bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading in 2110 – reading behavior and reading devices:a case study
Authors: Grzeschik Kathrin , Kruppa Yevgeniya , Marti Diana , Donner Paul
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of these experiments is to find out whether and how reading behavior might be influenced by reading devices.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, three experiments, the first one more independent from the second and third, investigate how European Library and Information Science students react to electronic reading devices, unfamiliar as they are with them. The second and third experiments explore implications such as reading rate, concentration and symptoms of fatigue in conjunction with electronic reading devices. Test objects were the Sony eBook Reader, the IREX iLiad, LCD computer screens, Laptops and the Smart Phone HTC Touch HD in comparison with printed documents and books.

Findings

Contrary to common opinion, the results indicate a trend that concentration and/or reading rates do not suffer from reading on electronic reading devices. Further, it was found that influences on reading rate and concentration are posed rather by the individual reading behavior of a person, as well as by the nature of a text (scholarly or novelistic), than by the reading devices used.

Research limitations/implications

Problems included the limited means to acquire technical support. The first experiment, in particular, suffered from inadequate equipment such as audio recordings that were too quiet. The value of the statistics is limited by the small number of test subjects and test runs. Additionally, the test persons had differing experience in reading with an electronic device. Two had used an electronic reading device before, whilst the others never had.

Originality/value

Based on the findings in recent literature, experiments such as this have rarely been conducted. Research in this particular field, i.e. print vs screen reading performance in adults, is sparse in recent history and more often done through examining personal preferences. To the knowledge of the authors, the research has never been done from the perspective of Library and Information Science (LIS). The preliminary results question common assumptions and theses.
From communication to collaboration: blogging to troubleshoot e‐resources
Authors: Pan Denise , Bradbeer Gayle , Jurries Elaine
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This case study aims to demonstrate that the combination of teamwork and technology enabled troubleshooting librarians to transform Web 2.0 social networking (blog) software into a knowledge management tool for resolving issues with electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Current library management software is ill‐equipped to cope with the complexities of troubleshooting problems with online materials. After implementation of a commercial Electronic Resources Management (ERM) system overwhelmed the librarians with access issues, they naturally formed a community of practice to initiate knowledge creation through developing a custom solution – the AurProblem Blog. In doing so, they recognized unintended benefits of using social networking software to communicate with one another, colleagues and patrons, and to facilitate improvements in their workflow.

Findings

The paper describes the processes in which the librarians established a self‐identified and formed group which enabled them to create their own troubleshooting tool and procedures. Since their relationship initially developed as peers, with mutual respect for the others' complementary and non‐competing capabilities, they achieved authentic shared leadership – where each member shifted between leader and follower roles depending on the circumstance.

Research limitations/implications

The troubleshooting team attributes their success to voluntary and spontaneous formation of a shared leadership environment. While achievement of knowledge creation among equals is more challenging in traditional hierarchically defined establishments where roles and responsibilities are assigned, the authors believe that many of the case study findings are transferable.

Practical implications

The paper describes steps taken to convert a generic blog into a customized troubleshooting management tool. As a result, readers will be able to set up blog labels and templates, establish problem‐solving protocol with colleagues, and develop their own custom solutions.

Social implications

This paper demonstrates that blogs can become essential workplace tools for improving organizational efficiency.

Originality/value

Based on literature reviews, this paper presents a unique perspective, which re‐imagines the use of Web 2.0 technology for troubleshooting e‐resources.
Hybrid‐Trefftz finite element method for heat conduction in nonlinear functionally graded materials
Authors: Fu Zhuo‐Jia , Qin Qing‐Hua , Chen Wen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid‐Trefftz (HT) finite element model (FEM) for simulating heat conduction in nonlinear functionally graded materials (FGMs) which can effectively handle continuously varying properties within an element.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed model, a T‐complete set of homogeneous solutions is first derived and used to represent the intra‐element temperature fields. As a result, the graded properties of the FGMs are naturally reflected by using the newly developed Trefftz functions (T‐complete functions in some literature) to model the intra‐element fields. The derivation of the Trefftz functions is carried out by means of the well‐known Kirchhoff transformation in conjunction with various variable transformations.

