bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ag lending: the next generation
Authors: Gunderson Michael A. , Detre Joshua D. , Briggeman Brian C. , Wilson Christine A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify relevant financial concepts and skills that are being taught and/or should be taught, as part of the financial management curriculum in undergraduate agricultural economics and agribusiness programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The skill gap analysis uses survey respondents' rankings of the importance and competence scores of recent graduates' skills. The scores help to identify opportunities for improvement in the most critical areas of importance. The skill gap is calculated as (Average importance–Average competence)*Average importance.

Findings

Generally, employers in the agricultural financial services sector saw greater opportunities for improvement in finance skills relative to non‐finance skills. The results also indicated a greater focus on business and financial risk might be helpful in increasing the competence of new hires. Finally, respondents strongly endorsed maintaining a focus on the problem‐solving skills in undergraduate agribusiness programs.

Originality/value

The value of the study would be that departments of agricultural and applied economics would use the results of this survey to enhance their financial management curriculum and their undergraduate program. By responding to the desires of employers, agricultural economics and agribusiness programs cannot only remain relevant as a source of employees for the industry but the first choice of agricultural financial services sector when they are searching for new hires. This should also help inform students of the desirability of the skills they acquire in their degree programs. This information will also benefit the agricultural finance services sector by assisting college and university instructors in developing and/or enhancing their agricultural finance course(s) so that the may provide their students with the requisite financial and non‐financial skills that they require.
Joint measurement of farm size and farm performance: a confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Hadrich Joleen C. , Olson Frayne
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if a single dominant measure defines farm size and farm performance consistently over a ten‐year time period, or if alternative measures are needed. The paper also seeks to determine the correlation between farm size and farm performance and how this correlation may change over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the relative strength of farm size and performance indicator variables and estimate the relationship between farm size and performance latent variables. Data were collected from the North Dakota Farm and Ranch Business Management Association (NDFRBA) Annual Summaries for 2000‐2009.

Findings

Results demonstrated that a single indicator, such as acres or rate of return on assets, may not capture the array of farm size and farm performance concepts and multiple indicators should be used to jointly determine farm size and farm performance measures. Results also found a sequential decrease in correlation between farm size and performance for seven of the ten years.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the issue regarding multiple measures for farm size and farm performance which helps provide the framework to begin developing a systematic classification of farms for use in strategic farm planning and guide future government policies, federal farm programs, and environmental regulations.
A triple hurdle model of US commercial bank use of guaranteed operating loans and interest assistance
Authors: Ahrendsen Bruce L. , Dixon Bruce L. , Settlage Latisha A. , Koenig Steven R. , Dodson Charles B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate a three‐equation model of US commercial bank usage of the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) guaranteed operating loan and interest assistance programs. Also, to identify the key farm and banking variables that affect the decision to use loan guarantees and the volume of loans with interest assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

A triple hurdle, three‐equation system is estimated to model three decisions: to participate in the FSA operating loan program; whether to use interest assistance given the decision to participate in the operating loan program; and then the degree of participation in the interest assistance program. Statistical selection is modeled. Data on almost all commercial banks in the USA from 1995 to 2003 are used in the estimation sample.

Findings

Statistical selection is statistically significant so selection must be included in the models. Variables reflecting state‐level characteristics such as farm debt servicing ratio, individual bank loan‐to‐asset ratio, bank size and the general guaranteed loan and interest assistance environment are significant in all three equations. Intensity of interest assistance use varies markedly across states.

