bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International standard for an office document architecture model
Authors: Krönert Günther
Published: March 2007

The office document architecture model shows the internal structures and correlations in documents, independently of applications. The model allows the derivation of different but mutually compatible protocols which take into account the requirements peculiar to applications such as transmission, processing or archiving of documents. The model discussed in the international standardization documents are presented and interpreted. It is shown how editing, formatting and dynamic embedding of documents in the office environment, or in office procedures, can be regarded as abstract processes working on the basis of this model. This demonstrates the usefulness of the architecture model for future implementations of office sys tems.
A study of the use of information sources by medical faculty staff in Nigerian universities
Authors: Osiobe Stephen A.
Published: March 2007

Medical faculty staff in ten selected specialties in six Nigerian universities were surveyed with a view to finding out if there were differences in their use of information sources. Results of the survey indicate a high degree of correlation between each pair of the ten specialties in their use of informa tion sources. Specific item analysis of use among the specialties however indicates some degree of variation between the spe cialties. Recommendations for improved library and informa tion services are made, based on the results of the study.
The need for integrated management of information
Authors: Weeks Clive
Published: March 2007

This paper describes the way in which information is coordinated and managed at a company level within Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). Two examples of this coordinated policy are given in more detail: current awareness services and retrospective search services. ICI is also treating office automa tion as an information management problem. The ways in which the company is using office technology to deal with functions such as messaging, filing and accessing information sources are described, and some problems highlighted.
The design of integrated information systems using business analysis. Case study 4
Authors: Jakob David
Published: March 2007

A brief description of the use of business analysis in the design and specification of an Integrated Information System within British Telecom is given. The role of the end users in this process is emphasised. The paper concludes that this methodology ensures that end users are provided with a system which they want.
How to win friends and influence people: definitions of user-friendliness in interactive computer systems
Authors: Trenner Lesley
Published: March 2007

The arrival of 'user-friendly' (UF) computing has im portant implications, both for computer sales and for the accessibility of information online. Yet despite the growing trend towards UF systems and the increasing use of 'UF' in the literature, the term has not yet been adequately defined nor have criteria for UF been conclusively established. This paper stresses the importance of UF for the state-of-the-art and reviews the literature around this subject.

The popular understanding of UF is outlined and some other definitions cited which suggest that the concept is more complex than it might appear. The author asserts that the idea of 'friendliness' is qualified by the word 'user' and that there fore UF systems must be able to recognize and accommodate the needs of different user groups. Published criteria for 'friendliness', 'ease of use', etc., are then discussed and a set of criteria for UF on which there is a consensus, is listed. The paper concludes by suggesting that a plausible definition of UF must take into account variations in the user population in terms of their individual characteristics and the tasks they wish to perform.
Professional education and subsequent careers in library/information work: a follow-up study of former students on the MA/MSc Information Studies (Social Sciences) course at the University of Sheffield
Authors: Hulme Amanda J. , Wilson T.D.
Published: March 2007

Reports on a survey of former students which aimed to collect career information, gain an impression of views on their course, compare findings with an earlier study, and assess these findings in the context of the current employment situation. The results showed, inter alia, an increasing interest in com puter-based information work, that most graduates were able to find posts that matched their interests, that they entered a wide range of jobs in 'the emerging market', and that job satisfaction was at a high level.
Subgraphs of reduced chemical graphs as screens for substructure searching of specific chemical structures
Authors: Cringean Janey K. , Lynch Michael F.
Published: March 2007

Reduced chemical graphs are descriptions of chemical structures which summarize certain structural features, for instance, the ring or chain nature of components, and conserve certain topological relationships. They have proved valuable in representing and searching generic chemical structure informa tion.

