bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key steps to implementing a successful blended learning strategy
Authors: Baldwin‐Evans Kay
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper proposes to illustrate how organisations can successfully establish a blended learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a structure for combining formal and informal learning resources within a blended learning model and outlines the eight key steps followed by organisations already implementing a successful integrated learning strategy. Draws on pedagogical information provided by Dorman Woodall, director of SkillSoft Learning, and includes data gathered from a variety of SkillSoft's Fortune 500 customers.

Findings

Many organisations now recognise that on‐demand solution finding is a primary source of employees' daily learning and are searching for ways to support this informal learning in tandem with their more formalised training programmes. Since both methods are essential to increasing workplace skills, tremendous strategic and tactical performance gains are available from this blending of formal training with informal learning. The ideal blended learning model is one that integrates a wide range of functions that empower learners with more control to participate in several formal and informal learning activities. The highest level of blended learning is an easily‐accessible and searchable combination of formal and informal learning with a learner‐centric focus.

Practical implications

Outlines an overall structure for implementing sequential formal training events and random informal blended learning activities.

Originality/value

Provides a blueprint for anyone seeking to introduce a blended learning strategy.
E‐learner experiences: what is the future for e‐learning?
Authors: Ettinger Andrew , Holton Viki , Blass Eddie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the future for e‐learning is as bright as it has previously been heralded, or whether it is likely to fade into the background over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on 29 research case studies.

Findings

The importance of time and commitment are drawn out, suggesting that a slower pace of development may not necessarily be a bad thing. Organisations need to focus on what really matters – creating an environment that truly values learning, which for many may involved a substantial culture change. The importance of communication, promotion and marketing are presented, with the commitment from the top giving e‐learning the necessary status it needs in order for it to be taken seriously throughout the company. Selection of technology is also important as this can be a limiting factor to further e‐learning development.

Practical implications

Broader considerations for discussion as to whether an organisation is truly committed to an e‐learning future or not.

Originality/value

This article concludes the series by focussing on what the research tells us for the future development of e‐learning.
Building “civilisational competence”: a new role for libraries?
Authors: Caidi Nadia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the changing role and image of libraries and librarians, along with the overall information culture prevalent in four Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries that were undergoing socio‐political changes. The core question investigated in this article is whether libraries as social and cultural institutions have a role to play in enabling individuals to acquire the types of skills and competencies that extend far beyond the realm of the library walls to encompass practices that translate into various spheres of individuals' lives, including their participation in political, economic and civic life.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted in 1999 with 49 library policymakers in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic (and selected follow‐up interviews were conducted in 2002), to shed light on the role of libraries in social and political reconfigurations of their nations.

Findings

The library is a ubiquitous component of the information environment of any society and plays a critical role in connecting information resources and services with users. Yet, despite their ubiquity and centrality in the production, management and dissemination of information in society, libraries have been largely neglected in many CEE countries. Libraries can play a critical role in political reconfiguration of their nation by building the types of skills and competencies that will empower individuals and thereby contribute to shaping an information culture that imeets the needs of the time.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to one's understanding of the political dimensions of the provision of information resources.
The public sphere and discursive activities: information literacy as sociopolitical skills
Authors: Andersen Jack
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide some theoretical considerations concerning information literacy so as to contribute to a theoretically informed point of departure for understanding information literacy and to argue that to be an information literate person is to have knowledge about information sources and that searching and using them is determined by an insight into how knowledge is socially organized in society.

Design/methodology/approach

Using concepts from composition studies that deal with the question of what a writer needs to know in order to produce a text, the paper outlines some ideas and key concepts in order to show how these ideas and concepts are useful to our understanding of information literacy. To demonstrate how information‐literacy is to have knowledge about information sources and that searching and using them is determined by an insight into how knowledge is socially organized in society, the paper takes a point of departure in Habermas' theory of the public sphere.

