bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic sense‐making: conflicting opinions, creative ideas, and collective intelligence
Authors: Chen Chaomei
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to introduce a generic conceptual and methodological framework for the study of emergent social and intellectual patterns and trends in a diverse range of sense‐and decision‐making activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the framework is driven by three motivating challenges: capturing the collective intelligence of science, fostering scientific discoveries in science and e‐Science, and facilitating evidence‐based librarianship (EBL). The framework is built on concepts such as structural holes and intellectual turning points, methodologies and techniques for progressive knowledge domain visualization and differentiation of conflicting opinions, and information integration models to achieve coherent transitions between different conceptual scales.

Findings

Structural holes and turning points are detected and validated with the domain of terrorism research as an example. Conflicting opinions are differentiated in the form of a decision tree of phrases with the greatest information gains. Fundamental issues concerning the reliability of common assumptions across multiple levels of granularity are identified. Knowledge diffusion is studied in terms of information integration between a geographic space and an intellectual space.

Research limitations/implications

This study characterizes a holistic sense‐making approach with three exemplar themes. Future research is needed to develop theoretical foundations and corresponding techniques to sustain additional themes.

Practical implications

The work contributes to the practice of improving our understanding of the collective intelligence in science.

Originality/value

The value of the work is the conceptual and methodological contributions to address various phenomena across micro‐ and macroscopic levels.
A tale of binary bricks and mortar: building a virtual library
Authors: Coenen Bert
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To provide a technical and practical analysis of the interactive floor plan developed by and for the law library at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

Design/methodology/approach

The different steps in the development process are described, from original idea to conclusion.

Findings

Though some steps in the process are described fairly technically and detailed, the paper is by no means a step‐by‐step guide to developing similar applications, it briefly touches the principles and concepts that make the application work.

Originality/value

This paper describes the conception and development of a new type of library application. A truly interactive floor plan, unlike traditional static floor plans found on most web sites, was developed to create an actual virtual library. The concepts and techniques described in this paper could prove useful for other libraries wanting to create a similar application.
Human perception and knowledge organization: visual imagery
Authors: Hajdu Barat Agnes
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the theory and practice of knowledge organization and its necessary connection to human perception, and shows a solution of the potential ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The author attempts to survey the problem of concept‐building and extension, as well as the determination of semantics in different aspects. The purpose is to find criteria for the choice of the solution that best incorporates users into the design cycles of knowledge organization systems.

Findings

It is widely agreed that cognition provides the basis for concept‐building; however, at the next stage of processing there is a debate. Fundamentally, what is the connection between perception and the superior cognitive processes? The perceptual method does not separate these two but rather considers them united, with perception permeating cognition. By contrast, the linguistic method considers perception as an information‐receiving system. Separate from, and following, perception, the cognitive subsystems then perform information and data processing, leading to both knowledge organization and representation. We assume by that model that top‐level concepts emerge from knowledge organization and representation. This paper points obvious connection of visual imagery and the internet; perceptual access of knowledge organization and information retrieval. There are some practical and characteristic solutions for the visualization of information without demand of completeness.

Research limitations/implications

Librarians need to identify those semantic characteristics which stimulate a similar conceptual image both in the mind of the librarian and in the mind of the user.

Originality/value

For a fresh perspective, an understanding of perception is required as well.
Information visualization and large‐scale repositories
Authors: Marks Collins Linn , Hussell Jeremy A.T. , Hettinga Robert K. , Powell James E. , Mane Ketan K. , Martinez Mark L.B.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To describe how information visualization can be used in the design of interface tools for large‐scale repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

One challenge for designers in the context of large‐scale repositories is to create interface tools that help users find specific information of interest. In order to be most effective, these tools need to leverage the cognitive characteristics of the target users. At the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the authors' target users are scientists and engineers who can be characterized as higher‐order, analytical thinkers. In this paper, the authors describe a visualization tool they have created for making the authors' large‐scale digital object repositories more usable for them: SearchGraph, which facilitates data set analysis by displaying search results in the form of a two‐ or three‐dimensional interactive scatter plot.

