health and food
Authors: Armitstead Allyson
Published: July 2002

Provides the background to ongoing research and the last decade’s trends in consumer attitudes to health and food. Based on findings from the National Health Survey (UK) of women’s attitudes to health focusing specially on food and drink. A total of 1,800 interviews are annually undertaken of a representative sample of women. Key issues over the last ten years have been salmonella and eggs, listeria, additives in food, fats in food and beef. All have led to changes in attitudes and behaviour change.
Proposing fortification of foods with yeast for optimal nutrition value and salubrious effects
Authors: Onifade Adebimpe A.
Published: July 2002

A proposal for the addition of yeast in routine and clinical diets for optimal nutrition of human beings was made on the premiss of its salubrious effects in laboratory and farm animals. The strong points in favour of the supplement are its ancient use in brewery and bakery production for human consumption, its cultural acceptability and freedom from pathogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity or carcinogenicity. Recommendations for clinical trials with humans were made to confirm a list of tentative advantages obtained in trials with animals.
Constipation, fibre intake and the menstrual cycle
Authors: Davies Jill
Published: July 2002

This article focuses on the tendency of women to suffer from constipation‐type symptoms premenstrually. It is suggested that these undesirable changes in bowel habit may be mediated through raised progesterone levels and decreased intakes of dietary fibre. Dietary reference values for non‐starch polysaccharide are questioned.
The time for ERP?
Authors: Payne William
Published: July 2002

The concept of enterprise resource planning (ERP) has resulted in very large and very expensive software systems which often fail to deliver the much‐hyped benefits. This paper looks at the reasons for such failure and points to developments in ERP systems which might mean that such problems can now be overcome.
A model of job analysis on industrial occupations
Authors: Hong Jon‐Chao , Lin Yi‐Shyuan
Published: July 2002

With changes in world and national economies and the continuing trend
over the last 20 years towards industrial automation, the nature of the
workforce required has changed. Take the current industrial pattern of
automation as an example. The demand for production operators drops
while the demand for maintenance and repair workers increases.
Unfortunately, however, most of the industrial workforce lacks the
skills required to become effective members of this new workforce. This
means that the changes in manufacturing processes and technologies must
take place more slowly than would be the case if a ready supply of the
right kind of labour existed. Not surprisingly, this means that we need
to place emphasis on the training and development of workers to give
them the appropriate knowledge and skills.
Realizing organizational potential
Authors: Gregson Ken
Published: July 2002

We all know that some organizations are more productive than others.
We do not necessarily know why. The way in which the organization is
structured is the basic determinant – it should offer a potential
for high productivity which is realized in the way that work systems,
processes and procedures are organized and the way in which the
workforce is empowered and motivated. In this article I am assuming that
an organization has undertaken a commitment to productivity improvement
in its widest sense. This commitment (which unfortunately is all too
rare), from the senior management team, has to be driven down into the
organization through the organization structure and then implemented at
all levels of the structure. So what kind of structure is best suited to
delivering such productivity improvements? Before we examine the
implications of specific structures we need to examine the concepts
behind organizational structure and the reasons why changes may be
necessary.
New developments in organizing around core competences
Authors: Unland Mark , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: July 2002

The business environment is continually changing and evolving. This evolution necessitates that business concepts must either change or lose their effectiveness. The core competence approach, as proposed by Prahalad and Hamel in 1990, forms the basis of the competence movement, and it has already begun the process of change. The business community does not act uniformly, and a variety of interpretations and methods of implementation have occurred. Some companies use these concepts to acquire new capabilities from other firms. Managers also disagree on where the emphasis should be placed. There are many facets of what may constitute a core competence. There are some indications that the competence approach will eventually evolve into a distributed competence theory, with an emphasis on innovation, flexibility, and developing employees into a reservoir of skills and capabilities.
Standard data in batch production at Rank Xerox
Authors: Barrett D.S.
Published: July 2002