Originality/value

The interest assistance program has high subsidy costs and is an important source of support for financially marginal farmers. Scant prior research has investigated this program. The present study also shows that modeling interest assistance usage must be embedded in a larger model to give a complete specification.
The effects of direct payments on liquidity and repayment capacity of beginning farmers
Authors: Kropp Jaclyn D. , Katchova Ani L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

US decoupled direct payments, paid to farm operators based on historic yields and base acreage under the 2002 Farm Bill, may alter a farmer's access to credit or his ability to meet debt servicing obligations. More specifically, direct payments might improve the farmer's liquidity position or repayment capacity enabling the farmer to obtain more favorable credit terms. In turn, more favorable credit terms might allow a farm to remain in business or expand production, leading to current production distortions. Since direct payments are based on historic production, beginning farmers tend to receive lower levels of direct payments and hence these payments might impact beginning farmers differently than more experienced farmers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of direct payments on liquidity and repayment capacity for experienced and beginning farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the manner in which direct payments are calculated and administered, it is likely that direct payments affect beginning farmers and more experienced farmers differently; hence the authors analyze the impacts of direct payments on the current and term debt coverage ratios for these two groups separately. In the analysis, the authors control for farm financial characteristics, farm operator characteristics, and other factors. Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007 were used in the weighted regression analysis and jackknifed standard errors computed.

Findings

A positive significant relationship was found between the level of direct payments (in dollars) and the term debt coverage ratio for experienced farmers, suggesting that direct payments improve repayment capacity. However, this relationship is not significant for beginning farmers. Also, a negative significant relationship was found between the number of base acres and the current ratio for experienced farmers, while this relationship lacks significance for beginning farmers.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence that decoupled direct payments impact a farmer's liquidity and repayment capacity. Furthermore, direct payments impact beginning and experienced farmers differently. This paper also contributes to the growing body of research investigating the mechanisms by which decoupled payments have the potential to distort current production.
Study on prolonging the working time of silane solution during the silylation process on carbon steel
Authors: Ran Changrong , Lu Wenli , Song Guo , Ran Chao , Zhao Shuo
Published: November 2011

Purpose

In the industrial silylation process, the cost of production can be greatly reduced by reducing the frequency of the replacement of the silane solution. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a method of discontinuous addition of concentrated solution into the KH560 treatment bath was developed, to improve further the effective availability of the silane solution and reduce cost of production.

Design/methodology/approach

The preparation and addition of each incremental amount of concentrated KH560 was studied in detail.

Findings

The results indicate that adding concentrated silane solution is an effective method of maintaining the target bath concentration.

Originality/value

The paper describes how a method of adding concentrated KH560 was developed to prolong the working time of KH560 solution for silane coating production, and to improve the availability of the KH560 in solution. The results indicated that adding concentrated solution was an effective method of prolonging the working time of the silane solution. The mixture ratio of the concentrated solution, and the volume of each incremental amount, both affected the performance of the KH560 solution.
Use of AES in corrosion of copper connectors of electronic devices and equipments in arid and marine environments
Authors: Lopez Gustavo , Tiznado Hugo , Soto Herrera Gerardo , De la Cruz Wencel , Valdez Benjamin , Schorr Miguel , Roumen Zlatev
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The electronics industry has grown over the past 50 years, mostly in developed countries, contributing to their economic progress. Particularly in the Baja California State located in the northwest of Mexico, these companies have prospered in the industrial parks of Mexicali considered as an arid zone and Ensenada, a port and city on the Pacific Ocean considered as a marine region. In both environments, during winter and summer, the climate impacts on indoor conditions, affecting humidity and temperature, and generating corrosion which decreases the yields of the electronic devices and industrial machines. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of corrosion on electronic devices in these arid and marine environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper determines the corrosivity levels inside industrial plants of desertic and coast regions in Mexico, to evaluate the deterioration of electronic metals.

Findings

Relative humidity, temperature, time of wetness, are recorded and related to the corrosion process in arid and marine environments.

Research limitations/implications

Some missing information about air pollution in Ensenada from some Environmental Monitoring Stations was a limitation, and the need to use complex atmospheric techniques.

Originality/value

The paper shows that it is very important to control metallic corrosion generated by climate factors and air pollution in indoor industrial plants: the corrosion of electronic devices and equipments depletes their yield and can lead to loss‐making failures.
The missing component in MBA programs
Authors: Almog‐Bareket Granit
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to illuminate a crucial component missing in the education of MBA students. This component involves awareness translated into skills that would enable leaders to narrow the gap between vision and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of MBA curricula shows that the ability to exploit intangible assets has not been explored sufficiently as well as why this ability is instrumental for leadership.

