bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The science behind real estate‐ The disposal of special‐purpose assets
Authors: Mackay Darcy Frank , Kessler‐Park Rachel
Published: June 2007

Mergers and acquisitions and consolidation activities contribute to the supply of technical facilities in the real estate market. The disposal of these special‐purpose assets poses unique challenges, including financial risk, redeployment of highly trained workforces and specialised equipment, and unknown timeframes. This paper will set out to take a deeper look into the internal corporate rationalisation process and the challenges and issues inherent in the disposal of special purpose assets.
The next wave: Refining the future of offshoring
Authors: Rutherford Bruce , Mobley Shawn
Published: June 2007

Offshoring, the process of relocating discrete business functions or processes to foreign locations, is rapidly expanding. Offshoring integrally links real estate decisions to business strategy, offering corporate real estate (CRE) professionals an opportunity to advise and perform at the highest levels of their organisations. Fulfilling this degree of strategic leadership requires knowledge of the issues, opportunities, challenges and tactics involved in the offshoring process. This paper analyses the views and experience of CRE executives involved in offshoring, and prepares the reader to think strategically, act proactively and employ best practices to achieve future success with offshoring.
Positioned for success: Designing the optimal corporate real estate organisation Part 1
Authors: Valenziano Stephen F. , Kious Lynn G.
Published: June 2007

It is tempting to begin the process of reorganisation by taking a blank sheet of paper and rearranging squares and lines. That should, however, be the last step of the process. Redesigning an organisation involves not only thinking about the same things in a different way, but also thinking about issues that have never been considered before. Reorganisation should be viewed as a deep operational innovation that results in far more than an incremental performance improvement. Much of conventional organisational thinking in corporate real estate is inwardly focused. This paper, the first of a three‐part series, suggests beginning with a higher, broader and more comprehensive view of the forces of change and a company’s external environment. It concludes with a review of organisational structures and suggestions for ways to approach an organisational redesign of a CRE department.
Effective churn management for business
Authors: Kaya Sezgin , Williams Bernard
Published: June 2007

Business changes challenge the predictability of the workplace formation. In the broader sense, business change affects workplaces through forming and re‐forming groups, teams and business units, so causing ‘churn’ in workplaces. The aim of this paper is to present research evidence on churn strategies and approaches extracted from the Centre for Facilities Management’s research on five financial organisations based in the City of London, one of the most volatile business environments in the world. The different approaches are analysed systematically to understand the possible impact of churn on business and how to deal with it effectively. In this paper the evidence of the link between business and workplace change is explored, and a background for consensus on churn processes is discussed. The findings and conclusions are then compared with previous studies by Bernard Williams Associates for the practical implications.
Structuring effective real estate outsourcing and preferred provider relationships in the global environment
Authors: Hagy James
Published: June 2007

Companies may seek tremendous advantage through the consolidation of corporate real estate requirements with leading real estate brokers or advisors under a comprehensive service arrangement. Such relationships require crafting the business structure and contract provisions to promote the objectives of both parties. The successful outsourcing relationship must begin with the realisation that each customer and service provider deserves a unique set of terms, founded upon mutual understanding and the realities of the diverse markets in which the services will be performed. Where the parties take the time and care to share common expectations, the scope and quality of service can be articulated in a positive and definitive manner to the personnel responsible for performance. Incentives can be aligned to provide a sufficient and competitive motivation for client and advisor alike. Through this process, the agreement can serve as a platform to the mutually beneficial relationship for which the parties had hoped.
Improving partnering results: Managing alliances for optimum outcomes
Authors: Ronco William
Published: June 2007

Although corporate real estate organisations use partnering and alliances extensively, many alliances fail or fall short of expectations. Such shortfalls result from corporate real estate’s traditional emphasis on making the deal rather than on managing it for the long term, the limited skills set that even experienced managers possess when it comes to true collaboration, and the sheer complexity of managing alliances. To improve partnering results, the author outlines a four point plan based on successful partnering methods used in large construction projects: (1) bring all the key players together specifically to address and manage communications issues, (2) clarify partnering goals by writing and signing a Goals Statement, (3) develop specific communications procedures and (4) build mutual understanding and trust with tools such as the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator and collaborative communications skills.
The Nortel Brampton Centre: The real estate vision and strategy
Authors: Dohner Roy F.
Published: June 2007