Findings

Using SearchGraph, users can view a condensed, abstract visualization of search results. They can view the same dataset from multiple perspectives by manipulating several display, sort, and filter options. Doing so allows them to see different patterns in the dataset. For example, they can apply a logarithmic transformation in order to create more scatter in a dense cluster of data points or they can apply filters in order to focus on a specific subset of data points.

Originality/value

SearchGraph is a creative solution to the problem of how to design interface tools for large‐scale repositories. It is particularly appropriate for the authors' target users, who are scientists and engineers. It extends the work of the first two authors on ActiveGraph, a read‐write digital library visualization tool.
Multimedia visualization and interactive systems
Authors: Uzwyshyn Ray
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present the schematic for building a multimedia information visualization system and digital archive which takes advantage of a wider spectrum of media elements (images, sound, datasets) and interactivity with regards to research level historical body of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology for this interactive multimedia visualized system was based on create a digital environment to explore larger bodies of research that expand on simple text‐based Information Retrieval Database systems. Through photos, videos, interactive maps, digital audio interviews, primary documents and narrative structures the system presents new methodologies for building digital libraries. The “educational” objective of this project was to present a stylistically elegant yet intellectually robust interactive multimedia information system for academic libraries.

Findings

Building new online digital libraries must involve robust interactivity to take advantage of the computer's intrinsic specificity and the wider set of choices open to the human perceptual apparatus. Instead of text‐based navigation systems, a more creative set of visual “tools” should be explored for digital libraries including interactivity and cognitive cartographies. Key here are the terms “visual metaphor” and innovatively structuring visually intuitive “narratives” into non‐linear dynamic but humanly usable information systems.

Research limitations/implications

In expanding the range of “allowable” “historical archival media” (audio, video, images, datasets, databases) in digital libraries and keeping research level academic integrity, future questions regard what this means for historiography, information construction, and questions surrounding epistemology and “archives” of the future.

Practical implications

Technically, the successes in building this digital library information system solve the question of how to present a large robust amount of information indifferent rich media formats in an interesting and engaging manner. The project points to methodologies to present a research spectrum depth structure of textual material that can seamlessly be incorporated through wider spectrum of media elements: images, video, audio, music, datasets and interactivity.

Originality/value

This paper provides a methodology for marrying a textual body of academic research with a wider spectrum of media elements (sound, images, datasets, music) and incorporating them into a digital library through an innovative methodology. It will be valuable to anyone needing guidelines and specific algorithmic recipes and suggestions for building new millennia digital libraries which take advantage of a wider spectrum of media elements.
School library web site terminology
Authors: Jurkowski Odin L.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to look at how varying terminology is used on school library web sites and how that compares to student preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides research conduced by surveying practicing school librarians and k‐12 students.

Findings

Terminology varies greatly on school library web sites. Further, students prefer common language use.

Practical implications

Practicing librarians may consider revising their web sites in order to make them more accessible for their students.

Originality/value

This paper provides original research into school library web sites, an area that is lacking.
Paradigms shifts in information environment: prospects and challenges African libraries
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose is to trace the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) and changes in this wake such as globalization, digital divide, information society, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and e‐government and how these changes impact on the provision of library and information services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is largely based on review of literature both online and print.

Findings

The paper concludes that the paradigm shifts occurring in the information environment have affected the concept of library; the perception of ownership versus access of library resources; the nature of information resources and services; and the role of the information professional among others.

Research limitations/implications

The paper advocates for a proactive strategy on the part of information professionals in order to re‐engineer and adapt the library to the volatile global information environment in order to remain relevant in the wake of new paradigm occurrences.

Practical implications

Effective access and use of information will inevitably have great influence on the realisation of positive effects that the new paradigms occurrences engender in the global environment. It is desirable at this point in time to research into how information access and use can be brought to bear on the attainment of MDGs, bridge digital divide, enhance attainment of information society, promote e‐government, etc.