Findings

The study shows that, in contrast to the conventional FEM, the HT‐FEM is an accurate numerical scheme for FGMs in terms of the number of unknowns and is insensitive to mesh distortion. The method also performs very well in terms of numerical accuracy and can converge to the analytical solution when the number of elements is increased.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is twofold: a T‐complete set of homogeneous solutions for nonlinear FMGs has been derived and used to represent the intra‐element temperature; and the corresponding variational functional and the associated algorithm has been constructed.
Predicting professional preferences for intuition‐based hiring
Authors: Lodato Michael A. , Highhouse Scott , Brooks Margaret E.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Many human resource professionals erroneously believe that they can hire the best employees without the assistance of decision aids. The purpose of this study is to examine personal and situational characteristics that may relate to preference for intuition‐based approaches to hiring employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative sample of 206 managers and directors of human resources management was asked to complete an online questionnaire addressing psychological constructs and career information.

Findings

The authors found that the profile of a professional who prefers intuition‐based hiring is one who is an experiential thinker (i.e. tends to make everyday decisions based on feelings), is less experienced, works for a smaller organization, and does not possess advanced professional certification. Hiring context (i.e. selecting hourly versus salaried employees) did not influence preferences for intuition‐based hiring.

Research limitations/implications

Elements of the study are cross‐sectional and based on self‐reports. This does not allow for causal interpretations and increases the risk of common method bias.

Practical implications

Qualities that serve a human resource professional well in some aspects of work performance may interfere with the adoption of evidence‐based practices.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the characteristics of human resource professionals that are associated with a preference for intuition‐based hiring, and provides a new measure of selection decision‐making approach that may be used as a dependent variable in future research on the topic.
Implications of psychological contract breach
Authors: Suazo Mark M. , Stone‐Romero Eugene F.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the assumed direct and indirect effects of psychological contract breach (breach) on supervisor‐rated employee behaviors of in‐role performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) directed at an individual (OCBI), and OCB directed at the organization (OCBO). The assumed indirect effects are to be investigated with psychological contract violation (violation) as a mediator of these relations. In addition, perceived organizational support (perceived support) is to be examined as a moderator of the same relations.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 1,013 employees working in the USA and hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that: breach is negatively related to supervisor‐rated in‐role behavior, OCBI, and OCBO; breach is positively related to violation and that violation in turn is negatively related to supervisor‐rated in‐role behavior, OCBI, and OCBO; and perceived support can strengthen the positive relation between breach and violation, and the negative relations between breach or violation and supervisor‐rated employee behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a non‐experimental design does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding causality.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware of the potential negative implications of the escalation of breach to violation on employee behaviors and the value of understanding that the level of perceived support may influence employee behaviors following breach or violation.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique contribution to the literature by being the first to examine perceived support as a moderator of the relations between breach or violation and supervisor‐rated in‐role behavior, OCBI, and OCBO.
Fisher skills and compliance with effort‐limiting fishing regulations in a developing country
Authors: Akpalu Wisdom
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The formal model of economics of crime developed by Becker is based on the assumption that a miscreant knows with certainty the benefit that accrues to a criminal activity. The purpose of this paper is to relax this assumption and establish a link between technical efficiency and commission of fishery crimes in a developing country where fishing techniques are rudimentary making catch volumes uncertain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper extends the neoclassical model of crime developed by Becker to account for catch uncertainties. The extended model predicts that, in addition to the risk and severity of punishment, less skilful fishermen are more likely to violate effort‐limiting fishing regulations. Primary data were obtained through a survey of 258 artisanal fishermen from the Central and Western Regions of Ghana to test the predictions of the model.

Findings

The prediction that less skillful fishers are more likely to violate effort‐limiting fishing regulations is confirmed by the data. Other factors that determined the rate of violation of the fishing regulation include the risk of detection, severity of punishment, rate of time preference, age of the fisher, perceived legitimacy of the regulation and respect for religious norms.

Social implications

If returns to illegal activities are uncertain, policies that improve the efficiency of potential violators may decrease the rate or extent of violation. Moreover, minimizing overfishing will improve livelihood and reduce poverty among fishers.