Findings

Concludes that information seeking competence is a sociopolitical skill, like reading and writing skills, connected to human activity. Searching for documents in information systems is a complex and sociopolitical activity. As an expression of human activity we might say that searching for documents and reading and writing constitutes each other. The genre knowledge necessary in reading and writing does also apply when seeking information in systems of organized knowledge as the forms of information determine what can be expected and found in these systems. Information literacy covers, then, the ability to read society and its textually and genre‐mediated structures. Information literacy represents an understanding of society and its textual mediation.

Research limitations/implications

Locating an understanding of information literacy in a broader discursive framework requires us to rethink our hitherto concepts and understandings of information literacy as socio‐political skills and not mere technical search skills

Originality/value

Rarely is information literacy discussed and understood from social‐theoretical perspectives. This article illuminates how an analysis of information literacy from the perspective of the theory of the public sphere can open up for an understanding of information literacy socio‐political skills. Thus, the article has contributed with a new interpretation of information literacy.
Factors that influence the use of library resources by faculty members
Authors: Korobili Stella , Tilikidou Irene , Delistavrou Antonia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the use of library resources, focusing on e‐sources, by the members of the faculty of a higher educational institute in Thessaloniki, Greece; to reveal the factors which influence the effective use of sources for academic duties; and to provide reliable information to both the administration and the library of the institute, with the aim of the improvement of library services.

Design/methodology/approach

A census survey, using a structured questionnaire, among the faculty of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki was conducted to examine the frequency of use of resources, mainly e‐sources, and to reveal the impact of demographic or academic situational characteristics, the assumed positive influence of academic productivity, perceived usefulness of resources and access to e‐sources on the use of e‐sources as well as the assumed negative influence of barriers and computer anxiety on the use of e‐sources.

Findings

The great majority of the faculty of TEI uses printed sources more than e‐sources, but they also use e‐sources quite frequently. Use is mostly of books, websites and printed journals. It was also found that the use of e‐sources is higher in the School of Business Administration and Economics among those who hold a PhD degree and among younger members of the faculty. Also, the results indicated that the use of e‐sources is positively influenced by the respondents' perceived usefulness of resources, the convenience of access to the sources and their academic productivity. The examination of the computer anxiety rating scale (CARS) provided evidence that the less anxious the faculty feel about PCs, the more frequent users they become.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to measure how faculty interact with information, what kind of electronic sources they prefer, what search strategies they use, as well as whether their information needs are satisfied. This research needs to be duplicated to other universities in Greece to determine whether the results can be generalized for Greek academic faculty.

Practical implications

University administrations need to improve library facilities, to include more workstations for access to electronic sources, as well as to improve the marketing and communication of these e‐sources.

Originality/value

This research tries to fill a gap in the literature, which has underemphasized so far the need for assessing and measuring the use of library resources in Greek academic libraries and the examination of the factors that influence this use.
The information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrant southern Sudanese youth in the city of London, Ontario: an exploratory study
Authors: Hakim Silvio Dominic
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate the information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrant southern Sudanese Youth in the city of London, Ontario, in Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

Using focus group supported with semi‐structured interviews, personal observation and examination of relevant records, data were collected from 24 youths in the different communities within the city of London. A simple percentage was used to analyze the data. The study examined information needs, sources and information seeking behaviour as well as problems encountered by the youth in a bid to obtain information.

Findings

That the information needs of immigrant southern Sudanese youths in the city of London, Ontario are mainly academic in nature. Their chief sources of information included colleagues, friends, neighbors and relatives – respondents tend to seek information that is easily accessible, preferably from interpersonal sources, unless there is a particular reason for avoiding interpersonal sources. Although most of the respondents knew what information is and its importance, results also showed that lack of awareness about where to obtain information on education and apprenticeship training is the most common problem of the southern Sudanese youths. Ways to facilitate information seeking and use are indicated.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are: the use of participants selected through purposive sampling (convenience samples cannot be representative of the population as a whole); by using individual interviews as well as focus groups the size of the sample was restricted.

Practical implications

Given that this research indicates that the means and sources of information seeking found in the southern Sudanese youth in the city of London are no longer adequate, practical suggestions that would facilitate information seeking and use among immigrant southern Sudanese youth in the city of London are given.