Explains the reasons behind, and the methodology of, a project to introduce a systematic work measurement programme based on standard data to a particular set of operations at the Rank Xerox Mitcheldean site. Points out both the successes and failings of the resultant scheme.
Creating a twenty‐first century army
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: July 2002

All organizations have to consider how they make themselves fit to compete in the twenty‐first century ‐ to compete for work, resources and recruits. The armed forces are no exception. The US Army has established a process of change covering a number of “business” improvement methodologies and processes. Describes the main components of this performance and quality improvement programme.
Employee assistance programmes
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: July 2002

Employee Assistance Programmes are designed to recognize the interaction between people’s domestic and working lives and to offer confidential counselling to staff to address personal or other problems, including work‐related stress, that may be affecting their performance. Explains the basics of an EAP and the factors underlying successful implementation.
Tolerance requirement general theory and automated task difficulty assessment
Authors: Moore David R.
Published: July 2002

The paper considers the development process for experimental work intended as a pilot study of the role of tolerance requirement general theory. This theory is proposed as a factor in the automated assessment of task difficulty in construction industry activities. Task difficulty, structured within a generic task hierarchy, is taken as a possible indicator of the level of buildability inherent in the on‐site production of construction artefacts. The proposed nature of general tolerance requirement theory is introduced. This initial research proposes six individual tolerance requirements, each with a different function within the general theory, which an operative responds to either explicitly or implicitly in carrying out construction tasks. These tolerance requirements are not defined in terms of plus or minus values. The paper concentrates on a discussion of factors relevant to the design of a suitable experiment as a pilot study of the suggestion that tolerance requirements may allow quantitative analysis of task difficulty.
Dictating customer service
Authors: Clemmet Andrew
Published: July 2002

In this age of massive competition, customer service is too important to leave to chance. It must be driven into all parts of the organisation by the chief executive personally. Outlines some of the most important aspects of improving customer service and ways in which chief executives can make a real difference to practices within their organisations.
How teamworking works in the Inland Revenue: meaning, operation and impact
Authors: Procter Stephen , Currie Graeme
Published: July 2002

Studies of teamworking suggest that, for it to be successful, fundamental changes must take place in many aspects of an organization’s structure and operations. This study of the Inland Revenue reveals that only in a few aspects does its operation of teamworking follow this model. The range of work is little changed; employees exercise little in the way of new skills; they appear reluctant to adopt responsibility for the work of others; and the performance management system operates on the basis of individual performance. Nonetheless, teamworking appears to work in the Inland Revenue. It does so by having a team rather than an individual allocation of work, and by encouraging individual identity with the team target. This suggests that, although a limited version of teamworking exists, this might be all an organization needs. Thus what is needed is a more sophisticated understanding of teamworking, its objectives, and the relationship between the two.
The mini‐company
Authors: de Leede Jan , Kees Looise Jan , Verkerk Maarten
Published: July 2002

Sociotechnical systems theory (STS) does not address in full the implications of the team‐context relations, despite its open systems character. There is a need to open STS into a sociotechnical business systems (STBS) theory and practice. We observe three interrelated aspects that are important for STBS. First, the design of the production structure is a traditional STS aspect. Second, the design of the control structure on the team level needs an elaboration compared with STS. The third aspect is the social‐dynamic alignment. We describe the mini‐company concept and argue that this concept is a specification of STBS covering the three aspects. The case of the implementation of mini‐companies in a Dutch manufacturing plant illustrates the strengths of the concept.
The power of “talk” in HRM‐based change
Authors: Francis Helen
Published: July 2002