Originality/value

The paper makes a novel attempt at linking efficiency (or skills) to violation of regulations.
The effects of FDI on voice and accountability in the MENA region
Authors: Gholipour Fereidouni Hassan , Ariffin Masron Tajul , Ekhtiari Amiri Reza
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Several scholars, policymakers and international development agencies have been suggesting that trade and capital openness would bring better governance, in particular higher level of voice and accountability (VA), for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on VA in the MENA region.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying two different panel models (fixed‐effects and dynamic), this paper uses related observations from 19 MENA countries between 2000 and 2008 to analyze the impacts of FDI inflows on VA.

Findings

The results reveal that FDI inflows do not contribute to the higher level of VA in the MENA region.

Originality/value

With no previous studies of the linkage between FDI inflows and VA in the MENA region, the paper makes a significant contribution in this regard.
Distortion in corporate valuation: implications of capital structure changes
Authors: Oded Jacob , Michel Allen , Feinstein Steven P.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The traditional discounted cash flows (DCF) valuation procedure used by financial analysts assumes that firms maintain a policy of fixed debt. However, empirical evidence suggests that many firms rebalance their debt. This paper seeks to explore the implication of this discrepancy for valuation of firms that undergo a capital structure change.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is both theoretical and empirical.

Findings

The authors show how the valuation process should be modified for firms that are expected to rebalance their debt and demonstrate the distortion in value that results if the traditional DCF valuation procedure is used instead. Furthermore, they illustrate the significance of their results using a sample of the largest largest leveraged buyouts of the current decade.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first investigation into this issue.
Syndicated bank loans and capital structure
Authors: Kaya Halil D.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of interest rates on the size and the maturity choice of a syndicated bank loan. In addition, it attempts to determine the long‐run impact of a syndicated loan on the borrower's capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a sample of 6,903 syndicated bank loans in the USA, covering the period 1984‐2004. First, all syndicated loans are categorized into two groups: loans in periods of increasing interest rates, and loans in periods of decreasing rates. Then, non‐parametric tests are performed to compare the characteristics of the two groups, including the proceeds from the loans, and robust regressions are used to examine the impact of the interest rates on the maturity choice. Finally, robust regressions are employed to examine the long‐run impact of the interest rates on the borrowers' leverage ratios.

Findings

On the whole, the results reject the market timing theory of capital structure for syndicated bank loans. Firms in the two groups borrow in similar amounts, and in the long run, the difference between the two groups' leverage ratios is statistically insignificant. On the other hand, firms tend to choose longer maturities when the interest rates are low compared to the rates two or three years ago.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that links debt market conditions to the leverage ratios of firms that borrow in the syndicated bank loan market. In other words, this is the first study that tests the market timing theory of capital structure for syndicated bank loans.
Role changing for librarians in the new information technology era
Authors: Sun Hao‐Chang , Chen Kuan‐nien , Tseng Chishu , Tsai Wen‐Hui
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to show how implementing new information technology has expanded the role of librarians as educators and how this role has matched the evolution of new technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at librarians' approaches to their role as educators and explores ways of most effectively implementing changes. By reviewing the literature and taking the old discourse around library education and information literacy, the paper reflects on the changing role of librarians in an era of greater access to technology, including Web 2.0.

Findings

Collaboration with faculty was found to be an essential feature of the most successful stories. Teaching students and faculty to use new information technologies may have become one of the major roles of librarians.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the continual evolution of the web is causing a move from e‐libraries to mobile libraries, and that the educational role of the librarians must encompass this trend, and to anticipate similar future developments.
BOBCATSSS 2011
Authors: Marangio Federica
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main contents of the Nineteenth BOBCATSSS Symposium held in Szombathely, Hungary in January 2011, with the theme of “Finding new ways”.

Design/methodology/approach

The report provides a concise viewpoint of the overall impact of the conference.

Findings

The conference focused on finding new ways for libraries and those who love libraries to meet new challenges and create a better social environment, and debated the new role for librarians and information professionals.

