bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical simulation of the plain weft knitted fabrics
Authors: Vassiliadis Savvas G. , Kallivretaki Argyro E. , Provatidis Christopher G.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The present work aims to focus on the simulation of tensile, shear and bending deformation of the plain‐weft knitted fabrics in an analogous manner to the tests performed on the Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation of the tests is based on the modelling of the fabric microstructure and the application of the boundary conditions and the equivalent loading that correspond to each mechanical test, with a respect to the contact phenomena. A three‐dimensional model consisting of three bodies in contact represents the unit cell of the fabric microstructure. Finite element analysis is used for the prediction of fabric performance since the complexity of the structure, the anisotropic properties of the yarns and the interaction phenomena between the yarns at the contact areas preclude the use of analytical methods.

Findings

The proper definition of the boundary conditions and the appropriate load is of great significance for the realistic simulation of the mechanical tests under examination. The results of the simulated deformations compared to the respective measurements of the laboratory tests are correlated very well and this enables the consideration of the computational analysis as a powerful textile design tool.

Originality/value

The prediction of the mechanical properties of the knitted fabrics based on the computational modelling supports the estimation of the fabric hand during the design stage and before its manufacturing.
Taxonomy development: assessing the merits of contextual classification
Authors: Milne Chris
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share personal experience on the early stages of taxonomy construction, reflecting on the potential role of contextual classification techniques as applied by the records management profession as a tool in effectively organising information, resources and services within intranet and/or portal environments. The paper also aims to assess the additional benefits to be secured where linking content to business purposes can create or reveal new meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on experience, personal opinion, published literature and discussions with peers to assess the applicability of contextual classification as a tool to support taxonomy development.

Findings

The paper concludes that classification of information, resources and services within intranet and/or portal environments using a citation order of function, activity, task, sub‐task is likely to be of significant value, requiring further investigation to fully assess impact and applicability. Contextual classification receives much discussion in general records management terms, however its applicability in supporting portal and/or intranet development appears to receive little attention. The requirement to generate improvements in information retrieval from a host of on‐line services (of which taxonomy development is one example) is reinvigorating the role of the informational professional. Given the criticality of improving the management and retrieval of information it is desirable that stronger interdisciplinary links are established across the information profession to further develop “information retrieval” as a subject discipline.

Originality/value

The article suggests that the role of contextual classification to organise information, resources and services within intranets/portals requires further investigation and reflection to assess its applicability, value and impact. Initial findings and reflection of the application of contextual classification in the design of elements of a university portal taxonomy have proven to be successful, suggesting that wider discussion and reflection is now required. It is also suggested that the information profession take steps to build stronger interdisciplinary links to advance the development of information retrieval as a subject discipline.
Hybrid filing schemes: the use of metadata signposts in functional file plans
Authors: Morelli Jeff
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems of using metadata to file electronic documents as well as the problems of using a purely functional filing scheme. It aims to explore how a functional file plan can be created from a business classification scheme by inserting “metadata signpost folders” at strategic points in the filing hierarchy to create a “hybrid functional file plan”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on experience and published literature to discuss methods for creating a hybrid functional file plan.

Findings

The paper concludes that functional filing is the only method of filing e‐documents that can effectively support good information management practice, enabling all e‐documents to be managed in line with corporate information management policies, and that it may also be the only viable method of providing true “shared” filing in support of knowledge management and business efficiency.

Originality/value

The article shows that a functional filing scheme, retrieving, cross‐referencing and grouping documents by subject (or other metadata attributes) requires special measures and suggests that current IT, EDRM and related technologies may not fully meet the requirements by searching/sorting on metadata terms. It may be necessary to compromise a purely functional file plan by the inclusion of metadata “signpost” folders into the functional folder structure in order to create a hybrid functional file plan.
When ICT meets schools: differentiation, complexity and adaptability
Authors: Tubin Dorit
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the interaction between information communication technology (ICT) and the school's organizational structure, and propose an analytical model based both on Luhmann's system theory and empirical findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of building a theory from a case study research along with an instrumental multi‐case study method were applied to analyzing nine Israeli schools that successfully implemented ICT‐based pedagogical innovation.