Originality/value

This pilot study on the information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrant southern Sudanese youths in general is the first of its kind ‐ no research has preceded it. Moreover, there seems to be no interest on the part of information professionals to undertake empirical research concerning the information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrants in Canada, although in the United States of America there is an ongoing research interest.
Digital library futures: collection development or collection preservation?
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To argue that theoretical models from non‐LIS disciplines can be of practical benefit to practitioner LIS research. In the area of digitisation collection development policy, such models highlight the importance of digital library preservation issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An application of formal models from cultural theories derived from structuralism and semiotics to LIS problems.

Findings

Theoretical models from non‐LIS disciplines help illustrate and understand problems such as developing information literacy in the digital library environment or creating a balance between the need to develop new digital collections and the preservation of the digital collections which have already been created.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical argument that could be tested by practical case study investigation.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that resourcing should be applied to digital preservation activity rather than a fresh round of digitisation of print originals, the preservation implications of which are uncertain.

Originality/value

This paper gives some original perspectives on practical LIS challenges by applying abstract ideas from the area of cultural theory and applied linguistics.
A comparative study on overlapping of search results in metasearch engines and their common underlying search engines
Authors: Isfandyari Moghaddam Alireza , Parirokh Mehri
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The age of the information explosion, effective access to the most relevant resources available on the internet is one of the chief concerns for users. Familiarity with types of search tools is required. One of the search tools designed to solve this problem for internet users is the metasearch engine (MSE). The purpose of this paper is to assess how far this search tool is truly effective in solving users' problems of Internet access.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines MSEs in terms of recall ratio in retrieving documents indexed and ranked highly (1–10) within their common underlying search engines (SEs). Five general MSEs in English, which are free of charge, were utilized in this research. In order to calculate the recall ratio of MSEs, five well known MSEs which have four common underlying SEs were chosen. Then, selected keywords were searched in each SE and MSE. Two lists were prepared: one list was based on the first ten results recalled by the SE, and the other was based on the first 40 results recalled by the MSE. These lists were compared with each other. An equation was utilized in this process.

Findings

The findings indicate that MSEs are more likely to find the same documents which are common in their underlying search engines.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers a rigorous quantitative method for comparative evaluation of MSEs.

Practical implications

Furthermore, MSEs which have a successful recall ratio are identified, which is a finding of great practical relevance to library and information practitioners helping users exploit the Internet to best effect.

Originality/value

This paper provides clear descriptive evidence for the underlying retrieval patterns of important search tools which are commonly used by internet users today.
The sand cone model: illustrating multi‐focused strategies
Authors: Takala Josu , Leskinen Juha , Sivusuo Henry , Hirvelä Jarkko , Kekäle Tauno
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Researchers are keenly searching methods of analyzing, developing and implementing multi‐focused strategies. This is a challenging task because they are quite difficult to structure and, therefore, to assimilate. This study aims to present a new method that can be used further to assist decision‐makers in analyzing, evaluating and structuring strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this constructive case study, an illustrative sand cone model of the different levels and their relative importance ratings is developed using the AHP method. In total, 21 experts in strategies and tactics were involved in the three‐stage model development process.

Findings

With the help of this visualization model, implementation of a multi‐focused strategy in the case study organization was found to have a better fit for strategic decision making.

Originality/value

This is a unique research paper.
International joint venture (IJV) directors' contribution to board effectiveness
Authors: Petrovic Jelena , Kakabadse Andrew , Kakabadse Nada K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the governance of international joint ventures (IJVs).

Design/methodology/approach

Through focusing on IJV boards and top teams, examination of the current debate regarding IJV directors' contribution to board performance and effectiveness is undertaken and, in so doing, directions for future research are identified.

Findings

The literature review reveals that little consideration has been given by researchers to the work of the IJV board and the role and contribution of IJV board directors to board effectiveness. Further, it is concluded that current understanding of IJV board functioning and the ways in which directors of IJV boards contribute to board effectiveness remains incomplete.