This case study describes how Nortel’s real estate function relocated its worldwide headquarters headquarters with the entire 3,000 staff to Brampton, a 30‐year‐old factory owned by the company.
The own v lease decision ‐ Myth and reality
Authors: Golan Mark
Published: June 2007

The own versus lease decision is a surprisingly controversial topic. Although the issues driving the decision appear straightforward, they are interpreted differently, leading corporations to make opposite decisions in similar circumstances. Overall, however, the author’s experience is that the current trend is away from ownership. In the slower‐moving decades of the past, corporations chose to own their real estate to keep control of their place of work. These buildings were often constructed specifically for their use and were as much image statements as places of work. Today, the pendulum of popular opinion has swung to the other extreme. In an era where asset metrics such as EVA (Economic Value Add) and ROA (Return on Assets) are in vogue, it is no longer acceptable for corporations to invest funds in capital‐intensive assets that are not central to the company’s business. Under the banner of flexibility and better asset utilisation, many companies have adopted a ‘lease only’ policy and refuse to own any building, even their corporate headquarters. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Although easy to follow and implement, simple rules such as ‘own everything’ or ‘lease everything’ don’t work. Each decision needs to be assessed against a number of criteria which determine the relative advantages of leasing or owning in a given situation. It is an environment in which many myths have emerged. The following paper outlines many of the issues involved in own v lease decisions and reviews some of these myths. By providing a framework for making the decision, it asserts that, as with most major business decisions, there is no getting away from the need for an intelligent analyst.
The location mystique: Understanding why companies with great sites fail and what to do about it
Authors: Fenker Richard
Published: June 2007

Often, real estate factors are given much of the credit for a particular site’s success or failure
when it comes to sales. The current paper asserts that some of the praise or blame heaped onto real estate decision‐makers may be undue. Sometimes success or failure is due to non‐real estate factors such as a marketing or advertising strategy, operations, or brand awareness. The paper discusses non‐real estate variables that contribute to a site’s overall success or failure, and offers diagnostics and suggestions to help address non‐real estate problems that could influence sales.
Estimating the cost of capital
Authors: Ward Charles
Published: June 2007

This paper introduces the ways of estimating the cost of capital. It briefly reviews the main theories of capital structure before explaining how the use of fixed‐interest debt finance might affect the cost of capital. It then considers ways of estimating the cost of equity and finally brings results together. Two final issues are considered: how the cost of capital can be used to appraise projects like the ones the firm is already undertaking; and how it can be used to consider projects that lie outside the normal range of business activities of the firm.
Workplace solutions
Authors: Bell Stephen M. , Anderson Marty
Published: June 2007

Real estate professionals are recognising the positive impact they can have on their corporation’s
competitiveness by providing workplace solutions that enhance individual and team performance. To develop successfully workplace solutions that meet both today’s and tomorrow’s needs of the organisation, the workplace design process must incorporate new ways of thinking about work; include team members who until recently were not involved in workplace design; and provide physical solutions that meet the definition of ‘agile’ (easily adaptable, flexible, and varied) environments. This paper discusses the evolution of work and the changes that have occurred in the workplace in an effort to meet these new workplace needs. The traditional models used for programming and planning the physical environment are no longer effective when dealing with workplaces for today’s knowledge workers. The importance of developing new processes for identifying ‘tomorrows’ workplace requirements; the team members who must be involved to develop and implement these new solutions successfully; and the types of physical environments that must be created in order to enhance workplace and worker performance are all integral in the development of the high performance
workplace.
Could e‐business create a competitive advantage in UK SMEs?
Authors: Pavic S. , Koh S.C.L , Simpson M. , Padmore J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the understanding of e‐business, competitive advantage and their roles in the UK SMEs. This paper uses case studies to examine what is needed for SMEs to change from an “old” traditional business strategy to a new “e” business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of academic and practitioner literature related to IT, e‐business, and different business models is reviewed. Nine case studies were used to collect information from SMEs in the UK.

Findings

It may be possible for some SMEs to integrate the internet technology into an overall strategy and this new technology could lead to a competitive advantage. However, owners' attitudes towards new technology, the knowledge and skills of management and the workforce are recognised as potential problematic issues.