Originality/value

This symposium is one of the few conferences in the world where students are the main characters and participate as organisers, reviewers, and presenters of the contributions. Reports on such conferences are of interest to students, to teachers and to professionals.
Embracing ethical fields: constructing consumption in the margins
Authors: Shaw Deirdre , Riach Kathleen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Literature examining resistant consumer behaviour from an ethical consumption stance has increased over recent years. This paper aims to argue that the conflation between ethical consumer behaviour and “anti‐consumption” practices results in a nihilistic reading and fails to uncover the tensions of those who seek to position themselves as ethical while still participating in the general market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an exploratory approach through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with a purposive sample of seven ethical consumers.

Findings

The analysis reveals the process through which ethical consumption is constructed and defined in relation to the subject position of the “ethical consumer” and their interactions with the dominant market of consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to a single country and location and focused on a specific consumer group. Expansion of the research to a wider group would be valuable.

Practical implications

The impact of ethical consumption on the wider field of consumption can be witnessed in the “mainstreaming” of many ethical ideals. This highlights the potential movements of power between various stakeholders that occupy particular spaces of social action.

Originality/value

Understanding the analysis through Bourdieu's concepts of field and the margins created between spaces of consumption, the paper focuses on the theoretical cross‐section of practice between ethical and market‐driven forms of consumption, advancing discussion by exploring how self‐identified “ethical consumers” defined, legitimatised and negotiated their practices in relation to consumption acts and lifestyles.
Brand image strategy affects brand equity after M&A
Authors: Lee Hsiang‐Ming , Lee Ching‐Chi , Wu Cou‐Chen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the variance of two brand images and dimensions of brand equity after M&A, especially when the acquirer‐dominant is affiliated to a weak brand image and the acquired one has a stronger brand image.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 409 responses were collected through random sampling from an internet survey platform in Taiwan (weak image differences were gathered from 209 respondents and strong image differences were gathered from 200 respondents).

Findings

This study uses an experimental design to discuss how the variance of two brand images (this study uses two kinds of M&A: a company with an inferior brand image acquires one with a superior or average brand image) affects the acquirer's brand equity (perceived quality, brand association, and brand loyalty). This study also examines how brand equity of an acquired brand changes after M&A. Results from the MANOVA and paired‐sample t‐test methods show that the greater the perceived differences between acquirers and acquired brands, the more the brand equity of the acquirer will increase. In addition, all the dimensions of brand equity for the brand with a superior image decrease significantly.

Originality/value

Few studies have evaluated the brand image effect of an M&A from a marketing perspective. The contribution is to help managers understand whether the acquirer should preserve the obtained brand and focus on increasing brand equity of the acquired brand to avoid the loss of customer loyalty.
Market orientation and manufacturing performance of Indian SMEs
Authors: Gaur Sanjaya S. , Vasudevan Hari , Gaur Ajai S.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper sets out to investigate the link between market orientation and manufacturing performance for small and medium enterprises in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper collected the data for this research through intensive surveys of the CEOs or top managers of small and medium‐sized enterprises in India. The paper utilized scales, well established in literature, and revalidated them for the Indian context. It also utilized confirmatory factor analysis for scale validation, and hierarchical regression analysis for testing the hypotheses.

Findings

This study found a positive link between two sub‐dimensions of market orientation – customer orientation and inter‐functional coordination – and manufacturing performance. Competitor orientation, however, did not have a positive impact on manufacturing performance. Further, the paper found that firm resources and competitive intensity moderate the relationship between some of the sub‐dimensions of market orientation and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is particularly relevant for personnel involved in the manufacturing functions as it studies the effect of market orientation on manufacturing performance. It is high time that firms with manufacturing focus realize the value of market forces and revamp various production processes to be more responsive to market needs and demands.

Originality/value

This research looks at manufacturing performance, rather than a firm's financial performance, and thereby helps in understanding the intervening processes that potentially lead to superior firm performance. It also identifies some important contingency factors, enriching the literature on market orientation. Finally, the empirical context of this research is quite novel and useful for European and other foreign firms trying to operate in emerging economies such as India.
Using product and retail choice attributes for cross‐national segmentation
Authors: Lockshin Larry , Cohen Eli
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims to use product attributes and retail display information to develop cross‐national segments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses consumers' choice in wine stores to develop segments of consumers, based on the relative importance of 13 factors consumers use for the retail purchase of wine. Data are collected from 11 countries, using seven languages on five continents. Best worst scaling (BWS) and latent class analysis were used to develop the clusters.