Originality/value

Apart from highlighting the need for further study into the role and contribution of IJV board directors to board effectiveness, the paper suggests ways in which IJV director contribution and performance could be explored further, and offers current practical implications.
The value of the manager in the value chain
Authors: Glaser Stan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

It is argued that the management of the diverse commercial imperatives of the participants in the value chain is partly achieved by negotiation. Seeks to describe the mechanism by which negotiation achieves satisfactory outcomes, capturing ome of the strategic financial impacts by the cash conversion coefficient and its derivative, the velocity of money.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the ways in which negotiation contributes to the mutual benefit of partners in the value chain.

Findings

It is demonstrated, using the metric of money, that both parties can be better off, and shows the “value” they bring to the partnership.

Originality/value

A demonstration of why market‐based, negotiated outcomes leave both parties to a transaction better off. Inter alia introduces the concept of the velocity of money in an industrial context.
Finding one's voice: the poetry of reflective practice
Authors: Joy Hiley Tricia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal links between managers developing their reflective practice and the emergence of poetic expression in their writing.

Design/methodology/approach

The author runs the Master's year of a university program that helps business leaders', managers, professionals and consultants develop their abilities for leading and managing major change projects using action research. She reflects back over the 12 years of the program and recognizes a link between the development of reflective practice and the emergence of poetry and, increasingly, poetic expression.

Findings

At the same time as participants' actions are involving them in dynamically complex issues, working beyond events and into the forces that shape change, it is possible to reflect on what they are learning and how they might express it. As they slow down their thinking, become more reflective and inquire into the assumptions on which their actions are based, and then attempt to articulate this, they begin to experience the re‐sounding of their own voices. For many, poetry emerges – in the margins – at the edge of what can be said in words.

Practical implications

A major implication for universities and researchers is the realization that a shift from the non‐participating “researcher” to the participating “I” is much more than grammatical. Each constitutes a different socially constructed world, uses a different language and is borne on a different voice.

Originality/value

There is everyday, practical value in realizing that reflective practice and poetic expression are linked, and that expressing our “selves” in texts that are vital breathes life into our words and our actions in the world.
Designing the strategic planning process: does psychological type matter?
Authors: Jennings David , Disney John J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the empirical literature concerning the design of the strategic planning process and its relationship to environmental, organizational, strategic and psychological factors. The paper aims to focus on psychological type and its relationship to planning preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of 187 managers' profiling their psychological type (using a short version of the MBTI, Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and their preferences towards configuring the strategic planning process. A review of the literature finds inconsistent conclusions. The results of a study of the relationship between psychological type and planning preferences are reported.

Findings

The study finds some inconsistent evidence for the importance of psychological type but greater support for the conclusion that the characteristics of strategic situations, rather than a manager's psychological type, determine configuration of the strategic planning process.

Research limitations/implications

The existing bias towards examining the environmental, organizational and strategic context of organizations appears to be the more appropriate path for developing explanations of strategic planning design.

Practical implications

For managers involved in the practice of planning the literature review a basis is provided for reviewing their own planning process. Educators and trainers using the MBTI in planning simulations should be aware of the lack of its reliability in predicting preferences concerning planning.

Originality/value

The article reviews contextual studies that have implications for the design of the strategic planning process and develops understanding of a comparatively neglected contextual factor, psychological type.
Exploration of internal service systems using lean principles
Authors: Maleyeff John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to provide insight into the management of an internal service system derived from a perspective of Lean management. These internal service systems would exist within professional service units of development, engineering, information technology, human resources, and consumer affairs.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta‐analysis of approximately 60 internal service systems was performed. The objectives of the meta‐analysis were: identification of structural similarities; categorization of wasteful activities; tabulation of typical problems; and synthesis and exploration.

Findings

Internal service systems have numerous common structural characteristics, including the importance of information, process flows across functions, many hand‐offs of information, hidden costs and benefits, and no explicit motivation for urgency. The wasteful activities can be classified into seven groups: delays, reviews, mistakes, duplication, movement, processing inefficiencies, and resource inefficiencies. The most common problems included a lack of standard procedures, long service times, communication breakdowns, and poor personnel management.