Originality/value

Despite, the rapid changes within the global information environment that has been occasioned by ICT, there is lack of critical mass of information science literature that addresses issues such MDGs, globalisation, information society and digital divide from the perspective of the information professional.
The strategic evaluation of academic libraries
Authors: Kettunen Juha
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the network strategies of academic libraries and presents an approach to the evaluation of strategic plans and their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The balanced scorecard approach is used as a framework for organisations to communicate and implement their strategic plans.

Findings

It is shown in this study that the balanced scorecard also provides a general framework for the evaluation of the strategy and performance from different perspectives.

Practical implications

The concept of the strategy map is used to illustrate the objectives of the strategic plans of the consortium of libraries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge and practice of the strategic planning of libraries. The findings of the study are useful for those who seek to achieve cost‐efficiency with the increased and networked cooperation of libraries.
SUSHI, not just a tasty lunch anymore
Authors: Hendricks Arthur
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of the Standardized Usage Statistics Harvesting Initiative (SUSHI) standard, and its applications and impact on libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The information is based on a questionnaire survey conducted by the author. Inquiries were sent to members of the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) Committee SU responsible for producing the SUSHI standard.

Findings

Four out of six members responded to the survey including Ted Fons from Innovative, Oliver Pesch from Ebsco, and Ted Koppel from Ex Libris. One member responded but did not want to be quoted.

Originality/value

Provides information on the development of a library aid.
Copyright cultures
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This column aims to look at the different economic and intellectual approaches to copyright as separate cultures whose assumptions and approaches make it difficult for them to share a single copyright law.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology relies heavily on anthropological analysis to distinguish the expectations and language of subgroups and microcultures within the larger national and international copyright communities.

Findings

At least three different copyright cultures exist: for authors who require long‐term protection for financial gain from their works; for authors who require short‐term protection for financial gain from their works; and for authors whose value depends on access instead of protection. Important subsets of the author cultures are also copyright consumers whose interests require access as well as protection.

Originality/value

This analysis helps to show why existing copyright laws serve the interests of some groups better than others. It also explains why open access makes sense as an established legal alternative to automatic long‐term copyright enforcement.
Digital Library Forum – Spring 2007
Authors: Riggs Colby , Tomren Holly
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To share highlights of the presentations made at the Digital Library Federation (DLF) Spring Forum which is a semi‐annual meeting for DLF members and guests to learn about what is happening and evolving in the digital spheres of libraries and their partnership organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report.

Findings

A wide range of things are taking place in academic, public and special libraries. Staff members are forming teams to explore how best to utilize technology to achieve results that form stronger alliances and build larger and more critical digital collections representing a huge range of artifacts and products. As a result, new library services are being established. This showcase demonstrates how all parts of library organizations are increasingly involved.

Originality/value

The range of activity continues to expand from Forum to Forum and the accomplishments and lessons learned are wide and equally varied.
Conference Report: 44th LACUNY Institute at Baruch College, the City University of New York, New York City, New York, held May 18, 2007
Authors: Walker Stephanie , Marcus Sara , Ormsby Rita , Mason Karen , Berger Monica , Dasgupta Anamika , Stern Catherine , Sexton Ellen , Santillan Roman A. , Brown Mitchell
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To report on keynote presentations at the 44th Annual LACUNY Institute held on May 18, 2007 in New York City, New York.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report. Findings: The annual conference aims to provide attendees continuing professional education, invited papers and social events.

Originality value

Provides a review of some of the events of the conference.
Libraries in the Digital Age: LIDA 2007
Authors: Zhang Ying
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the ninth annual meeting of Libraries in the Digital Age and its program.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report.

Findings

Longitudinal studies are now indicating trends in how readers and users are relying upon a digital library (DL) compared to traditional print and hybrid collections. Interestingly, values remain unchanged as expectations grow.