This article uses discourse theory to examine the rhetoric of human resource management (HRM) in shaping organisational change. Built on the assumptions that people actively construct their “organisational world” and that language is central to these processes of social construction, HRM is treated as a discursive resource that can be used by managers to persuade employees to accept a particular world view of organisational change. Drawing upon a private sector case study, the article highlights important implications on the use of HRM rhetoric not addressed by conventional research designs concerned with notions of “strategic fit” and “best practice”. Here organisations are treated as being part of an objective reality that can be “measured” using some kind of statistical analysis. This article challenges assumptions underpinning these designs and examines the potential of discourse theory to develop richer insights into questions about the practicalities and ethics of managing meaning at the workplace.
Too little, too much
Authors: van den Beukel Annick L. , Molleman Eric
Published: July 2002

Not only is multifunctionality regarded as an indispensable design feature of team‐based work, being multifunctional is allegedly beneficial for employees, and it is presumed to increase job satisfaction and commitment. In this article we argue that multifunctionality also has its downsides and propose a framework in which multifunctionality is associated with ineffective utilisation of human resources. We incorporate examples from the empirical literature to depict sources of ineffective utilisation in teams. Depending on the managerial policies in force and the social dynamics within teams, multifunctionality can lead to both underutilisation of skills and overutilisation of capacity (task overload). By drawing on a range of literature, this article gives reason for more scepticism concerning the alleged universal benefits of multifunctionality, and suggests a framework as a starting point for further research.
Superconductivity: a selective bibliography
Authors: Fosmire Michael
Published: July 2002

The phenomenon of superconductivity has been studied for 90 years, with the latest surge in popularity occurring in the late 1980s, when high‐temperature superconductors were first created. In this time much progress has been made to create commercially viable applications of the technology and understand the theory behind the phenomenon. Furthermore, at a time when national science policy was undergoing close scrutiny, the high‐temperature superconductor boom served as a high‐profile case study of the role of government in spurring the acceptance of new technologies. This bibliography provides resources that chronicle the technological and scientific developments in the field since its discovery and the policy decisions and issues that governments and society made when faced with a possible scientific revolution.
Tobacco and public policy in the USA
Authors: Bisbee Johnson Eunice
Published: July 2002

Focuses on information resources for US public policy concerning tobacco. Aspects of public policy are addressed under the following general topic areas: tobacco as an agricultural product or commodity; tobacco as a public health concern; legislation concerning tobacco; sources on tobacco regulation; and statistical sources on tobacco. Resources available over the World Wide Web are emphasized.
FALCON: an interactive library instruction tutorial
Authors: Dennis Stefanie , Broughton Kelly
Published: July 2002

Bowling Green State University Jerome Library’s Web tutorial, FALCON, models a standard library instructional session on the use of the library’s Web‐based catalog. Tutorials can be particularly helpful in reaching large numbers of students. The degree of interactivity and the design of a tutorial are dependent on the goals of its creators and the intended audience of the product. Several features make FALCON unique. It is interactive, self‐contained and focuses on a single resource. Interactivity is accomplished without scripts or forms. The tutorial’s self‐containment, achieved with a complex system of files and without a live catalog connection, enables users to learn how to search the catalog at their own pace, at a time or place of their choosing and without the threat of venturing into cyberspace. Future enhancements to the tutorial will include assessment and evaluation materials.
New form(at): using the Web to teach research and critical thinking skills
Authors: Lederer Naomi
Published: July 2002

States that at Colorado State University, the library liaison works with the director of the first‐year composition program to design Web pages for courses. Updated annually, program assignments include a “library research” overview, created by the librarian, that identifies catalogs and indexes, along with suggested terms to search the sources. Research strategies and assistance pages describe how to use sources generally guiding the students to teach themselves to evaluate and analyze books, articles, and Web pages for validity and usefulness. Additionally, there are interactive exercises for basic skills. By using the Web to distribute this information, library assistance is available when it is needed – anywhere on campus, or remotely from off‐campus. Library evaluation includes an analysis of “hits” to each page, and reflects feedback gathered from an evaluation form completed by the instructors.
Genesis of an electronic database expert system
Authors: Ma Wei , Cole Timothy W.
Published: July 2002