Research limitations/implications

Critical insights valuable to a manager of an internal service system are: it is likely that the main service provided is information; it is likely that cross‐functional coordination is required; and it is likely that people play a critical role in the system's performance. These insights can form the basis of cross‐function cooperative improvement efforts.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first known large‐scale assessment of problems and opportunities in applying Lean principles to internal service systems.
Opportunism and unilateral commitment: the moderating effect of relational capital
Authors: Delerue‐Vidot Hélène
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper focuses on the decision by firms to commit and to invest unilaterally. It is concerned with the intriguing question as to whether unilateral commitments are mechanisms that help a firm manage risks in alliance relationships in a proactive manner.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested with survey data on 344 alliance relationships of European biotechnology small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Findings

In this paper it is shown that unilateral commitments have a positive effect on perceived opportunistic behavior. However, the evidence suggests that, by creating a basis for exchange, relational capital moderates the relationship between unilateral commitments and the perception of opportunistic behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This research adopts a static perspective. It is known that alliances evolve, and develop. Consequently, future research could extend and modify this study along this dimension and analyze the evolution of unilateral commitments through longitudinal research.

Practical implications

From a managerial point‐of‐view, this paper shows that motivation for commitments is different and their effects on risk perception can be contradictory according to the level of relational capital in the inter‐organizational relationship.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few empirical studies that explored the concept of unilateral commitments and provided empirical evidence to highlight the significance of some managerial practices such as building trust.
Impact of color on marketing
Authors: Singh Satyendra
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Color is ubiquitous and is a source of information. People make up their minds within 90 seconds of their initial interactions with either people or products. About 62‐90 percent of the assessment is based on colors alone. So, prudent use of colors can contribute not only to differentiating products from competitors, but also to influencing moods and feelings – positively or negatively – and therefore, to attitude towards certain products. Given that our moods and feelings are unstable and that colors play roles in forming attitude, it is important that managers understand the importance of colors in marketing. The study is designed to contribute to the debate.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews the literature relating to color psychology in the context of marketing, highlights inconsistencies and controversies surrounding the color psychology, and, examines the impact of colors on marketing.

Findings

Findings of the study are that managers can use colors to increase or decrease appetite, enhance mood, calm down customers, and, reduce perception of waiting time, among others.

Research limitations/implications

The direction for future research and limitations of the study are presented.

Originality/value

Reviews the literature relating to color psychology in the context of marketing.
Facilitating talent selection decisions in the music industry
Authors: Seifert Matthias , Hadida Allegre L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to provide a theoretical framework for facilitating talent management decisions in the music industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic decision‐making theory and the resource‐based view of strategy are used to identify the talent‐selection process as a core capability in the entertainment industry. Their original combination leads to the introduction of a framework aimed at facilitating the selection and development of core competencies and capabilities in music companies, and thus at increasing their likelihood of creating and sustaining a competitive advantage based on their artist selection processes.

Findings

The integration of both theories in the music sector leads to the need for the organisation's ability to “improvise” and develop “skilled decision makers”. The industry is identified as an atypical high velocity environment, in which incremental approaches may not be sufficient to adopt by managers, because artist investments usually represent long‐term commitments for the firm. Three different existing types of talent valuation techniques are identified, which can be facilitated by complementing resource‐based and decision‐making perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not discuss differences in the types of music organisations such as publishers, record companies, labels etc. Moreover, it focuses on popular music in general only. Empirical testing of the proposed findings is needed to further validate the capability framework.

Practical implications

The framework provides a managerial guideline for implementing decision models in the music industry and increasing the success rate of artist selection.

Originality/value

The paper uses the specific context of the music industry to introduce a methodology of how organisational decision processes may eventually lead to a sustainable competitive advantage. It provides a starting point for linking resource‐based and strategic decision‐making theory, since it indicates how decision models should be developed from a core capability perspective.
Problematizing the internationalization decision: terrorism‐induced risk
Authors: Liesch Peter , Steen John , Knight Gary , Czinkota Michael R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper offers a conceptualization of the internationalization decision confronted by a firm in an environment of terrorism‐induced risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a conceptualization of the internationalization decision framed from theoretical reasoning and informed by the literature.