Originality valve (KWD)

Now that there is critical mass of digitized content libraries are creating ways to develop and customize services in this DL environment.
International Association of Technological University Libraries (IATUL) 2007 Meeting
Authors: Aaltonen Mari
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a report of the 2007 annual meeting of the International Association of Technological University Libraries (IATUL) held at the KTH, Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a brief review of the main themes of the conference: Public access; New tools and services, Metrics; and Economics, Bridging the gap.

Findings

Scientific publishing directions are changing the environmental landscapes of science and academic research libraries as well as in how scientists are conducting their work in all disciplines and communicating and collaborating with each other. The increasingly more complex and global environments indicate that access to the scientific literature and information sharing are paramount interests of scientists, national governments, the scientific community at‐large, professional societies and commercial publishing interests.

Originality/value

Libraries are evolving into far more than repositories of bound volumes as eScience and eCollections mature. The changing role of librarians and of the physical library to handle and treat much more than books and journals is demonstrated by many addresses at this conference.
Special Libraries Association Annual Conference: 2007 Conference Report
Authors: Zdravkovska Nevenka , Brown Mitchell
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To report on the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Annual Conference held in June 2007 in Denver, Colorado.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report.

Findings

The annual conference aims to provide attendees continuing professional education, vendor presentations, invited papers and social events. Exhibits from library vendors include technology, information materials and services.

Originality/value

A conference report of interest to information professionals in academia, corporate and governmental information centers and libraries.
Cybercafes, Cybercrime Detection and Prevention
Authors: Babatunde Ajala Emmanuel
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine cybercrime detection and prevention.

Design/Methodology/approach

The paper looks at the problem of cybercrime with a view to identifying the main problem and the best methods for detecting, eradicating and preventing illegal activites.

Findings

Fighting cybercrime requires a holistic opportunist not just addressing alone.

Originality/value

The paper advocates international comprehensive cybercrime coordinated by an international coalition body
Alienability: rejoinder to Kuflik
Authors: Block Walter
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of writing this paper is to defend the doctrine of commodification, or alienability: that there are no exceptions to the principle that all things that are owned may be legally sold.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to consider arguments to the contrary, mainly those, in this case, furnished by Kuflik, and then to refute these arguments.

Findings

The conclusion of this paper is that socialism, the view that purchases and sales, markets, free enterprise, is unjustified, is mistaken. Non‐alienability is part and parcel of the critique of markets. To the extent it is countered, markets are strengthened.

Research limitations/implications

Future research would probe more deeply into anti‐market arguments.

Practical implications

The practical implications is that the law should legalize markets in body parts, and, more radically, should recognize voluntary slave contracts.

Originality/value

This is virtually an entirely original paper, in that there are only a very few publications that defend complete alienability, such as does this one.
The House's policy reversal on gun control
Authors: McGarrity Joseph P.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine why a legislature would repeal an interest group deal. Design/methodology/approach–This paper provides a case study of the House of Representatives’ roll call reversal on the Brady Bill. The House voted against the Brady Bill in 1988 giving a victory to pro‐gun interest groups. It then reversed itself and voted for the Brady Bill in 1993.

Findings

This paper finds that changes in the democratic party leadership may be responsible for the House's policy reversal on gun control.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that in a principal–agent relationship, the agent has some discretion. In this case, the principal (elected members of a party in the US House) hires an agent (its leadership) to organize their teamwork to produce legislative output. The leadership has some discretion in making interest group deals.

Originality/value

The paper shows how changes in leadership reduce the durability of interest group deals.
Does ethico‐moral coalition complement to economic coalition?
Authors: Azid Toseef , Asutay Mehmet
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To reason whether the ethical–moral cum economic coalition among the different sets of economy is more efficient with objectives of Islamic Shariah.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper based on the modified model of layers of economic coalition which was initially developed by W. Leontief and P.N. Mathur and tries to evaluate the impact of ethical–moral cum economic coalition among different sets of an economy within the framework of Islamic political economy system.

Findings

This study suggests that endogenoising the ethical–moral cum economic coalitions will comparatively enhance the efficiency level of the economy, and will also increase the social welfare level.