The generation of all subgraphs of one type of reduced chemical graph and their use as screens for substructure searching of databases of specific chemical structures are de scribed. The subgraphs have the potential to provide a single key for each substructure search query which comprises a single connected fragment, with possible advantages in an inverted file substructure search system. The methods and costs of generating the subgraphs, and their effectiveness in search, are assessed.
Aspects of the publication cycle of physical scientists in some Nigerian universities
Authors: Ehikhamenor Fabian A.
Published: March 2007

This study examines the sequence of communication activi ties connected with the production of a journal article by physical scientists in some Nigerian universities. The results show that 32% of the recent journal articles were based on the content of theses or dissertations, which may suggest that publication by Nigerian university scientists is considerably driven by degree requirement. The average duration of the publication cycle beginning from the initiation of research to the publishing of a journal article is 45 months. A duration of this magnitude may be attributed to constraints in research and publication, especially lack of equipment and information. In fact, the duration of the communication activities which are independent of these constraints is the same as that obtained for physical scientists elsewhere. It is also observed that the role of scientific meetings, correspondence and exchange of offprints or reprints in the dissemination of scientific informa tion is remarkably important to the Nigerian scientists.
Parallel search methods of a document database in a distributed computer system: a case study
Authors: Kapaleaswaran T.N. , Rajaraman V.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a case study of parallel retneval of abstracts for an SDI service on a local area network of per sonal computers. It is compared with sequential retrieval on a mainframe computer. It is seen that parallel retneval using a network of PCs is a cost-effective solution for a batch SDI service.
The information content of titles of Arabic periodical articles
Authors: Bachir Imad , Buxton Andrew
Published: March 2007

This paper provides a partial answer to the question of whether titles of Arabic periodical articles can be used for keyword indexing techniques. It examines the information content of titles of Arabic research papers in 16 scientific and non-scientific fields by counting the number of their substan tive words and comparing the results with those for English periodical articles in the same subject areas. Although signifi cant differences are found between the two samples in some subjects, such as agriculture, philosophy, linguistics, law, and library and information science, Arabic titles generally appear to be as informative as English titles. Some practical problems are found in using Arabic titles for indexing, e g the need to strip prefixes from keywords.
FIRST: Fuzzy Information Retrieval SysTem
Authors: Lucarella D. , Morara R.
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses modelling, design and imple mentation issues for a knowledge-based information retrieval system Both the domain knowledge representation and the inference mechanism are based upon a fuzzy set theoretical framework The system manages natural language queries and returns a ranked set of relevant documents, computing for each of them a degree of support depending on multiple sources of evidence.

In the following, after a brief remark about the need for modelling the inherent imprecision associated with the retrieval process, a model based on fuzzy reasoning is proposed. Then the architecture is presented of FIRST, a prototype system which is intended as an experimental test-bed for the applica tion of intelligent techniques in order to improve the effective ness of information retrieval systems Finally, we discuss im plementation details with reference to the retrieval component and related strategies that have been developed to reduce the impact of using imprecise knowledge upon the computational efficiency of the system.
A follow-up statistical study of on-line searches in a chemical company, 1988-1989
Authors: Smith Elaine Davis
Published: March 2007

This current study of searches in a chemical company covers the period 1988-1989, and is a follow-up to an earlier statistical analysis of searches in the same company for the period 1982-1987. The additional complications in conducting this second study are detailed, and an assessment is made of their influence on the results of the study. Having admitted that the economic cost is not the sole factor to be taken into account, the figures and proportions are analysed and conclu sions are drawn.
Collaborative hypertext and the MUCH system
Authors: Rada Roy , Zeb Akmal , You Geeng-Neng , Michailidis Antonios , Mhashi Mahmoud
Published: March 2007

We have developed a collaborative hypertext system, called Many Using and Creating Hypertext (MUCH), and used it in creating and accessing hypertext Our system emphasises connections among concepts and provides rich opportunities for people to get overviews The discussion and annotation modes of collaborative hypertext might be added to the normal search mode of large-volume hypertext and give people the kind of system envisioned by the pioneers of hypertext
Frameworks for technology analysis and classification
Authors: Horner David Sanford
Published: March 2007

Technology classifications are required for structur mg data on technological innovation for information storage and retrieval and to provide frameworks for the analysis of technological change This paper renews different types of principles used in technology classification and their embodi ment in vaneties of classification schemes. The principles considered are classification according to historical develop ment; natural laws; branch of production: function within branch of production; or by construction principle. The paper briefly discusses four types of classification: bibliographic: patent: product, and analytical. It explores the extent to which such principles and practice deal with technology in terms of ideas and frameworks rooted in the objective or internal structure of technology or the extent to which they rely on "extra-technological" concepts and frameworks. A cunceptual framework is proposed which expresses the tension between approaches which rely on extra-technological principles and approaches based on some notion of the objective or mternal structure of technology. This takes the form of a contrast between "linguistic" and "taxonomic" paradigms.
Appraisal and evaluation of software products
Authors: Williams Fred
Published: March 2007

Software product evaluation can be problematical as products from different backgrounds are likely to exhibit different strengths and weaknesses. A weakness in one area will not necessarily eliminate a product from consideration as project requirements are seldom absolute What therefore is needed is a systematic approach which helps to identity the product or products which best meet the needs of the project or organisation.