Originality/value

The results of an academic literature review and nine case studies were employed to construct a prototype of an e‐business model named “Competitive Advantage Through E‐business” (CATE‐b). In that respect the CATE‐b prototype model identifies possible e‐business application areas and proposes a plan for e‐business integration.
Networked enterprise: a case study of implementing an information network system for global product development
Authors: Yam Anthony Y.K. , Chan Michael F.S. , Chung Walter W.C.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The challenge of global product design and manufacturing in the networked enterprise is to have an information hub supported by an information infrastructure that is difficult to imitate by competitors. The global company can use this global network to share information among its members and provide fast response to customers. The purpose of this paper is use to the dispersed production network to show where knowledge management can be deployed in operations for gaining competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was selected as the research method. The case of Hasbro Far East Ltd is presented to depict the components of the information hub and why knowledge management can be effectively deployed in the management of the collaborative product development process.

Findings

The findings of the case study support the argument that the streamlined collaborative process can be institutionalised in the form of information hub to facilitate the use of a new business model for global product design and outsourced manufacturing. The new business model guides an incremental approach in transforming the operations of a global enterprise which serves a show case in business process management for benchmarking.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers a business model of knowledge management in networked enterprise for global product design and manufacturing. The success of using the model depends on the sponsor in the creation of the knowledge‐based system and the ability in resolving conflicts through information sharing among members of networked enterprise. Future research should concentrate on developing enterprise performance tools to facilitate the alignment of views from different participants of the network so that they can become sponsors earlier in committing to the development of an information hub for knowledge management and achieve the new dispersed production network business model.

Originality/value

Findings may pose interesting implications for global entrepreneurs, policymaker, suppliers and supporting institutions, for the way they work together to gain the most benefits and competitive advantage from the new business model.
A study on building of a common gateway for secure exchange and transmission of electronic business message
Authors: Chiu Ruey‐Kei , Yu Shiao‐Ping , Lenny Koh S.C.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To present a research model attempting to build an innovative common gateway complaint with Rosettanet Standards for the secure message exchange between electronic businesses under this age of internet economy. The use of Rosettanet Standards is to achieve the effectiveness and efficiency of message exchange and consequently gain mutual benefits by means of agile response for cross‐organizational co‐operation.

Design/methodology/approach

The common service gateway is modeled by taking the advantages of transmission comply with the standard model specified by RosettaNet among business trading partners involved in supply chain system. A prototyping system compliant with the model presented is built and installed as a gateway interface of digital firms and seamlessly integrate to the firm's backend information system to conduct the message exchange with its business trading partners. The prototype is also implemented to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of this proposal of innovative model.

Findings

Through the practical experiment, the service model provided can really assist the firms using this service gateway to conduct its peer trading partners with having same gateway installed may streamline their flow of business data and create a higher value of supply chain between them in terms of communication and operation costs.

Research limitations/implications

More experiments and trials of the prototyping system need to be conducted in different test cases in order to make a concrete conclusion of this paper.

Practical implications

The adoption of international standard model is easier to implement a supply chain system and the business value is also can be achieved if the electronic data exchange is carried over the internet.

Originality/value

The system model presented in this paper can be a valuable reference for further similar development to build an electronic business to achieve the low cost, high efficiency, high security message exchange for digital firms at this internet era.
A strategic selection of channel satisfaction model by using neuro‐fuzzy
Authors: Wang Jui‐Lin , Ho Chien‐Ta , Lin Chin‐Shien , Chou Shihyu
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This research, based on the idea of contingency fit, attempts to construct a strategic selection system to select the best fit competency of channel strategic selection by using neuro‐fuzzy technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Neuro‐fuzzy technique is used.

Findings

In addition to, providing a concrete bilateral solution to select the right and better fit competency of channel strategy and giving an alternative way to explain fit, this strategic selection system can also be used as a competency diagnosis system for channel members in the supply chain organization, providing clues for further channel performance promotion and channel modernization.

Originality/value

Through the literature and construction of strategy channel satisfaction model (SCSM) concepts and ideas, an empirical study of the Asian Commerce Community meet distribution channel relationships will pose an Asian developed channel modernization perspective of SCSM to discuss the critical marketing strategy selection for the traditional orient “commercial channel”.
Manufacturing strategy auditing for garment making companies
Authors: Hurreeram Dinesh Kumar
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To illustrate the development and use of a manufacturing strategy audit tool for both assessing the current manufacturing strategy and for selecting appropriate alternative strategies with a view to implement benchmarks, specifically in garment making companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a supplement to the existing literature on the process of manufacturing strategy. The methodology is mainly based on the generic frameworks proposed by Platts and Gregory and Skinner and involved the development of a manufacturing strategy audit tool through the use of manufacturing system models constructed for the purpose using the IDEF0 technique. An analysis of the manufacturing system models together with company surveys led to the compilation of data regarding poor, average and better practices within garment‐making companies. The developed audit tool is a compilation of extensive data with regards to these practices for comparison purposes and for setting strategic targets.