This article reports on the creation of a prototype, Web‐based, expert system utility that helps end‐users better navigate the range of library databases available at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC). Both librarian‐assigned database descriptors and terms drawn from the controlled vocabularies of the databases themselves are used to thoroughly characterize resources. End‐users then utilize keyword searches and/or menu selections to identify resources most relevant to their information needs. In addition to reporting on the UIUC prototype and the work done to create it, the concerns that gave rise to the project are discussed. Previous work and research elsewhere are summarized, and the more common approaches currently in place in academic libraries today are noted. Plans for testing the UIUC prototype with librarians and end‐users, for evaluating the results of those tests, and for iteratively refining the tool based on those evaluations are then briefly described.
A silver anniversary: 25 years of reviewing the literature related to user instruction
Authors: Rader Hannelore B.
Published: July 2002

Presents a summary review of 25 years of the literature on user instruction and information literacy. Notes how developments in education and technology during the last ten years have affected user instruction and have led to the emergence of information literacy. Demonstrates how the field of user instruction has expanded. A total of 28 publications were reviewed in 1973, and 286 publications were reviewed in 1998 – 25 years later. The title of the literature review changed over the same period from “Library Orientation and Instruction” to “Library Instruction and Information Literacy”.
From the front line: information literacy instruction in Canadian academic libraries
Authors: Julien Heidi , Boon Stuart
Published: July 2002

Reports on data collected from an on‐going Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)‐funded study of information literacy and bibliographic instruction in Canadian academic libraries. The goal of this three‐year study is to identify instructional outcomes and characterize successful instruction from the perspectives of the institutions providing that instruction (particularly the librarian‐ instructors), and the students receiving the instruction. Focuses on the current practices of librarian‐instructors on the front lines of bibliographic instruction in Canada, looking at their experiences, goals, instructional methods and challenges in providing information literacy services. Seeks to fill a gap in our understanding of the circumstances and challenges that face librarians at the beginning of the twenty‐first century, and the attitudes of those librarians towards bibliographic instruction and the changing role of information literacy in Canadian post‐secondary institutions.
Outsourcing in academic libraries: a selective bibliography
Authors: Bénaud Claire‐Lise , Bordeianu Sever
Published: July 2002

The current library outsourcing debate began in 1993 when Wright State University completely outsourced its cataloging operation. It reached a new high in 1995 when the Hawaii State Public Library System decided to outsource its selection, cataloging, and processing functions to Baker & Taylor, its online journals to Information Access Company, and its automation to Ameritech. A steady stream of articles and a handful of books, covering theoretical and ethical issues, as well as the practical aspects of outsourcing, have appeared in the last decade. This bibliography addresses the broad issues of outsourcing, especially in academic libraries. Outsourcing of public, special, and federal libraries is covered only tangentially. The list is divided into four sections: books on outsourcing in libraries; general articles on the history, theory, and impact of outsourcing on libraries and librarianship; opinion pieces; and articles that relate to individual libraries’ experiences with outsourcing.
What does electronic full‐text really mean? A comparison of database vendors and what they deliver
Authors: Brennan Patricia B.M. , Burkhardt Joanna , McMullen Susan , Wallace Marla
Published: July 2002

The experience of a multi‐site higher education library consortium in purchasing electronic journals and databases is described. The criteria and guidelines developed to assist in the decision‐making process for the purchase of multidisciplinary electronic products and services can be of value to other libraries whether in a single or consortial environment. Factors such as database features, coverage, search features, and delivery options were considered.
Coverage of anthropology by major electronic indexes: a comparison
Authors: Sutton Ellen , Foulke Lori
Published: July 2002