Findings

This study emphasises how crucially important it is for leaders to be able to consolidate a vision and lead change derived from that vision as reflected in their daily managerial practice, and argues that current MBA students need to develop additional unique skills that will enable them to diagnose problems related to the assimilation of change and to measure the effectiveness of this process.

Originality/value

This paper offers an original approach to the link between theory and practice and to the importance of developing a vision that challenges the way this topic is generally taught in MBA programs.
Internal and external antecedents of SMEs' innovation ambidexterity outcomes
Authors: Chang Yi‐Ying , Hughes Mathew , Hotho Sabine
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Prior studies have suggested that organizational and environmental antecedents are influential to the development of a balance dimension of innovation ambidexterity, which are proposed to be central to superior firm performance. However, little is known about how such antecedents affect the shaping of innovation ambidexterity in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and how these innovations go on to shape firm performance. This paper aims to examine internal and external antecedents of SMEs' innovation ambidexterity outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a survey method to investigate the 1,000 small‐and medium sized enterprises in Scotland. Firms were randomly selected from the FAME database. Of this sample, 265 firms (26.5 percent) responded to the survey.

Findings

The data analysis reveals that internal organizational structures in a highly dynamic environment stimulate the appearance of innovation ambidexterity. Moreover, it is found that the relationship between organizational and environmental forces and firm performance is partially mediated by a balance dimension of innovation ambidexterity.

Practical implications

The results show how dangerous the lack of adequate research of these issues at the SME level is. By contrast to larger firms, the results show how internal organizational structures and external environmental conditions affect SMEs to pursue a balance dimension of innovation ambidexterity.

Originality/value

Prior studies have paid little attention to the effects of internal organizational structures and external environmental conditions on the appearance of a balance dimension of innovation ambidexterity within SMEs. This paper fills some of the gaps.
Value proposition as a catalyst for a customer focused innovation
Authors: Lindič Jaka , Marques da Silva Carlos
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to advance the theory on value proposition and innovation by offering a framework for identifying value proposition elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A single embedded case study is conducted based on Amazon.com's innovations.

Findings

By identifying and systematically analysing innovations by Amazon.com, the concept of value proposition was decomposed into five components: performance, ease of use, reliability, flexibility and affectivity (PERFA).

Research limitations/implications

The research did not focus on the relationships between the value proposition elements and their relevance in different contexts such as product, industry or customer life cycle.

Practical implications

Managers should support their decision to innovate the value proposition based on customers' perceived value. The findings provide guidance to managers on how to uncover innovative value propositions and potentially create new demand in an uncontested market space.

Originality/value

The paper is an original attempt to correlate value proposition and innovation. It provides researchers and practitioners with a better understanding of the structure of a value proposition and how innovation can influence it.
Corporate social responsibility and innovation: a resource‐based theory
Authors: Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel , Manuel Prado‐Lorenzo José , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the bidirectional relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and innovation according to the resource‐based theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample formed by companies with investments in R&D for the 2003‐2007 period worldwide, a bidirectional model is defined, one model in which the innovation realized by companies is a function of CSR practices, activity sector, firm size and risk, and another model in which CSR practices are a function of innovation, activity sector, firm size and risk.

Findings

The results of both models show that the bidirectional relationship between the two strategic decisions is negative. However, the effect of the sustainable practices undertaken by those companies listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index on innovative efforts is statistically less significant. It was also found that this type of investment takes three years to show its value added in CSR practices and that the relationship between innovation and corporate social responsibility practices is not the same in different sectors.