A method will be described which has been designed to assess the suitability of software products against the total requirements of a project. The method consists of a weighted scoring technique based on a customisable criteria hierarchy Different scenarios in which the method can be used will be covered, together with a description of a hierarchy for the evaluation of text-based information management systems
A study of citing motivation of Chinese scientists
Authors: Mengxiong Liu
Published: March 2007

The goal of this study was to obtain insights into the citation process focusing on scientists' citing motivation. Dif ferent from most citation studies, the research findings were derived from directly questioning the Chinese physicists. This exploratory study revealed that the number of citations (termed as citation output ) a scientist cited in a publication was not directly associated with the essentiality of these citations (termed as citation essentiality) Instead. citation output was related to an external factor, while citation essen tiality was related to a number of internal motivations. As a result, a citation relationship model was established. The study shows that an author's citing behavior is unique, per sonal and complex. Further investigations are needed to artic ulate the nature and norms of this more-private-than-public process.
Scientific and technical information (STI) towards technological and industrial development: the case of Portugal
Authors: Maria Ana , Correia Ramalho
Published: March 2007

As a result of the rapid advance of science and technology during the last decades, there is a tremendous increase in the accumulation of scientific, technical informa tion (STI) and knowledge.

The problem of collecting, cataloguing and accessing infor mation to transfer to those who need it, when they need it, is a challenge faced by all information professionals. The appli cation of information technologies to the management of STI represents an area where promising advances are taking place, but where user needs should provide the "push"

In this paper an overview will be presented of the national scene in Portugal which will cover some aspects related to different areas of the management of scientific and technical information (STI), and the application of new technologies to it In particular, aspects related to the

- modernisation of libraries:

- access to foreign databases (online and CD-ROM);

- advanced training in Information Management:

- development of information systems:

- development of advanced information products;

- participation in NATO programmes in the field of STI;

- research in Information Science,

in Portugal will be addressed.
A comparison of the effects of new technology on searching habits in industrial and academic institutions
Authors: Smith Elaine Davis
Published: March 2007

This article is based mainly upon the findings of three surveys on the effects of new technology on searching habits in industrial and academic institutions. conducted in Autumn 1988 and Autumn 1990. It is appreciated that this two-year time gap between the two sets of surveys must be taken into account, as should more recent advances in the technology and services available, in that they have an influ ence on the findings. These are investigated, and conclusions drawn as to the overall differences, similarities and changes in searching in industrial and academic institutions. In particu lar, the effects of new technology on information personnel and end-users with regard to their searching are rewewed and compared, and changes in the roles of the various players in the field considered.
The teaching of IT in departments of information and library studies in the UK
Authors: Morris Anne
Published: March 2007

The importance of information technology (IT) teaching in departments offering Information and Library Studies (ILS) has been recognised for some time. Depart ments must be capable of responding not only to the changing needs of the profession but also to the developments in computer technology. This paper outlines the results of a survey designed to elicit information about current IT provi sion and teaching in UK ILS departments. In particular, it is concerned with the type of degree courses offered by ILS departments, student numbers, the type and relative impor tance of IT topics taught and the computer hardware and software used for IT teaching. Attitudes about IT teaching are also described.
Subject analysis: the critical first stage in indexing
Authors: Chu Clara M. , O'Brien Ann
Published: March 2007

Studies of indexing neglect the first stage of the process, that is, subject analysis. In this study, novice indexers were asked to analyse three short, popular journal articles; to express the general subject as well as the primary and sec ondary topics in natural language statements; to state what influenced the analysis and to comment on the ease or diffi culty of this process. The factors which influenced the process were: the subject discipline concerned, factual is subjective nature of the text, complexity of the subject, clarity of text, possible support offered by bibliographic apparatus such as title, etc. The findings showed that with the social science and science texts, the general subject could be determined with ease, while this was more difficult with the humanities text. Clear evidence emerged of the importance of bibliographical apparatus in defining the general subject. There was varying difficulty in determining the primary and secondary topics.
Politics and policies in the scientific and technical information sector in France
Authors: Le Coadic Yves-F. , Chambaud Serge
Published: March 2007