Findings

The manufacturing strategy audit tool has been used in five case study companies which have been selected on the basis of their turnover, size and products manufactured. Only one case study has been presented here, as an exemplar, to illustrate the appropriateness of the audit tool for identifying poor, average and good practices for each of the functional areas within the company. Moreover, the use of the audit tool as a guide for the formulation of alternative strategies is illustrated.

Research limitations/implications

The use of the audit approach supported by manufacturing system modelling has been found to be very appropriate for manufacturing strategy formulation and analysis. The present research illustrates its relevance and importance in the garment‐making sector for benchmarking purposes among others. The use of this methodology needs further investigation in other sectors.

Practical implications

Use of the tool has shown promising results in the set of companies considered for the research. It is in fact seen as a vital instrument for garment making companies around the world, willing to achieve enhanced product competitiveness in an era of liberalised apparel trade.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the needs of companies, which see the process of manufacturing strategy formulation and analysis as a myth. It adds to the literature on the process of manufacturing strategy. The novel methodology using the case study technique sets the foundation for all people involved in the organisation to work in teams for identifying areas of poor performance and while appreciating benchmarks within the sector, set targets for meeting better performance levels.
Bridging the gap between scenarios and models
Authors: Fontela Emilio
Published: June 2007

Practitioners of futures research think that most modelling, and especially economic modelling, is concerned with forecasting. Since it is generally agreed that futures research is not concerned with deterministic views of the future, futures researchers have turned their back on quantitative methods, relying instead on scenario methods. However, given the progress made in modelling techniques, there are no reasons to maintain the divorce between futures research and modelling, especially economic modelling. Both can provide interesting insights about the future and these insights can certainly be improved by using all available techniques.
Reshaping universities for the future
Authors: Chareonwongsak Kriengsak
Published: June 2007

The position of universities as thought‐centres of society may not be as tenuous as some suggest, but a significant reshaping of the traditional identity and practices of universities, as we now know them, is necessary. This article examines four trends that loom ahead for universities during the next 20 years: the increasing role of private enterprise in selected areas of research, especially those that are economically viable; a stronger emphasis on business concerns – profits and financial accountability; increased demands to open new areas of academic study; and a new focus on the special interests of sub‐culture groups within academia.
Citizens’ communication capabilities in civil society
Authors: Vihera Marja‐Liisa
Published: June 2007

The study analyses citizens’ communication skills and expectations and demands made on these skills from the perspective of civil society. The work is both a conceptual study of communication skills and an empirical study of the state of these skills at present. Based on analysis, new index measures are presented enabling us to assess changes in citizens’ communication skills. The main conclusion is that empirical analyses prove that people’s communication capabilities are simply not developed enough for the needs of civil society and that civil communities do not have wide access to new communication tools. The telephone as opposed to network communication is the primary means of communication even from the future’s point of view.
Digital discrimination
Authors: Nurmela Juha
Published: June 2007

The aim of this article is threefold: first, to discuss a framework for understanding the penetration of information and communication technology (ICT) in Western households and the abundance of associated risks such as capability deficits, a network society exclusive to internet users leading increasingly to net addicts living in virtual worlds and to new technology asserting new controls and diminishing productive and social human roles; second, to present some pertinent results from a survey conducted in Finnish households describing the selection and adoption of new ICT, regional differences in its use, the rate of growth in its availability and criteria for assessing the success of technology policies; and thirdly, to conceptualize the coming of the information society from the viewpoint of futures research given that much of the information society exists only in the mythical world of advertisements while the real society still retains many of its traditional features. The main conclusion is that the knowledge society, in contrast with the information society, will require the transparency and equality of human‐technology transactions. The ICT already gives possibilities for building explicit knowledge into society such that citizens and consumers are able to make better decisions in terms of being more informed.
Quality, information and maps in the information age
Authors: Kalliola Risto
Published: June 2007