Findings

A three‐cluster structure provides a straightforward and robust segmentation across the 11 countries. This model fits better than one based on 11 single country segments. The three segments reveal different ways in which consumers choose wines: cognitive‐based, assurance‐based, and in‐store promotion‐based.

Research limitations/implications

The samples are convenience‐based and do not represent the population of wine drinkers in each country. Choice criteria, including retail communications, can be used to develop useful and robust segments cross‐nationally.

Practical implications

The three segments found in this study provide clear guidelines for wine marketers depending on whether they work for small or large wine companies. The use of choice attributes and BWS show the utility of this method in cross‐national research.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates that product attributes and retail communication devices like labels and displays can be used for cross‐national segmentation. Applying BWS and Latent Class Clustering to choice criteria leads to clear, usable, and robust segmentation across a wide range of cultures and product use histories.
Service‐dominant logic: a necessary step
Authors: Lusch Robert F. , Vargo Stephen L.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to the criticism O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy made of service‐dominant logic in EJM, on behalf of both the paper and the worldwide community of scholars that have embraced S‐D logic as historically informed, integrative, transcending and rich in its potential to generate theoretical and practical contributions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a critical, conceptual analysis of the fallacious arguments that O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy developed to argue against the emerging and rapidly developing service‐dominant logic.

Findings

The paper shows that, contrary to the claims of O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy, S‐D logic: is neither regressive nor intended to displace all other marketing perspectives; is not advocating technology at the expense of explanatory theory; and is pre‐theoretic and intended to be soundly grounded in a manner to assist theory construction.

Research limitations/implications

Theory advancement is critical to marketing and S‐D logic puts special emphasis on the development of theory. It begins to do this by proposing ten foundational premises, which some may wish to refer to as axioms. From these axioms, considerable theoretical work and related empirical research can develop.

Practical implications

O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy wish to prevent marketing scholars from adopting, advocating, and supporting service‐dominant logic and, as they suggest, taking a backward step. They view the S‐D logic movement as primarily USA‐dominated (which it is not) and are firmly anti‐S‐D logic. The available evidence from around the world suggests that the S‐D logic movement has profound implications for the advancement of both marketing science and marketing practice.

Originality/value

It is critical that S‐D logic should not be viewed as being represented by a single paper but as a body of work that Lusch and Vargo have developed since their initial publication and also the work of a community of scholars working collaboratively to co‐create S‐D logic.
Career aspirations of Malaysian research and development professionals in the knowledge economy
Authors: Ismail Maimunah , Sofiah Ramly Efizah
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to compare the influence of self‐efficacy, organizational socialization and continuous improvement (CI) practices on the career aspirations of research and development (R&D) professionals in government research institutes (GRIs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia. R&D professionals in this study refer to a specific group of knowledge workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) was used as this study's theoretical framework. The study involved 164 respondents from GRIs and 120 respondents from MNCs in Malaysia. Descriptive statistics and inferential multiple linear regressions were used to analyse the data.

Findings

Self‐efficacy and organizational socialization were found to differ significantly in terms of their levels, and CI practices and career aspirations were not found to be significantly different between the two groups of respondents. Regression results showed MNCs reported higher explanatory power compared to that of the GRIs in terms of the variance in career aspirations.

Research limitations/implications

The insights generated about the factors affecting career aspirations are based on three independent variables, namely: self‐efficacy, organizational socialization and CI practices that are most suitable for a R&D environment.

Practical implications

This study confirms the relevance of CI practices in the existing model of SCCT because it represents the organizational variables. HRD practitioners in both types of organizations should consider changing the work practices of R&D professionals by strengthening the quality improvement procedures because they affect the professionals' career aspirations.

Originality/value

Incorporating CI practices into the SCCT model is believed to be a contribution of this study to the theory.
A new management for enduring company success
Authors: Christopher William F.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how the system science and cybernetics in Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) will help management structure and manage their company to achieve on‐going success in a fast‐changing world.