Findings

The model presents the internationalization decision, a product/market/mode (PMM) combination, in the case of a terrorism‐free context and in a with‐terrorism context. Using indifference curve mapping of risk/return tradeoffs, an opportunities set of possible PMM combinations and the notion of efficiency, it traces the most attractive opportunities set to show that within this set, the frontier of attractive opportunities is constrained in the with‐terrorism case. Propositions are framed to guide future research. While conditions of risk can be calculated, it is concluded that remaining uncalculable is the true uncertainty incited by the systemic effects of international terrorism that call for managerial judgment.

Originality/value

The literature in this field reports little on the effects of international terrorism on the firm. With heightened awareness of international terrorism, and the changed environment for the firm operating internationally, it is timely that the effects of terrorism on decision‐making in firms be investigated. Advancing beyond description to substantive conceptualization of this decision is an essential step for better understanding of this now pervasive phenomenon.
Spotlight interview with Michael Roberto
Authors: Powell Sarah
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article's purpose is to record an interview with Professor Michael Roberto.

Design/methodology/approach

The article focuses on the importance of stimulating debate and the need to work towards cultivating constructive conflict. Describes the idea behind this approach and explores the challenges involved. Lists the steps to be taken in introducing the process, ensuring maximum participation and avoiding an impasse or the build‐up of potentially damaging bad feeling between participants with opposing viewpoints. Discusses problems of hierarchy and status. Urges leaders to interact closely with front‐line staff to ensure leaders are not fed biased or distorted information or shielded from bad news. Reports that while many companies still avoid conflict, others are recognising its potential benefits when constructively channelled.

Findings

Professor Michael Roberto provides his view of the importance of stimulating debate and the need to work towards cultivating constructive conflict.

Originality/value

This article provides an interview with Professor Michael Roberto focusing on the importance of stimulating debate and the need to work towards cultivating constructive conflict while simultaneously building consensus to optimise the decision‐making process.
Improving self service the six sigma way at Newcastle University Library
Authors: Kumi Susan , Morrow John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To report on the collaborative project between Newcastle University Library and 3M which aimed to increase self‐issue levels using six sigma methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The six‐month long project is outlined and gives an insight into the process improvement methodology called six sigma. An explanation of why we ran the project is given and the Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) phases of the six sigma are described.

Findings

Outlines the long and short term measures which were needed to improve the self‐issue service.

Practical implications

Useful source for other libraries who may wish to improve their self‐issue levels. It is also useful for those who are interested in the use of six sigma in the service sector, more specifically in an academic library.

Originality/value

It was a unique project in that it was the first time 3M had collaborated with a UK academic library on a six sigma project and the first time Newcastle University Library had engaged in this type of process improvement exercise. It shows how in working objectively together both parties improved the self‐issue service in a systematic way.
Digitisation projects at the University of Dundee Archive Services
Authors: Brown Caroline
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the reasons behind, and issues involved in digitisation projects at archival repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses practical examples from the University of Dundee Archive Services to consider why archivists devote time and resources to digitising collections and to mounting digital images online. Advantages to collections, services and users are considered in the context of the archival mission and user expectations.

Findings

Despite the need to divert existing resources or to attract new ones, digitisation is becoming a core activity in many archives.

Originality/value

The paper should be of value to information professionals interested in the use of new technology by the archival profession. Many of the issues raised are cross‐sectoral and not just of interest to the archival world but to anyone with a role in preserving and using records.
Food or facilities? The changing role of catering managers in the healthcare environment
Authors: Baum Tom
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research paper seeks to address the roles that managers within the UK's National Health Service, who are responsible for catering and related facilities management, perform and to consider the responsibilities, in terms of skills, that these roles impose.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a survey of the membership of the Hospital Caterers Association in the UK. The background and training of catering professionals in healthcare are considered together with their long‐term career aspirations.