Librarians increasingly encounter decisions related to the use and/or purchase of an expanding body of bibliographic databases. This article examines the coverage of anthropology literatures in major academic indexes widely available in electronic format. Eight databases were selected for comparison, including three subject‐specific indexes, two multidisciplinary social sciences indexes, and three general academic indexes. Indexes were compared for their coverage of a core list of 135 anthropology journals as well as journals relevant to anthropology in other social science disciplines. In addition to journal coverage, several index characteristics were also compared: years of coverage; timeliness; extent of indexing; record structure; search software; and availability of controlled vocabulary, abstracts and full text. It is concluded that each database has relative merits and weaknesses and that these multiple factors must be considered within the context of local conditions in order to determine which database products are appropriate for meeting local information needs.
Campaign finance information: an overview of print and Internet resources
Authors: Chapman Bert
Published: July 2002

Revelation of controversial fundraising practices by the Clinton‐Gore reelection campaign in 1996 and continuing controversy over proposed campaign finance reform legislation has brought this subject into public focus and discussion. This article provides an overview of key recent developments in campaign finance accompanied by coverage of literature and Web sites produced by scholars, government agencies, and participants in the ongoing debate over campaign finance and its role in the American political process.
The creative evolution of library instruction
Authors: Dupuis Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2002

Academic library instructional services and practices have continually evolved in response to trends within the library, on campus, and in higher education. The introduction of computers, and most notably the Internet, sparked changes in what, how, and where library skills were taught. In this article, Dupuis discusses the adaptation of our instructional programs as we gained experience with the maturing, new technology and as variables in our environment changed. She encourages librarians to refocus on the students, who themselves will be a defining force in the next phase of the evolution of teaching and learning.
Internet resources for the Kosovo crisis
Authors: Husic Geoffrey
Published: July 2002

The Internet has had an unprecedented impact on the ready availability of information to the public. The conflict in Yugoslavia and Kosovo is an excellent example of how information sources can proliferate around a current, hot topic. However, as is true with any controversial topic, although much of the information available on the Internet is reliable, much of it is propaganda or disinformation. The user must be wary when weighing up the relative merits of these sources. This essay presents a very small, select set of Internet sources devoted to the Kosovo crisis. The author has attempted to present selections that span a range of ideological perspectives reflecting the views of all the major players in the crisis.
Rethinking the industrial relations tradition from a gender perspective
Authors: Lotte Hansen Lise
Published: July 2002

The industrial relations tradition values empirical analysis and research usable for policy making. Considerations about epistemology and ontology and their consequences for the research are not integrated in the tradition. Just as daily research only very seldom relates to higher‐level theorising, a case in point being the development of a common theoretical framework, theoretical discussions are mostly separated from daily research into special rooms where discussion and development takes places among a few specialists. The industrial relations tradition also keeps women and research in gender in the periphery. This has consequences not only for the visibility of women’s labour market participation and for the status of the research in gender, but also for the industrial relations tradition, as it will become less able to see new tendencies and developments at the labour market and in industrial relations. The first part of the article discusses how the tradition – in spite of a growing acceptance of gender research – is still influenced by a male norm. In the second part the article endeavours to relate the under‐theorising of the IR tradition and the marginalisation of a gender perspective. The last part of the article introduces an integrated gender perspective as one – although incomplete – way to overcome these problems.
Union Organizing in Britain: The Views of Local Full‐time Officials
Authors: Snape Ed
Published: July 2002

Explores the recruitment and organizing experience of trade unions.
Draws on in‐depth interviews with union full‐time officials and on the
Workplace Industrial Relations Surveys (WIRS). Describes the experience
of union recruitment, and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of
various forms of recruitment campaigns, in which unions had little
success in extending organization.
Labour markets and employment relations in transition: the case of
German unification
Authors: Lumley Roger
Published: July 2002

Examines some of the radical changes in labour markets and
employment relations in the former German Democratic Republic (DDR)
immediately following German unification and identifies a large degree
of continuity in management personnel but an almost total replacement of
union officials. Concludes that, while unification has undermined some
of the characteristics of the employment relations system, stronger
pressures for change are arising from the impact of global competitive
pressures in the German economy. The system is likely to be subject to
evolutionary modification rather than radical change.