After an historical survey of the progressive appari tion of politics and policies in the scientific and technical information field in France, we present some of the present characteristics of French politics and policies in this field: in the private and public sectors, at the regional, national and international levels. The role of professional and scientific societies is also discussed, and some comments are made on the education and research politics and policies in the infor mation field.
Africa, information and development: IDRC's experience
Authors: Akhtar Shahid , Melesse Martha
Published: March 2007

This paper examines an information strategy for Africa; it reinforces the significant role information services play in securing sustainable development in the African Continent. The importance of having a coherent and system atic information strategy as a tool for donor agencies to respond to the information and sectoral needs of developing countries is discussed by reviewing IDRC's five-year experi ence with information activities in Africa and its strategic approach. The paper gives a brief account of the history of the development of an information strategy for Africa, a consultative process which allowed the Africans themselves to assess their information problems and prioritise their needs. It then reviews the results of IDRC's post-strategy project activities in Africa and the impact of the strategy on these activities.
Chinese company information and its availability to UK fund managers
Authors: Bottle Robert T. , Nanxin Li
Published: March 2007

UK fund managers investing in China were surveyed on the availability of investment information sources and their use of them. They rely heavily on stock brokers' analysts but also use Chinese personal contacts and visits. English language publications are used mainly because of language problems in using sources in Chinese. Reasons for dissatisfaction with the availability of Chinese company information and requirements for the improvement of information provision are identified. Regulations on company information disclosure are thought to need urgently strengthening.
Ontologies for universal information systems
Authors: Huaiqing Wang  , Chen Wang
Published: March 2007

The increasing complexity of problems addressed by massively distributed information systems has led to the development of a new generation of world-wide, informa tion systems, such as the World Wide Web project and the Hyper-G project. We present a powerful conceptual frame work for those systems using a knowledge representation language Telos, by concentration on the semantics of their domains. This framework is developed and based on careful analysis and abstraction of those existing systems. Capabilities of this integrated hybrid modelling frame work include meta-level facilities, constraint enforcement and inference facilities, as well as formal classification of domain knowledge into two distinct orthogonal subworlds. By creating a rich and precise conceptual framework, this paper provides a foundation for the specification and imple mentation of future universal information systems.
British library and information science journals: a study of quality control
Authors: McDonald Steven , Feather John
Published: March 2007

Assessment of the quality of published research is funda mental to the research assessment process in UK universi ties. Citation analysis has been one important method used for such assessment. This paper explores another method, by investigating the selection and refereeing processes used by journal editors. Starting from the journals in which UK LIS academics most frequently publish, the authors have described and analysed the editorial processes employed, drawing on extended interviews with editors and others. It is concluded that valid quality control mechanisms are in place, although there is an element of subjectivity in their application, and it is suggested that professional, as opposed to academic, journals can provide a valuable form of output for practice-oriented research findings. Finally, the authors note that electronic journals could be assessed by a methodology similar to that developed here.
Pricing strategies for business information on CD-ROM
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Butcher David
Published: March 2007

Purchasers of business information on CD-ROM are often concerned to assess its cost-effectiveness. CD-ROM may offer a number of advantages, as compared with print and online access, but this may be at a price. The marketplace for business information on CD-ROM is characterised by a range of products that embraces a number of different kinds of databases, with differing added-value features and potential applications. Pricing strategies for electronic information are complex. CD-ROM pricing strategies have two distinct components: prices charged for single-user use and prices charged for network use. A number of different types of discounts and options are available. The article concludes with some case studies which assess the pricing strategies for specific CD-ROM products. The key players in the business information marketplace will continue to maintain their presence, but there is likely to be some realignment of product ranges, enhanced products and adjustments to pricing strategies before the market reaches greater stability.
Networking for trust in tribal organisations
Authors: McMurdo George
Published: March 2007