Findings

The findings of the survey point to a management workforce which has skills which do not closely match the demands of the responsibilities that they carry. In addition, the NHS constitutes a relatively insular labour market within which inward and outward mobility is rare.

Originality/value

This paper is important in understanding the nature of change within the hospital catering management labour market and suggests a need for the NHS, in particular, to address career development in a more structured manner, in view of changing expectations of work in the area.
Design of an artificial neural network predictor for analysis of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing system
Authors: Yildirim Şahin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to present a theoretical analysis on the general behaviour of a thrust bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The model programme using a method adaptation of finite differences was developed to solve the Reynolds equation for lubrication. The model in the theoretical analysis uses a single one‐dimensional grid. The altering of total lubrication load obtained as a result of under‐cutting in the thrust bearing has been determined together with the parameters such as oil film thickness and pressure. Parameters such as the pressure and thickness of the oil film were determined. The hydrodynamic behaviour of thrust bearing was analysed by considering different dimensionless system pressure, speed and geometry of the bearing. The effect of the elastic load due to elastic deflection is taken into account as the load‐bearing characteristics are included. Also, a proposed neural network predictor is utilised to analyse the general behaviour of thrust bearing.

Findings

The results of the proposed neural network predictor give superior performance for analysing of the behaviour of a thrust bearing undergoing in elastic deformation.

Originality/value

This continuation of theoretical and practical study evaluation should be of benefit to thrust bearing designers and researchers, who hopefully will make significant progress as a result.
Computer aided optimization of the hydrostatic radial journal bearings
Authors: Cavdar Kadir
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To characterise the optimal design parameters which are useful in hydrostatic radial journal bearings design.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer program is developed. With this program, designers can determine and select all design parameters of the hydrostatic radial journal bearings. Design parameters are searched with an optimisation algorithm which is used as a multi‐criteria optimisation approach.

Findings

With this approach, the designer can use the time effectively. This approach is faster and more precise than other approaches in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

This approach is valid only for a specific type of hydrostatic journal bearings and within limits of shaft velocity. This approach should be improved.

Practical implications

This approach can especially be used for the hydrostatic journal bearings which are used for shafts‐turned middle velocities.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the requests of the journal bearing designers exactly and quickly. In this research area, there is no another program.
Design guidelines for hydrostatic journal bearings
Authors: Martin J.K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide an up‐to‐date review and design guide for industry users and designers of hydrostatic fluid film journal bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

Detailed study and review of published works dating from 1965 to 2004. Comments and comparisons made on findings and ease of use for each. Design guide study summarised in outline form showing relationships and interdependencies of dimensions and parameters.

Findings

Some previous design recommendations difficult to use owing to errors, ambiguous use of symbols and undefined terms. Terms are frequently interchanged without definition, sometimes in the same paper. Many works difficult and time‐consuming to retrieve and study without access to comprehensive technical library archives.

Research limitations/implications

Work indicated that more evaluation and practical study may be needed for full study. Guideline approach useful for busy designers to help lead understanding through more detailed works available.

Practical implications

A very useful outline summarising the key features of hydrostatic bearings and the relationships between performance and key design parameters and dimensions. A good introduction for designers embarking on a new bearing design or needing to specify an application.

Originality/value

Encapsulates a widely varied and published field with appropriate cautionary commentary on uses and abuses of current design guides.
Study and the implementation of the new technology of piston rings production
Authors: Kaźmierczak Andrzej
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Ferric and ferrous oxides are used for coating of piston rings in order to obtain the layer, facilitating their wearing‐in at the beginning of work. This paper aims to present study and the implementation of the anti‐wear technology of piston rings production with the application of ferrous oxides. Those rings are intended for two‐stroke self‐ignited diesel engines used for driving the diesel locomotives.

Design/methodology/approach

It was decided to use magnetite, Fe3O4, together with a binding agent, sodium metasilicate. Working out the adequate technology of filling the grooves of piston rings required performing a broad research range. It is possible to apply three different technologies. In order to find out which of the three methods of filling grooves gives the best results, the series of experiments were planned.