Practical implications

The empirical evidence suggests that, in general, companies do not implement innovations linked to topics of sustainability; at the same time, an incompatibility exists between investment in R&D and the encouragement of corporate sustainable behavior.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused more on analyzing the influence of CSR practices on innovation and in this paper the influence of innovation on CSR practices is also analyzed.
Resource fit in digital transformation
Authors: Liu Day‐Yang , Chen Shou‐Wei , Chou Tzu‐Chuan
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The implementation of e‐banking projects highlights the importance of digital transformation for contemporary organizations in order to survive and achieve competitive advantage in a digital economy. This paper aims to explore the development process of digital transformation through an e‐banking project based on the resource fit concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative method of case study is applied. In total, 17 in‐depth interviews and secondary data were collected and analyzed.

Findings

Numerous researches related to e‐banking have focused on either the resource‐based theory or strategic fit perspective, but not on both. This paper makes a unique contribution by constructing a resource fit framework that integrates these two theories. This framework offers a theoretical advancement in the resource fit literature. It includes four dimensions: external resource fit, internal resource fit, external capability fit, and internal capability fit. Through an actual empirical case examination of the resource fit framework, this study explored eight critical factors necessary for successful e‐banking project implementation.

Research limitations/implications

This study fills a theoretical gap by developing an integrative framework and evaluating it via an empirical case study. Hence, examining this framework for organizational digital transformation in different industries and multiple case studies with cross‐cases comparison will be valuable for future research.

Practical implications

The study demonstrated that managing digital transformation can be challenging, but awareness of, and preparedness for, analysis of both the resources/capability and external demands through the resource fit perspective are necessary.

Originality/value

This paper offers a pioneer framework in the resource fit field and makes a practical case examination that can be useful for researchers and practitioners by taking a more detailed view of digital transformation development.
The role of creativity in opportunity search and business idea creation
Authors: Heinonen Jarna , Hytti Ulla , Stenholm Pekka
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationships between student creativity, various opportunity search strategies, and the viability of business ideas developed during an entrepreneurship education module.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out hypotheses on the associations between individual creativity, opportunity search strategies and the viability of business ideas generated. A group of 117 students provided the sample data by participating in pre‐programme and post‐programme surveys. Explorative factor analysis was employed to examine latent variables, and factor structures were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling was then used to test the resulting hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that creativity is not directly associated with the viability of the business idea. Creativity does, however, strengthen the creative opportunity search strategies and the use of opportunity identification strategies based on knowledge acquisition. Accordingly, the influence of creativity on the viability of the business idea is fully mediated by those opportunity search strategies that are creative and based on knowledge acquisition. They both have a positive effect on the perceived viability of the business idea.

Research limitations/implications

The study illustrates the co‐existence of art and science in the process of recognising entrepreneurial opportunity, which involves individual action and reflection in order for a viable business idea to be developed.

Practical implications

Although creativity is perceived as a valuable element of the generation of business ideas, it has to be accompanied by opportunity search activities in order to generate viable business ideas. The findings emphasise the role of creative behaviour in devising the business idea and also of incorporating creative thinking into business planning.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the theoretical understanding of how individual creativity affects the viability of business ideas as well as the way in which students search for business opportunities.
The assessment of enterprise education in the secondary education sector
Authors: Draycott Matthew C. , Rae David , Vause Katie
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Although the assessment of enterprise education activities has been widely highlighted as a key area of concern, it continues to be under represented in the literature. Questions remain as to how educators seeking to monitor student progression can capture quality data and measure relevant aspects of development, often leading enterprise education to be monitored rather than assessed. This article seeks to explore the challenges of assessing enterprise education in the secondary education sector. It aims to provide useful insights to help practitioners understand how to evidence the impact of enterprise learning by students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first presents a critical review of the existing literature with insights from specialist practitioners sourced through an online survey and a seminar. This provides a broad review of the field from a practitioner standpoint focusing on current assessment techniques and standards. Using these data a conceptual pedagogy is proposed for the delivery of enterprise education and a methodology for its assessment, to be developed in future work.