Networking can be thought of either as a technical process, for which methods for successful operation are relatively straightforward, or conversely as an entirely non-technical process, involving higher-level interpersonal, social and organisational interactions, and this aspect also has a distinct literature. However, beyond the level of basic networking 'etiquette', there is less advice about behaviour in the overlap of both kinds of networking, where the former is used as a medium for the latter. Some suggestions for networked networking are explored, also noting that such activity can be seen as intersecting with some key contemporary management and organisational issues, such as the management of change, project teams and manage ment teams, and quality techniques which involve sharing information across conventional organisational boundaries. Some national cultural traits suggested to create disadvan tage in team success may be alleviated by complementary electronic networking.
The information needs and sources of primary health care workers in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Authors: Apalayine Gamel B. , Ehikhamenor Fabian A.
Published: March 2007

This study investigates the information needs of, and sources used by, community health nurses and midwives in the Upper East Region of Ghana. These workers constitute a major part of the personnel of the primary health care system in Ghana. They need information on the socio- cultural practices of the communities where they work, maternal and child health, current developments in the health profession, and educational and training programmes and opportunities. Information on the way of life, beliefs and taboos of the people is crucial for health care delivery in this region of mainly rural communities. The preferred sources of socio-cultural information in order of importance are: chiefs and local heads; fellow health workers; courses, workshops and seminars; radio programmes. Information on education and training is obtained from workshops and seminars, courses, fellow health workers, and communications from the Ministry of Health. The low rating of libraries as a source of infor mation may be attributed to poor library facilities and services in the region. A number of problems encountered in obtaining information are highlighted. Unfortunately, solutions to these problems may be elusive for as long as the necessity for information services to support the primary health scheme is not emphasised in government health policies.
Research Note: Some Problems with Measurement of Macro-organizational Structure
Authors: Grinyer Peter H. , Yasai-Ardekani Masoud
Published: March 2007

Problems associated with the use of Aston psychometrically based measures are evalu ated in the light of experience gained in and the findings of an empirical study of 45 electrical engineering companies in the UK in which the Aston methodology was used. It is shown that (a) the unidimensionality of multi-item measures must be clearly established if loss of information is to be avoided, (b) scales constructed by aggregation of a number of subscales suggested by factor analysis should not be given general labels beyond the description of subscales included in the final scale, and (c) abbreviated scales based on the original study may only reflect sample-specific relationships and may not be used as proxies of original scales in the study of other samples. The objectivity of factor analysis is also addressed.
The Power of Organization or the Organization of Power?
Authors: Knights David , Roberts John
Published: March 2007

This article presents some of the problems that need to be resolved if organization is to be developed to its full potential. Our central argument is that both management and staff typically act on the basis of a false understanding of the nature of power. Power is typically treated as if it were an individual possession, rather than as a relationship between people. Consequently, managers ignore or attempt to deny their ultimate dependence on staff, and use their power coercively. Staff respond with various coun tercoercive strategies. The result is a series of vicious circles which seriously undermine the productive potential of the relationship between management and staff.
Interorganizational Linkages Among Similar Organizations in Turkey
Authors: Üsdiken Behlül
Published: March 2007

This article reports an exploratory study of interorganizational cooperation among business organizations operating in an industry with a relatively large number of firms and a low level of concentration. Distinction is made between perceived need for and the emergence of cooperative relations. Four types of cooperative linkages are defined and, the extent of their existence is examined. Relationships between these and perceived task environmental attributes and organizational properties are reported. Possible motives for establishing cooperative links and organizational and industrywide barriers to cooperation are discussed.
Research Review
Authors: Ganesh S.R. , Rangarajan T.
Published: March 2007

The present paper is a 'state of art' review of the organization behaviour research in India during the last decade. It identifies three dominant themes in the literature, viz. person themes, process themes, and action themes. Over 50 percent of the research is still on person themes with its moorings in psychology. Only 14 percent of the work centres around organizational processes and a third is descriptive writings of interventions primarily by outside consultants with very few planned research elements. Based on this, the article explores the implications in a historical perspective and attempts to place Indian work in the international context. It concludes that future work in OB in India has to be rooted in the organizational realities of the country and not based on imported concepts.
Organizational Performance and Top-Management Turnover
Authors: Samuelson Bruce A. , Galbraith Craig S. , McGuire Joseph W.
Published: March 2007