Findings

Experimental results cover the variability intervals of input factors enabling the selection of their best combination by the analysis of the regression function. The paper describes the experimental plan for the wet technology with water‐glass, since it occurred to be the best considering the equipment of the factory in which it was implemented. In order to cover the variability field of input factors, the multifactor Hartley's plan was applied. On the basis of the performed investigations, it was found that all input factors are significantly influencing the filling quality of ring grooves on piston rings.

Practical implications

This technology in one of the Polish factories in piston rings production was implemented. The implemented technology allows the production of approximately 500,000 rings annually.

Originality/value

The paper presented a new anti‐wear technology of the sealing piston rings for diesel.
Effect of surface roughness on couple stress squeeze film lubrication of long porous partial journal bearings
Authors: Bujurke N.M. , Naduvinamani N.B. , Tasneem Fathima Syeda , Benchalli S.S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of surface roughness on the squeeze film characteristics of long porous partial journal bearings with couple stress fluids as lubricant.

Design/methodology/approach

The Stokes couple stress fluid model is included to account for the additives effects of lubricant. The Christensen's stochastic method developed for the hydrodynamic lubrication of rough surfaces is used to derive the stochastic Reynolds type equation accounting for the surface roughness and couple stresses. In the context of Christensen's stochastic theory for the hydrodynamic lubrication of rough surfaces, two types of one‐dimensional surface roughness (longitudinal and transverse) patterns are considered. The non‐linear first order differential equation governing the journal center movement is solved numerically by using the fourth order R‐K method.

Findings

From the numerical computations of the results, it is found that, the effect of couple stresses is to increase the load carrying capacity and also the response time. The effect of surface roughness is to increase (decrease) the load carrying capacity and the response time for transverse (longitudinal) roughness pattern. However, the effect of permeability parameter is to decrease the load carrying capacity and also to decrease the response time as compared to the solid case.

Originality/value

The original findings on the combined effects of surface roughness and couple stresses on the squeeze film characteristics of long porous partial journal bearing are of use to the bearing designers.
EHL inlet zone analysis with the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress
Authors: Zhang Y.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop a fairly different EHL inlet zone analysis for investigating the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress effect on line contact EHL film thickness in isothermal conditions. This analysis is purposed to give fast and qualitatively correct results.

Design/methodology/approach

A Grubin‐like EHL inlet zone analysis is derived with closed form of the analytical results of the EHL film thickness, the EHL film pressure, the contact‐lubricant interfacial shear stress and the contact‐lubricant interfacial slipping velocity in the EHL inlet zone based on the assumption of the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress in the EHL inlet zone. In this analysis, the lubricant is allowed to slip at the contact surface; The inlet contact surface shape is known from results referenced in this paper; The physical condition for the presence of the film slippage is incorporated; The lubricated area is divided into different kinds of film slippage zones where are, respectively, applied different governing equations. Three deterministic equations in this analysis are obtained and solving these coupled equations gives the solutions of the boundaries of the slip zone and the percentage reduction of the central film thickness by the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress effect in this EHL.

Findings

Compared with the earlier approaches to the present problem, the present analysis has the advantage of giving fast and qualitatively correct solutions. The results obtained from the present analysis show that the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress effect on EHL film thickness is usually strong when the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress in the EHL inlet zone is low; This effect can greatly reduce the global EHL film thickness especially in severe operating conditions.

Practical implications

A very useful material for the academic researcher and the engineer who are engaged in the study and measurement of the effect of the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress on EHL film thickness and EHL film pressure.

Originality/value

A fairly different EHL inlet zone analysis is originally developed based on the assumption of the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress in the EHL inlet zone. The physical condition for the contact‐lubricant interfacial slippage is first incorporated in this analysis. Deterministic governing equations in this analysis are derived and solving these coupled equations gives the final solutions of the present problem. This analysis has the advantage of giving fast and qualitatively correct solutions. It convincible shows the contact‐lubricant interfacial limiting shear stress effect on EHL film thickness and EHL film pressure in the present EHL.