This article highlights the potential challenges facing a number of different sectors in the modern information‐based society and discusses problems relating to the application of digital spatial information systems increasingly used for such diverse purposes as political decision making, commerce and education. The article outlines the rapid evolution of new cartographic data processing techniques and distribution of digital information which produces potential problems relating to the quality and integrity of the used information. The main concern is that low‐cost products of unknown quality standards may gain wide acceptance in everyday use due to the limited availability or high price of better quality geographic data. The main conclusion is that the policies for minimizing potential problems should be to support easy and low‐cost availability of public geographic data for all users, to require the usage of comprehensive metadata in all connections and to carry out quality‐oriented research in the field of digital map production and spatial data management.
Industrial ecology, information and sustainability
Authors: Allenby Brad
Published: June 2007

This article defines the new field of industrial ecology and identifies the fundamental premises which make this approach to the information society a significant improvement over current practices. The article compares the environment as overhead paradigm with the industrial ecology paradigm and uses a conceptual framework to clarify the relationships between industrial ecology, sustainable development and technology. The hypothesis that the information revolution and sustainability are aligned, mutually dependent directions of societal evolution is supported by the analogy of the automotive sector. Over the past 25 years the automobile industry has undergone an almost revolutionary change and the modern automobile is now a profitable product which also offers much improved environmental and social performance and is altogether a more complex system with a far higher information content than its predecessors. However, the limitations of technological evolution in achieving economic, environmental and social sustainability show that simply relying on technology will not avoid the need for difficult and complex political decisions.
The information society: environmental policy perspective and beyond
Authors: Jokinen Pekka
Published: June 2007

This article discusses prospects of strengthening new increasingly global economic activities and environmental governance by focusing on the institutional relationship between information society policy issues and environmental policy issues. These two sets of issues have some common denominators insofar as they are both comprehensive and go beyond traditional sector policy rationalities, as illustrated by the notions of “sustainable development” and “ecological modernization” in the case of environmental issues, and neither can avoid the problem of governance subjects such as social legitimacy and institutional dynamics between the main actors. The article also identifies a more functional relationship between these issues and discusses challenges common to both as well as asking whether there is institutional potential and capacity to find “synergy” by integrating environmental policy elements into moves towards information society and vice versa. The case study of Finland reveals that information society strategy lacks environmental policy objectives and discusses the factors behind this failure. The lack of integration of different policy areas is an issue of organizational power with policy actors showing no real interest in radically changing prevailing bureaucratic institutions and socioeconomic structures. Beyond organizational factors the policy problems seem to be based on the inconsistency of different policy rationalities with information society reasoning being justified by economic‐technical rationality whereas environmental policies are justified by natural scientific rationality, which policy makers do not consider to be in their interests. The article concludes with the assertion that the principles of ecological modernization could potentially unite environmental policies and positive environmental aspects of information society policies.
The role of technology in shaping human society
Authors: Linturi Risto
Published: June 2007

Mankind has not changed biologically throughout history but human society is undergoing continuous development through the harnessing of information and knowledge in the form of various technologies which have affected our value systems, power structures, everyday routines and environment. In an attempt to understand what drives this development, this article suggests that rules, chance and the role of the individual all affect the outcome. The main conclusion is that future society will be divided between those living in either physical or virtual reality and that we are heading towards unprecedented turmoil where there may be much suffering to do before we find a new equilibrium. It is important to distinguish between real options and the unavoidable, in addition to individual deeds, to reach a general consensus enabling progress.
From agriculture to ecoculture
Authors: Godet Michel
Published: June 2007

This article considers the European agricultural battlefield where farmers face the problem of new challenges to the environment and food safety which only add to the problems of productivity or competitiveness. Logical agriculture (or integrated farming) seeks to reconcile economic competitiveness, product quality and safety in the food chain with respect for the environment by using products to preserve the potential for development for future generations and by establishing quality assurance and certification systems to ensure sustainable development. In order to save the rural aspect of agriculture while simultaneously contributing towards sustainable development, the article suggests complementary routes which would smooth the transition from agriculture to ecoculture thereby keeping and reinforcing the trust of the citizen‐consumer.
A sustainable future for the Czech Republic: transition and human values
Authors: Novacek Pavel
Published: June 2007