What impacts on corporate performance does a new chief executive have? To explore this and related questions, this study compares the performance records of 61 United States corporations wherein the chief executive changed at the mid-point of a seven-year period, with the performance of 61 matched companies where top management remained the same and with industry averages. Among other results, it is found that the changes in the leadership position do not affect revenues and rates of return significantly, but there is evidence that new managers tend to be more cautious about financial risks than tenured managers.
The Composition of R & D Units in West German Industry
Authors: Domsch Michel , Gerpott Torsten J.
Published: March 2007

It is widely assumed that industrial R & D units are composed of R & D professionals of different scientific disciplines, i.e. that such units have cross-disciplinary structures. However, empirical data on these structures are rare at best. This paper conceptualizes cross-disciplinarity as a dimension of an R & D unit's organizational complexity. Two measures of cross-disciplinary structures are developed to assess the relationships between cross-disciplinary structures, R & D unit size and industry in a comparative study of 210 West German industrial R & D units. One measure (number of different disciplines employed in a unit) has affinities with differentiation measures of prior organization research (e.g. the Aston approach), whereas a second distributional measure of disciplinary diversification has been rarely used. It is found that the two measures are differentially related to size and industry variables. Evidence is presented that the discovered lack of a relationship between R & D unit size and disciplinary diversification is theoretically interesting in that it can be used to explain why prior innovation research has found that smaller R & D units do not perform worse than larger units.
From Asceticism to Administration of Wealth. Medieval Monasteries and the Pitfalls of Rationalization
Authors: Kieser Alfred
Published: March 2007

Medieval monasteries are analysed on the basis of Weber's concept of the process of rationalization, since they represent an important episode in this process. They were the first deliberately designed organization in the Occident. These rationally designed work organizations and the puritan work ethic created by the monks led to the accumulation of immense wealth which was incompatible with the ideal of an ascetic life conducted in poverty. Thus, medieval monasteries, leaving no room for self-determination, provide the first example of the 'iron cage' of bureaucracies.
Politics in Organization and its Perception within the Organization
Authors: Drory Amos , Romm Tsilia
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning of the concept 'organizational politics' (OP) as it is perceived by members of organizations. 156 employees completed a critical incident scale presenting various combinations of OP definition elements. The results suggest that OP is more highly associated with informal rather than formal or illegal bahaviour. The presence of other definition elements such as: power attainment, acting against the organization and concealment of motive, increases the likelihood of judging behaviours as political only when formal behavioural styles are employed. In the presence of informal and illegal behavioural styles the addition of the above elements has no effect. These results challenge the structure of most OP definitions offered in the literature by suggesting that employees perceive OP not as a rigid series of necessary conditions but as a set of variables which have complex and flexible inter-relationships.
Recognizing Contexts and Managing Processes in Universities
Authors: Dunbar Roger L. M. , Bresser Rudi K. F.
Published: March 2007

In their study of West German university departments, Bresser and Dunbar (1986) related measures of context and structure to measures of departmental effectiveness. Ryder (1988) suggests that other measures of effectiveness as well as measures of internal management processes would have greatly improved the study. Ryder may have missed some of the contributions that the Bresser and Dunbar (1986) study makes, particularly with respect to how size is measured and its impact on effectiveness. This note clarifies these contributions, along with implications for the management of contingencies that may influence the effectiveness of university departments.
Factors Influencing Workers' Orientations: A Secondary Analysis of Israeli Data
Authors: Lachman Ran
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a conceptual model describing the influence an organization and certain non-work factors have on employees' value orientation. It is argued that since values differ with regard to their resistance to change influences, core values which are less susceptible to change should be distinguished from periphery values which are more susceptible. Hence, the socialization of employees' values at work is not only a function of the influences exerted by the organization, but also to which values these influences are directed. It is proposed here that organizational influence may affect periphery values, while core values are affected by non-work influences. A preliminary test of this model is conducted by path analyzing secondary data from 544 Israeli workers. The results basically support these propositions.
Good and Evil in the Chairmen's 'Boiler Plate': An Analysis of Corporate Visions of the 1970s
Authors: Kendall Julie E.
Published: March 2007