Design/methodology/approach

The author worked with Stafford Beer in the 1970s, applying his VSM in the corporation he then worked for and has used the VSM ideas in work with companies in 16 countries, always with success. The VSM instructs in how to structure and how to manage. For what to manage the author used Peter Drucker's key performance areas, and has more than 50 years of experience working in these areas.

Findings

The author has found, during his long career in industry and in consulting, that the VSM is the best available guide for structuring and managing a business enterprise for success in turbulent times.

Practical implications

In the 1950s, Ralph Cordiner “decentralized” General Electric into 120 businesses, pioneering a new, better way to structure and manage a corporation. After 50 years, we have the next revolutionary advance in management, the system science and cybernetics in Stafford's VSM. The VSM includes information and environments in structure, enabling companies to change as appropriate for achieving on‐going success in a world of huge and fast‐growing variety.

Originality/value

The paper shows how a simple form of the VSM includes all the system science company management needs to structure and manage their company for enduring success in fast‐changing times.
Can a cybernetic lens contribute to the business strategy domain?
Authors: Harwood S.A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the strategy literature in such a manner as to identify the key approaches and themes of current interest and thus provide a platform to position organisational cybernetics, in particular, the viable system model (VSM), as a complement to these established approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the dominant themes of three conceptual strands to the business strategy domain (the resource‐based view, the strategy‐as‐practice approach and the strategy‐structure debate) to ascertain how they inform about the notion of strategy as the content of the process of strategising. Concepts from organisational cybernetics are examined to reveal how they can enrich our understanding of strategy, and complement the strategy domain conceptualisations.

Findings

This analysis presents the view of strategy as discourse for action. The VSM provides a device to support discussions about the organisational implications both of the process of strategising, as well as of considered strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The different themes found within the strategy literature (e.g. the process of strategising, internationalisation, collaborative ventures and mergers and acquisitions) offer a rich domain within which organisational cybernetics and the VSM can enrich through its systemic epistemology. Likewise, the strategy domain can inform interpretations of the VSM. Together, this offers the opportunity for a new stream of enquiry.

Practical implications

The insights provided suggest that assistance can be given to organisations for them to improve, not only their strategy‐related activity, but also how they evaluate the organisational implications of considered strategies.

Originality/value

The paper bridges the two conceptual domains of strategy and organisational cybernetics to promote the view that they usefully enrich each other when attempting to understand strategy.
Intumescent coatings based on an organic‐inorganic hybrid resin and the effect of mineral fibres on fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coatings
Authors: Otáhal R. , Veselý D. , Násadová J. , Zíma V. , Němec P. , Kalenda P.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study properties of intumescent coatings based on a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin (with an aminosilane as hardener). In the first part of this study, fire‐resistance behaviour of the intumescent coating based on silicone‐epoxy resin containing intumescent additives is evaluated. The second part assesses the effect of mineral fibres on fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coatings based on the silicone‐epoxy resin.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal degradation and char formation of coatings were investigated by Thermogravimetric analyses, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The salt spray corrosion test was applied to study the resistance of intumescent coatings. Anticorrosion and fire‐resistant properties after one, three and seven days of exposure were evaluated.

Findings

It was shown that a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin is suitable for applications in the field of intumescent coatings. Intumescent coatings based on this resin form a thermally stable thin ceramic‐like layer, which improves the thermal insulation properties of the char. Mineral fibres reinforced the char structure and thus improved fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coating before as well as after the salt spray test. Mineral fibres also improved anticorrosion properties.

Research limitations/implications

This paper discusses only the effect of mineral fibres on properties of intumescent coatings.

Originality/value

A silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin has not previously been used in intumescent coatings. This type of intumescent coating can be used as an effective passive fire protection system for steel constructions.
Impulse purchases of groceries in France and Sweden
Authors: Hultén Peter , Vanyushyn Vladimir
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify similarities and differences with regard to factors affecting consumers' impulse purchases of groceries in France and Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by a random survey of 202 Swedish and 368 French households. MANCOVA is the principal analytical technique.

Findings

The analysis indicates that, while Swedish shoppers make more impulse purchases, the French consumers appear to be more attentive to special in‐store displays and two‐for‐the‐price‐of‐one offerings. Contrary to expectations, the impulse purchases of French and Swedish shoppers are not predicted by gender.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies should incorporate situational variables such as outline of stores and supermarkets and the specific country's food culture, since these factors affect shoppers' choices and shopping habits.