Practical implications

A dynamic cum marginal input–output table can be constructed on the basis of this framework.

Originality/value

This research is beneficial to the researchers, policy makers and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare through this coalition.
The efficiency of Islamic banking industry in Malaysia
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To examine the relative efficiency between the domestic and foreign banks Islamic banking operations in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology, which allows for the decomposition of technical efficiency into its pure technical and scale efficiency components. The authors further examined whether the domestic and foreign banks are drawn from the same population by performing a series of parametric and non‐parametric tests. Finally, the authors attempt to investigate the consistency of the estimated DEA efficiency scores by examining its relationship with the traditional measures of banks performance.

Findings

The results from the DEA suggest that Malaysian Islamic banks efficiency declined in year 2002 to recover slightly in years 2003 and 2004. The domestic Islamic banks were more efficient compared to the foreign Islamic banks albeit marginally. The source of inefficiency of Malaysian Islamic banks in general has been scale, suggesting that Malaysian Islamic banks have been operating at the wrong scale of operations. The results from the parametric and non‐parametric tests further suggest that the foreign and domestic banks are drawn from the same population, as most of the test results could not reject the null hypothesis at the 0.05 levels of significance. The results from the correlation coefficients have further confirmed the dominance of scale in determining the technical efficiency of Malaysian Islamic banks. The results also suggest that profitability is significantly and positively correlated to all efficiency measures.

Research limitations/implications

The paper can be extended to consider the production approach along with the intermediation approach, which has been applied in this paper. Investigation of changes in productivity over time as a result of technical change or technological progress or regress by employing the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index could yet be another extension to the paper.

Originality/value

This paper provides new evidence on the relative efficiency of domestic and foreign banks, which offer Islamic banking services.
Accounting and the move to privatize water services in Africa
Authors: Shiraz Rahaman Abu , Everett Jeff , Neu Dean
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Using the recent attempts by the Ghanaian Government to privatize its urban water services, this paper seeks to understand the role and functioning of accounting within the global move to “reinvent government.”

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike the attempts made in other African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, the case of Ghana is interesting because of the vociferousness and length of the debate that has been going on. Using Bourdieu's notion of field and capital and Foucault's idea of governmentality, and relying on a variety of archival documents and interviews with 27 key participants, the study examines the positioning of accounting practices, vocabulary and experts in this debate.

Findings

The study shows how accounting is enlisted at an almost sub‐conscious level, how its use can engender significant resistance and how accounting can be used to position the debate in various terms, including “profitability” “affordability” and “accountability.”

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that within new democracies such as Ghana policy‐making requires the enlistment of technologies of government – including accounting – to articulate and justify divergent policy options.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper have implications for regional policy‐makers and their various development partners.

Originality/value

Researchers and practitioners working in the area of public sector management and reforms should find significant value in the paper.
Mandatory audit firm rotation in Spain: a policy that was never applied
Authors: Carrera Nieves , Gómez‐Aguilar Nieves , Humphrey Christopher , Ruiz‐Barbadillo Emiliano
Published: September 2007

Purpose

In recent international debates on auditing regulation, Spain has assumed a real prominence as a claimed practical example of where a policy of mandatory audit firm rotation did not work and was duly abolished. This study aims to provide an analysis of the implementation and subsequent removal of mandatory audit firm rotation in Spain in the 1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

This takes the form of historical analysis; the evidence in the paper derives from congressional hearings, financial newspapers and documents produced by the professional associations of auditors in Spain.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that at no stage was mandatory rotation of audit firms ever enforced on Spanish auditors. Further, the revision and subsequent removal of the Spanish law on mandatory audit firm rotation emerge as a rather politicized process, with no evident reference being made in the process of legislative reform to Spanish auditing experiences. The analysis also reveals that at the very time that Spain was being cited internationally for rejecting mandatory audit firm rotation, Spanish political parties and regulators were debating whether to “re‐introduce” such a regulation.