Boiler plates, the chairman's message that begins each corporation's annual report, provide a reflection of the self-image of American big business. This paper uses the method of dramatism for discovering and interpreting corporate dramas inherent in the language of the boiler plates of the Dow Jones Industrials. The U.S. economy of the 1970s provides the dramatic setting, with the company as hero, the government as villain and public interest groups as minor players. The overriding corporate drama can be traced to the archetypal drama of pure competition. Understanding corporate dramas allows us to see how companies create a shared rhetorical vision to unify their shareholders with management and employees, label actions as good or evil, and influence the public by putting forward a positive corporate self-image.
Time in organizations: Its Experience, . Explanations and Effects
Authors: Butler Richard
Published: March 2007

Time is seen as a fundamental but neglected variable in organizational analysis. The paper develops a model of organizational time based upon the notion of a timeframe whereby time is advocated as a socially constructed variable, experienced in the present as represented by a number of variables which form four clusters of time. Explanations of this experience of time in the present derive from the organizational and institutional context. The timeframe of an organization is also seen to affect decision making and learning processes. The timeframe is bounded by knowledge of the past which is used to envision the future. The essential aspect of the past is the extent to which past knowledge can be codified, while the essential aspect of the future is the degree of congru ence over visions of the future. The timeframe model is used to develop scen arios of how knowledge codification and goal congruence can change.
Decision Making in Inter-firm Networks as a Political Process
Authors: Elg Ulf , Johansson Ulf
Published: March 2007

A political-process-oriented approach to decision making is applied to an asymmetric network of firms, based on the notion of resource interdependen cies as the prime motivator of inter-firm exchange, and on a multi-dimensional view of power. Empirically, the paper draws upon a case study of the introduc tion of a computer-based decision aid (DPP) in the Swedish food industry. A theoretical model is developed, demonstrating how motives, structural condi tions and moves made by powerful as well as more dependent firms interact in shaping the decision process. A central theme is that structural change as well as the adoption of innovations within inter-firm networks is influenced by political activities during the decision process. The relevance of subtle moves aimed at influencing the perceptions and beliefs of other actors is espe cially stressed. The paper also suggests that more dependent firms do not necessarily give priority to balancing dependencies since they may actually jeopardize privileges not attainable within a less asymmetric structure.
Local Self-Determination and Central Control in Denmark
Authors: Bruun Finn , Skovsgaard Carl-Johan
Published: March 2007

The question of whether there has been a significant shift to local autonomy is addressed by examining changes in the fiscal structure of local government in general and in two specific grant programs in particular: social welfare and roads. The change in policy since the early 1970s is that of more discretion over grants allocated to local government. National standards of performance of local government, however, have emerged through "quasi-governmental" but private associations of governmental employees. The cor relations between socialist party control of local government and more expenditures for social welfare and nonsocialist party control and more expenditures for roads indicate some local political influence over local programs. But any conclusion that greater formal control of resources means greater local discretion over expenditures awaits further developments and more research on the full range of local programs.
Polish Local Leaders and Fulfilling Community Needs
Authors: Siemienska Renata , Tarkowski Jacek
Published: March 2007

This article aims at an assessment of the role played by the local leaders in Poland, the characteristic feature of the Polish politico-economic systems having a high degree of centralization. According to the basic principles of the system, the interests of the local communities and of particular local organizations are supposed to be subordinated to the national interests. On the basis of an empirical study in six medium-sized towns, it is shown that local leaders are partially able to overcome the limitation with which they are confronted. The system of vertical subordination is counterbalanced by a network of mutual contacts between the leaders in the community. This horizontal integration helps to pool the resources of the various organizations of the community and enables the leaders to pursue local interests and autonomously work out local policies.
Military Professionalism and Civil-Military Relations in the West
Authors: Sarkesian Sam C.
Published: March 2007

Western military professionalism and civil-military relations are based on the implicit concept that the military institution is separate from society and is apolitical. There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that such a concept is not only historically unsound but unrealistic in the modern era. The nature of modern conflicts and the nature of liberal democratic systems have obscured, and in many instances eliminated, delineations between the military and society. Consequently, there is a need to redefine military professionalism, based on a new perspective of civil-military relations. The traditional ideal has presumed civilian control and supremacy over the military. In reality however, civil-military relations are based on a variety of informal and formal links between military professionals and civilian elite, and involve a great deal of political activity. Therefore, a more realistic model is one of equilibrium. Such a model is relevant to modern security requirements and fosters a military professionalism whose dimension includes political-social ingredients and a recognition that most contingencies and relationships are rooted in political-military as well as social considerations.
Political Values
Authors: Kallos Nicolae , Trasnea Ovidiu
Published: March 2007