Findings

A critical review of the assessment of enterprise education is presented. This exposes challenges of a confused field, with pockets of good practice in schools often not shared or understood out of context. The development of a novel pedagogical model for teaching enterprise education is proposed, linked to a prototype assessment methodology which presents a new approach for enterprise teaching and learning.

Research limitations/implications

The work is limited at this stage since participants in the research were drawn from one geographic area in the East of England, and examples of qualifications reviewed were not exhaustive, but these limitations can be addressed in future research.

Practical implications

The paper provides a conceptual model for structuring enterprise education which may have relevance across the secondary sector and beyond.

Originality/value

The article investigates the problems of assessing enterprise in secondary education, examining what does and does not work, and providing practitioners with useful guidance. In this important topic it is vital that new approaches are developed which can create a broader debate especially at a time of such great change in the educational landscape. This paper provides a platform for further development in the field.
Understanding the heterogeneity of entrepreneurship education: going beyond Gartner
Authors: Jones Colin , Matlay Harry
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to draw attention to the importance of appreciating and using ever‐present diversity to achieve increased legitimacy for entrepreneurship education. As such, it aims to draw the reader into a reflective process of discovery as to why entrepreneurship education is important and how such importance can be prolonged.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper revisits Gartner's 1985 conceptual framework for understanding the complexity of entrepreneurship. The paper proposes an alternative framework based on the logic of Gartner's framework to advance the understanding of entrepreneurship education. The authors discuss the dimensions of the proposed framework and explain the nature of the dialogic relations contained within.

Findings

It is argued that the proposed conceptual framework provides a new way to understand ever‐present heterogeneity related to the development and delivery of entrepreneurship education.

Practical implications

The paper extends an invitation to the reader to audit their own involvement and proximity to entrepreneurship education. It argues that increased awareness of the value that heterogeneity plays in student learning outcomes and programme branding is directly related to the presence of heterogeneity across the dimensions of the conceptual framework.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a simple yet powerful means of understanding what factors contribute to the success or otherwise of developing and delivering entrepreneurship education. The simplicity of the approach suggested provides all entrepreneurship educators with the means to audit all facets of their programme.
“Making an impact”: a profile of a business planning competition in a university
Authors: Jones Amanda , Jones Paul
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the issues experienced in the delivery of a business challenge to a cohort of business undergraduate students at the University of Glamorgan. The challenge involved initiating and running a “real” business and returning a profit within a week. The students worked in groups of up to eight and were given start up capital. The paper seeks to evaluate the impact of the business challenge in terms of changing entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviour, and to examine the skills competencies acquired by the individual students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a mixed method approach to examine the respondent experience. The basis of the investigation involved a semi‐structured questionnaire undertaken on completion of the challenge. In total, in excess of 50 students completed the research instrument. The questionnaire enabled the authors to quantitatively explore the overall impact of the business challenge by student age and gender. In addition, the semi structured design enabled the authors to explore the qualitative “rich data” of individual student experience based on their reflections.

Findings

The findings reveal a positive impact in terms of enhanced attitudes towards the attainability and attractiveness of an entrepreneurial career. The findings reveal that the business challenge provided the students with a significant enhancement in generic enterprise skills including team working, leadership, communication and specific business skills such as sales and marketing behaviour. The students valued the opportunity and personal responsibility offered by the business challenge to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real world context. Several individuals reported that the positive experience with their business venture meant that they wished to continue the business alongside their graduate studies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a limited literature in assessing the impact and benefit of business challenges. It will be of value to enterprise education providers in organising and planning such activities.
Technology enhanced learning and plagiarism in entrepreneurship education
Authors: Risquez Angelica , O'Dwyer Michele , Ledwith Ann
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the relationship between entrepreneurship students' ethical views on plagiarism, their self reported engagement in plagiarism and their participation in an online plagiarism prevention tutorial.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a questionnaire administered to 434 undergraduate university entrepreneurship students, combining self‐reported data with behavioural measures.