Originality/value

The clear implication of the paper is that considerable caution needs to be taken in today's international‐auditing arena, when analyzing the standpoints and claims made by professional associations and the evidence they provide to support their arguments for and against regulatory reform.
The construction of top management as a good steward
Authors: Carrington Thomas , Johed Gustav
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate how top management is constructed as a good steward of its company at the annual general meeting (AGM) and how accounting is used in the course of this process.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet these aims the authors attended 36 AGMs of Swedish listed companies. The interactions that occurred at the AGMs were analysed, using the theory of translation.

Findings

One‐third of all questions dealt with financial accounting issues, while the majority of the questions concerned non‐financial aspects of stewardship, i.e. company's efforts regarding environmental, equality and ethical issues.

Research limitations/implications

There is some concern that the complexity of accounting information may make shareholders feel remote from the company. However, AGMs provide a setting where the financial accounts can be complemented with verbal explanations and visual aids. This contextualizes the financial accounts and makes them understandable to an audience that includes many private investors. This contributed to the fact that accounting was discussed, questioned and referred to. Hence, accounting enables the stewardship function of the AGM.

Practical implications

Although AGMs have been the subject of criticism, they are still an important part of the corporate governance system. Since AGMs are live events, shareholders are able to pursue a topic with further questions, an option that is not available to other modes of corporate communication.

Originality/value

Whereas the AGM has been in the foreground in government inquiries and codes of conduct, it has been largely neglected in accounting research.
Audit committee effectiveness: informal processes and behavioural effects
Authors: Turley Stuart , Zaman Mahbub
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the conditions and processes affecting the operation and potential effectiveness of audit committees (ACs), with particular focus on the interaction between the AC, individuals from financial reporting and internal audit functions and the external auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is employed, based on direct engagement with participants in AC activities, including the AC chair, external auditors, internal auditors, and senior management.

Findings

The authors find that informal networks between AC participants condition the impact of the AC and that the most significant effects of the AC on governance outcomes occur outside the formal structures and processes. An AC has pervasive behavioural effects within the organization and may be used as a threat, an ally and an arbiter in bringing solutions to issues and conflicts. ACs are used in organizational politics, communication processes and power plays and also affect interpretations of events and cultural values.

Research limitations/implications

Further research on AC and governance processes is needed to develop better understanding of effectiveness. Longitudinal studies, focusing on the organizational and institutional context of AC operations, can examine how historical events in an organization and significant changes in the regulatory environment affect current structures and processes.

Originality/value

The case analysis highlights a number of significant factors which are not fully recognised either in theorizing the governance role of ACs or in the development of policy and regulations concerning ACs but which impinge on their governance contribution. They include the importance of informal processes around the AC; its influence on power relations between organizational participants; the relevance of the historical development of governance in an organization; and the possibility that the AC's impact on governance may be greatest in non‐routine situations.
Cost analysis: the acquisition of the items listed in a popular Christmas song
Authors: Dean Dianne M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to cost the acquisition of the items listed in a popular Christmas song.

Design/methodology/approach

A humorous approach is taken.

Findings

It was found that there was a significant increase in costs from 2005 to 2006.

Research limitations/implications

The issue is limited by lack of serious research or methodology. It implies an increase in cost of luxury items that is significantly larger than the CPI.

Originality/value

The paper poses use of costing analysis to present a humorous finding.
Development of a framework towards successful implementation of e‐governance initiatives in health sector in India
Authors: Ray Subhasis , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the route map for employing efficient e‐governance so that at least existing resource and infrastructure are better utilized and deficiencies are tracked for future planning. National health is one of the most important factors in a country's economic growth. India seems to be a victim of the vicious cycle around poor economy and poor health conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed study was carried out to find out India's healthcare infrastructure and its standing in e‐governance initiatives. After consolidating the fact that effective e‐governance can enhance the quality of healthcare service even within limited resources, authors explored success and failure factors of many e‐governance initiatives in India and abroad. Finally, an e‐governance framework is suggested based on the above factors together with the authors' own experience of implementing e‐governance projects in India and abroad.