Practical implications

The findings help practitioners to understand how market‐specific factors affect shoppers' impulse purchases. These insights are important in the light of the increased internationalization of the supermarket chains' operations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current knowledge on consumers' impulse purchase behavior by demonstrating that, although the behavior as such is universal, there may be differences between countries with regard to the number of impulse purchases that shoppers make and how they respond to special in‐store displays and discount offerings.
How can educational technology facilitate student engagement with online primary sources?
Authors: Lindquist Thea , Long Holley
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The authors received a grant to develop a digital educational tool to facilitate student engagement with online primary sources. Students and faculty were interviewed prior to developing the tool's specifications to ensure a user‐centered focus. This research paper seeks to report the results of a user needs assessment that explored students' use of primary sources and their learning preferences, as well as faculty's pedagogical goals for student work with primary sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students enrolled in humanities courses at the University of Colorado at Boulder were interviewed to help guide the development of this tool. The interview transcripts were analyzed to uncover several key findings.

Findings

The results of the user needs assessment suggest that primary sources have great potential to excite students' enthusiasm and enhance their learning experiences; however, these materials present several challenges that prevent students from using digital primary‐source collections to the fullest extent. Educational technology may be able to help students overcome these difficulties, but only if the technology is easy‐to‐use and designed to support faculty's pedagogical goals.

Research limitations/implications

This study employed a semi‐structured interview methodology to collect the relevant data. Its central research questions could be explored in greater depth using other user‐centered design methodologies, such as artifact and task analyses.

Practical implications

This research will be used to inform the development of a digital educational tool for student use with primary sources.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing body of research on user needs for effective work with online primary sources in university‐level humanities education.
Usability testing of VuFind at an academic library
Authors: Denton William , Coysh Sarah J.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an academic library's implementation of a discovery layer (VuFind 1.0 RC1) as a next‐generation catalogue, based on usability testing and an online survey.

Design/methodology/approach

Usability tests were performed on ten students (eight undergraduates, two graduates), asking a set of 14 task‐oriented questions about the customized VuFind interface. Task completion was scored using a simple formula to generate a percentage indicating success or failure. Changes to the interface were made based on resulting scores and on feedback and observations of users during testing. An online survey was also run for three weeks, to which 75 people responded. The results were analyzed, compared and cross‐tested with the findings of the usability testing.

Findings

Both the usability testing and survey demonstrated that users preferred VuFind's interface over the classic catalogue. They particularly liked the facets and the richness of the search results listings. Users intuitively understood how to use the deconcatenated Library of Congress Subject Headings. Despite the discovery layer's new functionality, known journal title searching still presents a challenge to users and certain terms used in the interface were problematic.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the findings will assist implementers of VuFind and other next‐generation catalogues to improve their own systems. The questions add to the body of knowledge about usability testing of library catalogues.

Originality/value

No previous papers have been published documenting VuFind usability testing. Not only will the findings be relevant, not just to VuFind, but they will also add to the growing body of literature on next‐generation catalogues.
Scaling of input forms by a simple pair comparison approach
Authors: Held Theo , Fischer Patrick , Schrepp Martin
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce and demonstrate a method that supports design decisions in an easy and practicable way.

Design/methodology/approach

Complete paired comparison is a well‐established scaling method for ratio‐scaling sets of stimuli. This method is well‐proven for scaling variants of user interface designs. The paper demonstrates how the method can be applied to input forms, for example search masks of a library catalogue.

Findings

The investigation shows that paired comparison is well applicable for interfaces used in library systems and results are presented of the comparison that are relevant for the design of catalogue searches. Major aspects are influences of visual design, vertical alignment of (search‐) fields, and vertical spacing of form elements.

Originality/value

Since the method can be used without much (technical) effort, a theoretically quite complex approach can be used also by persons not familiar with psychometric scaling techniques.
Orientation using visual storytelling and the cloud
Authors: Harrington Micki , Ditkoff Jennifer , Young Kara
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how library orientation is given on this college campus to reduce library anxiety and normalize the usage of the library.