Findings

The results illustrate that more than one online plagiarism prevention tutorial is required to change self‐reported views relating to engagement in plagiarism, perception of peer participation in plagiarism and students' ethical views. However, it should be noted that even such a small intervention demonstrates an observable difference in students' capacity to recognise a case of verbatim plagiarism as an academic breach in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The research demonstrates that educators should focus on good educational design, educating students regarding plagiarism prevention while making use of technology enhanced learning, instead of considering e‐learning choices as a quick solution to plagiarism.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on an emerging aspect of plagiarism education, that is, the use of technology enhanced learning. While acknowledging the potential of technology enhanced learning in plagiarism prevention the paper notes that plagiarism prevention should be embedded in the curriculum rather than addressed in an ad‐hoc manner.
Leading an entrepreneurial workforce: development or decline?
Authors: Clargo Paul , Tunstall Richard
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper analyses entrepreneurial activity within existing organisations. Research tends to limit entrepreneurial behaviour to owner‐managers, corporate senior and middle managers and frequently presents intrapreneurship as a positive phenomenon. This paper seeks to broaden the focus of studies of intrapreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship across all employees in established organisations. In particular it seeks to focus on identifying the entrepreneurial propensity of employees at all levels of the organisation and to consider the positive and negative potential of this propensity on the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study approach was used involving the analysis of focus groups, employee surveys, company history and financial data to identify the entrepreneurial propensity of employees in the context of an established organisation.

Findings

It is identified that employees within the sales function of the business had a greater entrepreneurial propensity in comparison to employees in other departments of the business. It is argued that this was due to a less formal structure in this part of the business and a greater focus on successfully achieving goals. It is further argued that organisational structures, opportunity and needs have to meet individual skills, experience and desire in order to create development opportunities for entrepreneurial organisations.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that in considering intrapreneurship, researchers should broaden their focus to include all employees within an organisation.

Practical implications

It is suggested that senior managers should consider the role of entrepreneurial propensity amongst employees and the potential for this to either harm or help develop the business.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to the debate on corporate entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship by considering the role of employees at all organisational levels. Furthermore it acknowledges the positive and negative effects which entrepreneurial propensity may have on the organisation.
Reference transaction assessment
Authors: McLaughlin Jean E.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to survey the published journal literature on reference transaction assessment. Its purpose is to highlight the need for a multiple perspectives approach due to the complexity of reference transactions. Satisfaction indicators, behavioral aspects, accuracy rates, success measures, and other desired transaction outcomes contribute to the need for a broader assessment picture.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review from the first decade of the twenty‐first century. Selected were papers from 2001 through 2010, filtered from search results from library literature databases. Primary inclusion criteria identified refereed papers, studies of academic library populations, evaluation or assessment of reference transactions, and methods contributing to systematic practices versus unique assessment events.

Findings

By viewing reference transactions as complex interactions, librarians are recognizing that simple counts and narrow views of assessment are not adequate. Missing in the assessment literature is a universally accepted set of standard approaches, study methodologies, and reporting formats for comparison and analysis. Improvements may contribute to efforts that go beyond local studies to more meaningful peer comparisons.

Research limitations/implications

Although not an exhaustive representation of all reference services assessment literature, the paper profiles the heart of reference, i.e. the interaction between users and library service providers. This focus fosters a concentration on a core reference activity: addressing library users' information needs.

Originality/value

This review highlights assessment challenges, unresolved problems, and topics addressed from 2001 to 2010. It also provides a look at tools that can enhance assessment programs.
Library instruction and information literacy 2010
Authors: Johnson Anna Marie , Sproles Claudene , Detmering Robert
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.

Findings

Information about each source is provided. The paper discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.

Originality/value

The information in the paper may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Location‐based recommendation services in library book stacks
Authors: Hahn Jim
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to suggest a model for location‐based recommendation services that enable greater access to print and electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a synthesis of previous work in basic and applied collections‐based wayfinding incorporating library and information science (LIS) literature on user context and system recommendations.

Findings

The paper identifies problems that will need to be solved before implementation of the production‐level recommendation service and suggests possible implications the system may have on reference and instruction services.