This article summarizes the main findings of the study entitled Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Czech Republic. Using the methodology of National 21st Century Studies, the study analyses conditions under which particular positive or negative phenomena could appear and identifies key factors for a desirable future, which is understood to mean sustainable development. Four alternative scenarios outline possible current and future trends: a classical monetary market economy, Keynesian monetary market economy, sustainable development scenario and wild card scenario. Human values are considered to be the most important factor in the sustainable development scenario and values compatible and incompatible with sustainable living are briefly discussed in the article.
Emerging economic sectors in the third millennium: leisure time era begins to dominate US economy by 2015
Authors: Molitor Grahm T.T.
Published: June 2007

This second article in a series of six focuses on leisure as one of the impending waves of economic activity projected to dominate the advanced economies over the course of the new millennium. Leisure will begin to dominate jobs and economic activity in the USA around 2015, the date when “free time” will occupy over half of total individual lifetime activity. Businesses providing goods and services to meet leisure‐time demands that will account for the dominant share of gross domestic product (GDP), jobs and livelihoods during the 21st century include: recreation, hospitality, entertainment, travel and tourism, adventure seeking, to name just a few sectors.
Citizen involvement in future drug R&D: a Danish Delphi study
Authors: Moldrup Claus , Morgall Janine Marie , Birna Almarsdóttir Anna
Published: June 2007

This article adopts a prospective approach in an attempt to explore the potential benefit of citizen involvement in decision making concerning future drug R&D. This is one of the first Delphi studies to fully utilize internet technology to collect and process data. The results show an increasing individual autonomy among respondents, which also affects the drug R&D process in general. Human, liberal and ethical values are reported as crucial values to citizens. On this basis, respondents reported that patient organizations, representative citizen groups and ethical councils can contribute with important input to ensure these values in decision making concerning future drug R&D. Paying attention to citizen needs, demands and ideas may protect the research, development and eventual marketing of unacceptable drugs on a societal and ethical level.
The OPEC summit and the future of oil
Authors: Bracho Frank
Published: June 2007

It was the oil crisis of the 1970s that brought OPEC to the world stage, and it is a new oil crisis that may be its downfall. For not only did the Caracas summit sideline the environment, it also neglected the pressing question of alternatives to fossil fuels.
Return of the hothouse flower
Authors: Winger Alan R.
Published: June 2007

Many businesses are attracted by the idea of relocating where the air is clean, housing cheap and labour plentiful. And the information and communications experts are telling them it is possible, thanks to the burgeoning power of the internet and the advent of broadband. So why do those same experts still meet face‐to‐face when they want to innovate?
Emerging economic sectors in the third millennium: the mega‐materials era
Authors: Molitor Graham T.T.
Published: June 2007

This fourth article in a series of six focuses on mega‐material technologies. Offering the ability to deconstruct and reconstruct matter at atomic and sub‐atomic levels to achieve desired properties, mega‐materials are set to radically transform the physical sciences, realising an alchemist’s wildest dreams. Advanced understanding of the bio‐chemistry of life’s instructional genetic codes will be followed by parallel developments in physics and chemistry involving mastery over quantum mechanics, to enable the construction of “designer” materials. Harnessing nanotechnologies will introduce new and novel types of artefact that were previously the stuff of science fiction. Fully understanding and adroitly manipulating sub‐atomic matter will take time, but these technologies are expected to move to a dominant position in the economy between 2200 and 2300.
When everyone’s a winner
Authors: Nagel Stuart
Published: June 2007

Win‐win analysis involves finding alternatives to policy and other problems so that conservatives, liberals and other major viewpoints can all come out ahead of their best initial expectations. Win‐win thinking is increasing, due to such developments as the end of the Cold War, free trade, growth economics and new computerized technologies that provide increased benefits while reducing costs. But above all it is driven by the knowledge that everyone benefits from consensus, and that alternative systems of conflict‐resolution have not served us well in the past.
Managing risks in biotechnology: can we learn from nuclear power?
Authors: Gaivoronskaia Galina , Erik Solem Knut
Published: June 2007

The potential of biotechnology to cure disease and feed the Third World has not eased public disquiet about its safety. In the rush to commercialization, can lessons be learnt from the introduction of nuclear power a generation ago? While France’s nuclear programme stayed on track, America’s was derailed by accidents and corporate secrecy. So is an industry under state control safer than one in private hands? And in the absence of clear evidence about the long‐term effects of genetic manipulation, how can we design a consultation process that addresses public concerns?
ICTs and sustainability: the managerial and environmental impact in Japan
Authors: Jitsuzumi Toshiya , Mitomo Hitoshi , Oniki Hajime
Published: June 2007