Findings

The suggested framework is based on a phased implementation approach. The first phase “Information Dissemination” is more geared towards breaking the “digital divide” across three dimensions: G2Business; G2Citizen; and G2Agent. The most advanced stage is aimed towards joining up healthcare information across the above three dimensions and drawing meaningful analytics out of it. The recommendations also include management of Policies, Scope, Process Reform, Infrastructure, Technology, Finance, Partnership and People for efficient implementation of such e‐governance initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides measures for continuous evaluation of systems as one passes through various stages of implementation. However, the framework can be tested on real or simulated environment to prove its worthiness.

Practical implications

This paper can be a potential frame of reference for nation‐wide e‐healthcare projects not only in India but also in other developing countries. The paper also describes challenges that are most likely to be faced during implementation.

Originality/value

Since the paper is practical in nature, the real appeal will be to practitioners who are responsible for implementation of large e‐governance initiatives for improving healthcare services.
A model of user engagement in medical device development
Authors: Grocott Patricia , Weir Heather , Bridgelal Ram Mala
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address three topical themes: user involvement in health services research; determining the value of new medical technologies in patient care pathways, furthering knowledge related to quality in health and social care; and knowledge exchange between manufacturers, health service supply chain networks and device users. The model is being validated in a case study in progress. The latter is a “proving ground” study for a translational research company. Medical devices play a pivotal role in the management of chronic diseases, across all care settings. Failure to engage users in device development inevitably affects the quality of clinical outcomes. A model of user engagement is presented, turning unmet needs for medical devices into viable commercial propositions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study investigating the perceptions of individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), their lay and professional carers into unmet needs. EB is an inherited condition affecting the skin and mucosal linings that leads to blistering and wounds.

Findings

Qualitative data are being collected to generate understanding of unmet needs and wound care products. These needs are being translated into new design concepts and prototypes. Prototypes will be evaluated in an n=1 experimental design, generating quantitative outcomes data.

Originality/value

There are generalisations from the case study, and the model outlined. New products for managing EB wounds can logically benefit other groups. The model is transferable to other clinical problems, which can benefit from research and technological advances that are integral to clinical needs and care.
A retrospective on access to health care
Authors: van der Reis Leo , Xiao Qian , Savage Grant
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a general review about the major programs and factors characteristic of major changes in the health care access, from both consumer and provider perspectives. Customers' perspective emphasizes the fiscal control, with particular focus on the agencies that function as fiscal intermediaries and enablers, such as insurance companies. Providers' perspective concentrates on providers of health care services, such as physicians, nurses, technicians as well as various types of medical care facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical approach was adopted to address the health care access issue, a general concept that summarizes the specific dimensions describing the fit between the patient and the health care system.

Findings

It is self‐evident that reform is needed and that major efforts should be made to remedy shortcomings in order to safeguard the health and welfare of the nation.

Originality/value

To achieve the goal of a truly caring commonwealth, we must improve quality and safety in health care, increase access and utilization of technology, promote greater consumer involvement at all stages, restructure the medical malpractice system to reach all who may be injured by systemic errors, and develop sustainable financing less subject to the vagaries of state revenues. However, the access issue still remains a basic and important problem we have to confront.
An e‐health trend plan for the Jordanian health care system: a review
Authors: Ahamd Awad Rawabdeh Ali
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the potential of e‐health by focusing explicitly on the delivery of health care products and services. The examination of e‐health activity is guided by one broad research question, “What is the potential for constructing e‐health strategy as an innovative health technology?”. A great amount of attention has been given to e‐health activity in the present day. However important this form of e‐health is, this type of service simply does not face the same constraints that must be addressed by those actually delivering health care services.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed a qualitative data collection technique to formulate more examples and cases to derive lessons for Jordan. Phone interviews in a random sample were conducted with corporate officers in Jordan in order to reveal the internal organizational structure and business trends, interface issues, marketing strategies, as well as comparing and contrasting the online health world to the traditional health care realm.