Originality/value

The paper provides computing workflows necessary to implement a library recommendation service based on user location. iPhone Software Developer Kit templates are leveraged for modeling data and interface prototypes. Use cases and user models are developed.
Connectivism
Authors: Kathleen Dunaway Michelle
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the theory of connectivism as a learning theory that provides a useful framework for understanding how students learn information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the theory of connectivism and reviews established learning theories that inform the design of information literacy instruction. The author discusses new learning landscapes and emerging conceptualizations of information literacy that parallel the principles of connectivism.

Findings

Two emerging information literacy frameworks, metaliteracy and transliteracy, suggest the need for a unifying theory of how students learn information literacy concepts and skills. Literature describing metaliteracy and transliteracy articulates pedagogical practices that reflect a connectivist approach to information literacy instruction.

Originality/value

The paper encourages critical inquiry into the ways that emerging theories of learning can improve information literacy education.
Librarian perceptions and information literacy instruction models
Authors: Davis Erin L. , Lundstrom Kacy , Martin Pamela N.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore both instruction librarians' attitudes on teaching and how they identify themselves as teachers. Particular attention is to be paid to teaching librarians' views on the effectiveness of two types of instruction models: for‐credit courses and course‐integrated library instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate librarians' attitudes towards these two models, a survey was constructed targeting librarians who teach information literacy (IL).

Findings

The results indicate that there is an important relationship between the IL instruction model employed and feelings towards campus politics, perceived effectiveness of IL models, and librarians' self‐identification as teachers.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was sent to list‐servs whose readership includes high percentages of teaching librarians and received 276 responses. This is by no means an exhaustive study. The research is intended to be exploratory and to delve more deeply than the past editorials and blog posts on the issue of comparing for‐credit and course‐integrated instruction.

Practical implications

This study can help librarians gain a better understanding of how information literacy models impact librarian perceptions of themselves and their role on campus.

Originality/value

The authors seek to transform a discussion that has occurred mostly informally (in blog posts, on list‐servs, and in conversations) into a formal investigation of librarians' attitudes towards the two models.
An information literacy integration model and its application in higher education
Authors: Wang Li
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model for curricular integration of information literacy for undergraduate programs in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are drawn from individual interviews at three universities in Australia and curricular integration working experience at a New Zealand university. Sociocultural theories are adopted in the research process and in the development of the model.

Findings

Key characteristics of the curriculum integration of information literacy were identified and an information literacy integration model was developed. The S2J2 key behaviours for campus‐wide multiple‐partner collaboration in information literacy integration were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

The model was developed without including the employer needs. Through the process of further research, the point of view of the employer on how to provide information literacy education needs to be explored in order to strengthen the model in curricular design.

Practical implications

The information literacy integration model was developed based on practical experience in higher education and has been applied in different undergraduate curricular programs. The model could be used or adapted by both librarians and academics when they integrate information literacy into an undergraduate curriculum from a lower level to a higher level.

Originality/value

The information literacy integration model was developed based on recent PhD research. The model integrates curriculum, pedagogy and learning theories, information literacy theories, information literacy guidelines, people and collaboration together. The model provides a framework of how information literacy can be integrated into multiple courses across an undergraduate academic degree in higher education.
Sociological factors influencing the practice of incident reporting: the case of the shipping industry
Authors: Bhattacharya Syamantak
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the ways in which underlying social and organisational factors and employment relations underpin the practice of incident reporting in the international shipping industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative case study method involving field trips to two shipping organisations and sailing on research voyages on two ships of each of the organisations. It draws on empirical data using semi‐structured interviews, notes from fieldwork observations and documentary analysis of company policies, procedures and practices.

Findings

In the two companies studied there were significant gaps between the policy and practice of incident reporting, which were present primarily due to the employees' fear of losing jobs. It is shown that these findings were manifestations of deeper sociological issues and organisational weaknesses in the shipping industry. In particular ineffective regulatory infrastructure, weak employment practices, the absence of trade union support and lack of organisational trust were the key underlying concerns which made incident reporting notably ineffective in the shipping context.