There are manifold causal linkages between information and communications technologies (ICTs) and social sustainability. In this article, these linkages are classified into three areas: direct improvement of corporate productivity, changed behaviour of people/organizations, and improved decision‐making capabilities within society. A framework is proposed to analyse the first two of these three linkages, together with the results of a questionnaire survey. These point to a continuous growth trend in Japanese ICT investment with sectoral variations, and statistically significant evidence of ICTs’ contributions to corporate operations and environmental issues.
Greening the super highway: practical steps to sustainability in the information society
Authors: Tochtermann Klaus
Published: June 2007

The EC‐funded Alliance for a Sustainable Information Society (ASIS) was set up to investigate the potential synergy between Information Society Technologies (IST) and sustainable development. While applauding universal access to knowledge and understanding, ASIS warns of the potential “rebound effects” of IST in terms of the environment. Can underlying patterns of lifestyles and behaviour, particularly related to consumption, be reformed? Can IST satisfy our needs at a less material level? Scenario modelling offers some tantalising clues, but points consistently to the need to build a new framework for global consensus.
Balance of nature? sustainable societies in the digital economy
Authors: Ducatel Ken
Published: June 2007

The information society is an engine of growth, but it must be kept on track if it is to serve wider social and environmental goals. While ICTs can foster resource efficiency they may also feed environmentally damaging consumption – paradoxically, the information society could be less sustainable than the industrial society. At the same time, the digital economy’s 24‐hour treadmill is increasing the pressure on individuals, families and societies. To achieve environmental and social equilibrium, should we simply adapt to the demands of the information society, or do we need to rethink our economic and social priorities?
Confidence and Confidentiality: stimulating e‐commerce in europe
Authors: Wilikens Marc
Published: June 2007

Europe’s politicians want to see e‐commerce thrive – not least because it is a market where Europe lags behind the USA. The social and economic promise of e‐commerce will not be fulfilled without safeguarding consumer rights, particularly in the area of data protection. But will such restrictions put a brake on market development? Or are they the only way to inspire consumer confidence, and thus forge a sustainable information society?
Mutually assured development: national security in the information society
Authors: Noerper Stephen E.
Published: June 2007

Resistance is useless: the information society is sweeping the world, subverting official channels and rewriting the international relations rulebook. There’s nothing for governments to do but wait until the dust settles. In the meantime, maybe they will come to see that informed citizens are better than ignorant ones, and that openness and not secrecy is the key to world peace.
The role of nuclear power in the hydrogen fuel cell economy
Authors: Robinson Berol
Published: June 2007

A clean motor car that emits only water vapour – it makes great PR, but the hydrogen to fuel it still has to be produced and distributed. Production requires a lot of energy, generated by ordinary power plants, and distribution requires a new infrastructure. Nuclear power may be a bête noir for some environmentalists, but others now see it as the only way to make the 21st century truly “green”.
Closing the deal: how to make organizations act on futures research
Authors: Glenn Jerome C. , Gordon Theodore J. , dator James
Published: June 2007

At its best, futures research can change priorities and attitudes within organizations, and bring fresh meaning to the present. But its recommendations are not always politically convenient, and a much‐heralded report can be just as discreetly shelved. A key role for futurists is therefore to inspire decision‐makers with alternative futures and choices, demonstrating their technical feasibility, and warning of the consequences of inaction. But behind every corporate decision there is a battle for hearts and minds – and they have rules of their own.
Newton’s novocaine: sharing the spoils of a non‐linear future
Authors: Abeles Tom P.
Published: June 2007

When we inhabit time and space, how can foresight be other than a parallax view? Not only is the ground shifting beneath our feet, but our culture colours our perspective. We replace our imagination with computers and program them with data that is often skewed. We begrudge paying our taxes yet offload risk to the public sector. For the environment in particular, the stakes have never been higher. Faith in the future means we all jump together.
Taking transport out of the loop
Authors: Jensen Peder
Published: June 2007

Without transport there is no activity in society. Thus transport has been allowed to grow more or less unchecked for decades and even centuries. Environmental concerns seem, however, to be on the brink of changing this for good. While the challenge for technology is to provide radically cleaner vehicles and more efficient transport systems, social policy must tackle ways of making more efficient use of the existing transport infrastructure. That means re‐examining many of our working practices and lifestyles, and in particular our right to unrestricted personal mobility.
Data is destiny: health care and human genomics
Authors: Bock Anne‐Katrin , Ibarreta Dolores , Lheureux Karine , Libeau Monique , Nilsagård Hans
Published: June 2007