Findings

Internet‐related projects is a top priority for health care information technology executives in the present day, with a cautious approach toward “e‐health”, as many products have yet to mature, and that the “click and mortar” model may perhaps be the optimal strategy for e‐health in Jordan.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reviews the e‐health trends to demonstrate the tremendous potential for health‐related commercial activity on the internet. However, the researcher examining the barriers facing e‐health to the Jordanian health system also pointed out almost insurmountable challenges.

Practical implications

Despite the apparent promise of e‐health, its instability is measured by its failure so far to systematically penetrate the organization of health care. Beyond the pragmatic negotiation of e‐health in the immediate context of clinical practice, there are wider issues about how the development/implementation of e‐health is funded, about its organization and management at the policy level; and about its potential medico‐legal risks.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the handful of ventures into cyber medicine appears to be coming from a few enterprising physicians who have set up medical practices on the Web.
Towards a sustainable framework for computer based health information systems (CHIS) for least developed countries (LDCs)
Authors: Nkrumah Gordon Abekah , Ebo Hinson Robert
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for a theoretical framework by which development of computer based health information systems (CHIS) can be made sustainable. Health Management and promotion thrive on well‐articulated CHIS. There are high levels of risk associated with the development of CHIS in the context of least developed countries (LDC), thereby making them unsustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based largely on literature survey on health promotion and information systems.

Findings

The main factors accounting for the sustainability problem in less developed countries include poor infrastructure, inappropriate donor policies and strategies, poor infrastructure and inadequate human resource capacity. To counter these challenges and to ensure that CHIS deployment in LDCs is sustainable, it is proposed that the activities involved in the implementation of these systems be incorporated into organizational routines. This will ensure and secure the needed resources as well as the relevant support from all stakeholders of the system; on a continuous basis.

Originality/value

This paper sets out to look at the issue of CHIS sustainability in LDCs, theoretically explains the factors that account for the sustainability problem and develops a conceptual model based on theoretical literature and existing empirical findings.
Quality of health care: an absolute necessity for public satisfaction
Authors: Sajid M.S. , Baig M.K.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the value of consumers (patients) to assess the success or failure of a healthcare system.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation of current healthcare in the NHS from a patient perspective culminating in suggestions and methods to achieve a patient responsive system.

Findings

The provision of best quality health services to patients is a difficult task especially when NHS budgets are being cut and jobs are being lost. NHS executives and managers claim that these redundancies will improve the quality of healthcare for the patient. However, running the NHS like a corporate organization is questionable as the way forward. There is no question of making profit (as is the norm in any corporate organization) and saving money at the expense of patient care.

Originality/value

In order to find out the real performance of a healthcare system like the NHS, the satisfaction of the public should be the sole criteria for judgement.
Local search and rescue teams in the United States
Authors: Denver Megan , Perez Jaime , Aguirre B.E.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide background information on a rarely studied response capability of communities across the USA, local, mostly volunteer search and rescue (SAR) teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Information on local teams was collected from January 2005 until February 2006 through internet searches, online SAR organization lists, and by e‐mailing a survey to local teams. A smaller, previously used database was used to verify the final list of teams and 57 new teams were added in this manner. An SPSS database was created using all the fields collated from the survey.

Findings

It was found that there are 1,150 teams in the USA, which range from one team per State to 79 teams in California. Local SAR teams had a quicker response time than federal teams, while maintaining better equipment and training than emergent volunteers. These teams, unlike the federally funded US&R teams, rely mostly on donations and community fundraisers to continue operating.

Research limitations/implications

Missing data were the most consistent problem faced. Web sites, web links and e‐mail addresses often had expired or did not contain the right information, some teams existed without having a web site (and therefore were not included in the database); also response to the e‐mail survey was low.

Practical implications

Integrating interested local SAR teams into official multi‐organizational disaster and emergency responses could provide valuable additional resources to emergency and incident managers, would allow for better funding for local SAR, and could facilitate recognition to these often overlooked teams.

Originality/value

This paper provides preliminary information on local SAR teams in the USA.