Originality/value

While the weaknesses in the practice of incident reporting in the shipping industry were reported in the past, previous studies did not offer further explanations. This paper addresses the gap and provides another illustration of the need for looking into deeper sociological underpinnings for practices in the workplace. The author also hopes that the study will have a positive impact on policy makers in the shipping industry.
What has the internet ever done for employees? A review, map and research agenda
Authors: Richards James
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which employees have benefitted in the internet age and to identify research gaps that surround such activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a combination of a systematic literature review and an empirical analysis of secondary data drawn from press reports of emergent employee internet activities.

Findings

The internet continues to provide fresh and exciting opportunities for the employee to explore in relation to furthering employment‐related interests. However, the internet very much represents a “double‐edged sword” in that the many advantages of the internet can be quickly cancelled out by employer attempts to monitor, control, and exploit for themselves such activities, for their own ends. It is also evident that a full assessment of some activities cannot be made without further research.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is reliant on extant literature and resources that are known to have limited scholarly application.

Practical implications

A broad and eclectic discussion of employee internet activities is likely to be of interest to academics and human resource practitioners whose interests are based on a blend of employee relations practices and new internet‐based technological developments.

Social implications

The study addresses how a distinct actor in employee relations has faired in an age denoted by shrinking opportunities for collective action, yet also denoted by rapid developments in empowering user‐generated and social networking forms of information communication technology.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises literature and data from a wide range of largely incongruous academic and non‐academic sub‐disciplines to provide a fresh and authoritative account of emergent employee behaviour.
The influence of age on perceptions of relationship quality and performance in care service work teams
Authors: Josef Gellert Franz , Schalk René
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine age‐related perceptions of the quality of relationships at work and performance in mentally and physically demanding care service work settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in six residential homes for the elderly in Germany. Data of 150 respondents were analyzed using multiple hierarchical regression and mediation tests. The mediating role of relationship quality in the relationship between age and employee performance was examined.

Findings

It was found that older employees experienced better exchange relationships with their supervisors, and that this mediated the relationship between age and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is female dominated. Organizations are in transition from conventional organizational structure to team structure with employees' high company and job tenure.

Practical implications

A higher relationship quality suggests a higher quality of older workers' job appraisal, which might be a starting point for older followers to rethink career perspectives and start further individual development.

Originality/value

The findings extend earlier studies and provide more insight into the relationship between age, relationship quality, and employee performance from a follower's point‐of‐view.
Decent work and work life quality in Nepal: an observation
Authors: Raj Adhikari Dev , Hirasawa Katsuhiko , Takakubo Yutaka , Lal Pandey Dhruba
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the situation of decent work (DW) and quality of work life (QWL) in the context of Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature survey. Institutional arrangements for DW and QWL are studied in connection with current labor legislations, national policy documents, and company policies and initiatives. The status of DW and QWL is described, examining national policy documents published by the Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission, labor legislations, International Labor Organization (ILO) and other relevant literature.

Findings

At present, although the country has been successful in reducing the number of people under the poverty line, there are challenges in meeting the DW goals. In the case of QWL, since there is rising dissatisfaction among employers and employees in the present economic and political circumstances, they are interested in short‐term benefits.

Research limitations/implications

There are a number of factors affecting DW and QWL. In this paper only national economic and social conditions, poverty level, employment situation and income generation are considered for analysis. The analysis of the QWL situation is done only on the basis of published information rather than using primary sources of information.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will have a number of implications in understanding and improving the level of current institutional arrangements in order to ensure DW and QWL. The observations made in this paper can add some value in the process of formulation of national policy for, and regulation of DW. The issues discussed will have substantial implication for the development and framing of new labor laws and policies.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on DW and QWL for the first time in the Nepalese context. This is an original contribution by the authors to familiarize readers with the situation of DW and QWL in Nepalese organizations.