In February this year the sequence of the human genome was published, opening a new chapter in medicine. Soon genetic testing will be at the heart of diagnosis, epidemiology, drug development and even regenerative medicine. Before we are born there will be new opportunities to remedy genetic defects, and afterwards to make almost lifelong prognoses. The debate will intensify on the use of human embryos in medical research, while the prospect of human cloning will fascinate some scientists and horrify others. Europe needs to be in the vanguard of this new industrial revolution, but a host of ethical concerns must first be addressed – because genomics is as much about privacy as Petri dishes.
Sympathy for the cyborg: research visions in the information socieity
Authors: Bogdanowicz Marc , Leyten Joe
Published: June 2007

Information and communications technologies are encroaching on every sphere of modern life. New modes of networking and cross‐referencing are revolutionizing our management of data and thus the concept of knowledge itself. Now the advent of embedded technology and artificial intelligence promise to re‐open the debate about whether we are becoming masters of technology or its slaves. Co‐ordinating public policy with product‐oriented R&D has never been more important, for either the economic or cultural future of Europe.
Ten insolvable dilemmas of participation and why foresight has to deal with them
Authors: van der Helm Ruud
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Arguably the most distinguishing characteristic of the current rise of foresight for dealing with the long term is the explicit mention and involvement of actors and actor networks, i.e. participation. In general, this participation dimension is considered a valuable contribution to better anticipation and anticipatory behavior. However, participation should not be seen as the solution for the conceptual and practical difficulties of anticipation. This paper seeks to argue that, although participation is a necessary requirement for foresight, it contributes a number of new problems, which one prefers to see as dilemmas (since there is no solution to these “problems”). Understanding these “ten insolvable dilemmas of participation” is the main objective of this contribution.

Design/methodology/approach

This article employs theories and practice dealing with participatory approaches.

Findings

Although an important dimension of foresight, participation is often trivialized. However, using participation means also having to address new challenges for which no default design answer is possible.

Practical implications

Futures practitioners will be aware of the consequences of incorporating a participatory dimension into a foresight exercise.

Originality/value

Although participation has become a key feature of many contemporary foresight activities, generic design questions are either ignored or dealt with on a case‐to‐case basis. This paper is an attempt to employ the body of theories on participation and participatory approaches in order to frame the participatory dimension in foresight.
Combining ICT and cognitive science: opportunities and risks
Authors: Malanowski N. , Compañó R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Many experts consider that the technological convergence of previously separated sciences like nanotechnology, biotechnology, information and communication technologies and cognitive sciences, will – in the long term – impact deeply our society and economy. Key actors in society need to become aware of the challenges linked to converging applications (CA) and take some decision related to processes to develop these. It is hoped that analyzing CA‐related opportunities and risks at a very early stage will contribute to reduce possible adverse effects in the future. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based upon a literature review, complemented with ten expert interviews carried out over the telephone. The interviewees were natural and social scientists familiar with the topic of converging technologies/applications.

Findings

Setting priorities for discussion on research and strategy within and between the various fields of CA benefits from the early involvement of key stakeholders from the very beginning. Formulating and structuring relevant open questions on opportunities and possible risks of CA helps to contribute to a balanced discussion on opportunities and risks and further work on this topic.

Originality/value

The opportunity and risk analysis is exemplified for four promising areas at the intersection of cognitive science and ICT, namely human brain interfaces; speech recognition technologies; artificial neural networks; and robotics.
Which future for libraries?
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Innovation in information and communication technologies, combined with change in social and cultural attitudes, is raising questions about the future for libraries and librarians. This article seeks to examine alternative futures that were developed at a workshop organized by Brisbane City Council in June 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the discussion of provocative discussion points, four possible futures emerged – “the lean, information machine”, “co‐location for community capacity building”, “knowledge navigator”, and “dinosaurs of the digital knowledge era”.

Findings

The library is undergoing a foundational shift in services, design and purpose. To survive and thrive in the future libraries will have to adapt to these changing conditions.

Originality/value

The article identifies some key strategic questions for libraries, particularly those provided by municipal authorities. These strategic questions remain unanswered but this article contributes to the debate.