Design/methodology/approach

Orientation was delivered using a multimodal presentation. Librarians created a three segment session using an MTV cribs style video with a library tour, polling technology hosted in the cloud and visual storytelling.

Findings

Incoming freshmen and transfer students in the library orientation left with the impression of the library as a welcoming space that is frequently used by all students at college.

Practical implications

This information will enable academic libraries to plan a similar library orientation session to first year students.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the poster presentation given at the Association of College and Research Libraries' biennial conference held in Philadelphia on 30 March‐2 April. This information will enable academic libraries to plan a similar library orientation session to first year students.
“We know no such profession as a university teacher”
Authors: Brailsford Ian
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The historical study aims to trace moves towards professionalising university teaching in the era of post‐war expansion in higher education using the University of Auckland, New Zealand, as the specific case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The historical analysis draws from published papers and original documents chronicling the state of teaching abilities in New Zealand in the late 1950s and 1960s and also draws from the University of Auckland's own archives.

Findings

University teaching by the early 1970s was no longer a private matter. Facing greater accountability from the New Zealand government and university students over the quality of teaching, New Zealand universities responded by creating professional development units to enhance the teaching capabilities of their academic staff.

Originality/value

This case study adds to the emerging histories of higher education academic and staff development units in Australasia and the United Kingdom. It demonstrates the growing realisation amongst academics, students and policy makers in the 1960s that lecturers could not be entirely left to their own devices given the potential harm poor teaching could have on student performance.
Locating curriculum integration within the historical context
Authors: Dowden Tony
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to trace the development of curriculum integration and related curricula designs in state schools in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) during the “New Education” era (1920s‐1940s).

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed historical/theoretical analysis draws on primary and secondary data.

Findings

The paper concludes that largely forgotten designs for curriculum integration developed in the 1920s‐1940s in NZ are similar in intent to the student‐centred “integrative” model of curriculum integration and may usefully inform the contemporary discourse in NZ concerning best practice on middle schooling for young adolescents (approximately ten to 14 years old).

Research limitations/implications

The study provides an additional point of entry towards theorising and re‐evaluating the history of progressive education in NZ.

Originality/value

This study provides historical/theoretical context for recent interest in curriculum integration in NZ, particularly in relation to middle schooling and to student‐centred pedagogies.
A network perspective on business models for emerging technology‐based services
Authors: Palo Teea , Tähtinen Jaana
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to identify the generic elements of a business model in the field of technology‐based services and uses those elements to build a networked business model. A networked business model reflects a situation when it is impossible for a single company to govern all the relevant resources and activities needed in developing, producing, and marketing technology‐based services.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical part of the paper presents a qualitative futures study that employs the Delphi method and scenario planning.

Findings

The paper presents a framework describing the core elements of a networked business model, and shows how it can be applied in developing business model scenarios for technology‐based services.

Originality/value

By examining the business model from a network perspective, the study creates conceptual tools for both researchers and managers to describe, plan and develop future business models.
Satisfaction, inertia, and customer loyalty in the varying levels of the zone of tolerance and alternative attractiveness
Authors: Wu Li‐Wei
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Empirical studies investigating the antecedents of customer loyalty typically focus on satisfaction. This study aims to develop and test a more comprehensive model of the antecedents of customer loyalty, including satisfaction and inertia. In addition, this study also considers how the effects of satisfaction and inertia on customer loyalty vary with differing levels of the zone of tolerance (ZOT), and how these are likely to change due to customers' alternative attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that a wider level of the ZOT strengthens the positive effect of inertia on customer loyalty, while also reducing the positive effect of satisfaction. The results also indicate that the negative moderating effect of the ZOT on the relationship between satisfaction and customer loyalty will reduce as alternative attractiveness increases. In contrast, the positive moderating effect of the ZOT on the relationship between inertia and customer loyalty will reduce as alternative attractiveness increases.

Originality/value

This study is a first attempt to integrate the ZOT to determine the relative importance of satisfaction and inertia in determining customer loyalty. In addition, this study suggests that customers with higher perceptions of alternative attractiveness are more likely to experience changes in the influence of the ZOT on their loyalty decisions.