Present-day confrontation of social systems and civilizations implies a confrontation between various systems of values. As creations of given social forces, each type of civilization embodies the values of the respective social forces. We distinguish between the sociological-politological and the axiological approach to values. To some degree the former disregards the intrinsic substance of value. The axiological approach is based on historical experience, on the social situation, on the interests and ideology determining the way in which a social group, a human community, a society ascertains values, nonvalues and antivalues. In Marxist philosophy, there is a correspondence between these two approaches. We define political values as political relationships, institutions, organiza tions, views and ideas resulting from the transforming, creative sociopolitical practice of the social forces that meet the requirements of social progress and of the development of human personality on a social scale. We reject the postulation of an abstract hierarchy of values or exclusivism of values, but nevertheless emphasize the special role of political values. Without denying the intrinsic character of political values—a characteristic procedure of several spiritualistic axiological constructions-we acknowledge their mediating role in the creation-and, respectively, assimilation-of these values. The man of today experiences the values centered on political values. For all the differences between civilizations and their values, the common fundamental interests of mankind—the necessity of setting up a new economic and political order, of creating a new climate of peace and cooperation among states and peoples—require the assertion and promotion of common, general, and acknowledged poltical values.
Science and Technology in the North-South Debate
Authors: Pfetsch Frank R.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this article is to describe the discussion of a specific issue area in the framework of the most important and relevant international forums of the so-called North-South debate, to identify certain tendencies in the development of this debate, and to draw some conclusions as to its scope, fields, and institutional framework. Let us ask where the discussion took place, who were the agents of the discussion, and what did they say.
International Changes in the World Oil Market
Authors: Choucri Nazli
Published: March 2007

The oil price increases of October 1973 triggered a set of changes in the international system that promise to have continued, long-term effects. This article begins with a review of the major attempts to model the world oil market and provides syntheses of their char acteristics and worldview. The structure of the International Petroleum Exchange Model developed at MIT is then presented, followed by a set of simulations (forecasts) of future changes in petroleum supply and demand associated with alternative price paths. The simulations are also compared with empirical data to provide some insights into the potential accuracy of the forecasts.
A Microprocessor Revolution and the World Distribution of Income
Authors: Cole Sam
Published: March 2007

This article shows that even if the world economy is able to withstand and surmount the present world crisis, the combination of market forces and rapid technical change that would be the result of a microprocessor revolution will give rise to large shift in the distribution of income within and between both rich and poor countries. Some developed and developing economies may be unable to join the move to new technologies. In a world governed by only economic forces, all countries, whether they choose to adopt new systems of production or not, will be affected. Indeed, whatever their degree of involvement, all countries are beginning to feel in varying degrees the chain reaction that reverberates through and between all sectors of their domestic and the world economies. To gain insights into interrelations between technological change and global markets, this article uses a special type of model-a general equilibrium model-that enables us to focus on exactly these variables.
Modeling International Trade Flows
Authors: Pollins Brian M.
Published: March 2007

Four classes of trade simulation models (each unified by strong similarities of purpose, design, or method) are identified and prominent examples within each class are described. By discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each class, we can begin to identify key aspects of trade relations that are important to the theoretical as well as formal specification of the political economy of international trade relations. By observing the variety of model applications, we can identify three ways in which formal models may be used for theory building in international relations: as a means of studying specific issue areas, as a way of testing theoretical propositions or hypotheses, or as the formal representation of a particular theory.
Trade Unions in East European Communist Systems
Authors: Pravda Alex
Published: March 2007

Corporatist analysis may further our understanding of east European Communist sys tems, and, in particular, of the role played within them by trade unions. Traditional Communist unionism, which still dominates the region, operates within too rigid and close a network of controls to qualify as more than quasi-corporatist. In Poland the Solidarity movement of 1980-1981 produced an amalgam of alternatives to traditional unionism, including adversary unionism, neo-corporatism, and syndicalism. Hungarian trade unions operate within a system of state corporatism that, though weakly institutionalized, has made possible the effective management of diverse interests through economic fluc tuation and structural reform. Given the growing recognition by Communist leaders of the need for more interest-oriented unions to help manage labor demands at a time of economic stagnation and change, the 1980s may see more general experimentation along state corporatist lines.