Findings

The findings suggest that ICT generates three kinds of differentiation within the school's structure: segmentation, stratification and functional differentiation. The type of differentiation correlates with the school's communication and set of contingencies which includes ICT usage types, leadership style, time and space arrangement, source of expertise, and the champions – those who bear the burden. All the differentiation types were found to increase internal complexity and enhance school adaptability, and in a recursive process, affect school communication and its sensitivity toward further ICT integration.

Research limitations/ implications

The fact that the chosen schools demonstrated extreme cases of successful ICT integration might limit the generalizability of the findings, but nonetheless it offers a significant contribution to the development of a substantive ICT and school structure theory.

Practical implications

Supporting ICT integration called for intervention at the school's top management level; supporting an initial ICT‐based project enhances the school's control over the implementation process, and provides schools with additional resources.

Originality/value

This study bears a substantive theory regarding ICT and school structure, and fosters new insights and propositions for further research.
England's National College for School Leadership: a model for leadership education?
Authors: Riley Dan , Mulford Bill
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to critique the strengths and weaknesses of the National College for School Leadership (NCSL). The primary purpose of the NCSL is to improve student attainment levels through enhancement of leadership capacity within England's government schools. The critique aims to include the issues of strategic rethinking, definition of terms, leadership competencies, core competencies, selection criteria, and research needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides a review of literature related to leadership capacity building and challenges to the NCSL enhancement of student attainment levels in England's government schools.

Findings

The article indicates that the NCSL had numerous strengths adequate for the initial core activities of headteacher development. Subsequent broadening of those responsibilities to include all leadership development in government schools is a challenging task. The continued increase in expectations necessitates a strategic rethinking of NCSL capability.

Practical implications

The number of potential school leaders warrants reflection on current practice. The “demographic time‐bomb” of the teaching profession has implications for succession planning and professional development. The NCSL has endeavoured to prepare additional school leaders. The increase in NCSL responsibilities regarding school leadership necessitates a sharing of responsibility with other providers.

Originality/value

The article is among the first to critique the NCSL and to identify lessons to be learned by educational leaders from the NCSL experience.
Developing leadership: exploring childhoods of women university presidents
Authors: Madsen Susan R.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Researchers argue that much of who we are is developed during childhood. Yet, little exploratory research has been conducted regarding the childhood experiences, activities, personalities, and perceptions of successful leaders. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with ten women university presidents to investigate perceptions and experiences related to the lifetime development of leadership skills, abilities, and competencies. The lived experiences of these women were investigated using the phenomenological research methodology so that “voices” could be heard and unique insights examined. This paper explores a portion of this research focused on childhood personalities, school and other activities, influential individuals, and significant events and challenges.

Findings

Results support the growth‐task model of human development. As children, the presidents were generally obedient, reflective, observant, smart, self‐directed, competitive, and moderately to highly confident. It was important for them to live up to their own expectations and those of significant adults around them. These women were involved in a variety of helpful activities as children and thrived on learning and developing new skills, knowledge, and capabilities. Other than their own parents, influential individuals during childhood included predominantly women (elementary school teachers, aunts, and grandmothers). The most helpful learning experiences involved challenging and difficult situations or events (e.g. illness, relocation, and fear).

Practical implications

By understanding these influences, practitioners can design more effective interventions dependent on an individual's background.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable information for those interested in individual leadership development efforts centered on working with individuals interested in obtaining positions at the highest levels in higher education.
Consumer co‐operatives and retail internationalisation: problems and prospects
Authors: Davies Keri , Burt Steve
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the retail internationalisation activities of consumer co‐operatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducts a survey of the available information on these internationalisation activities.

Findings

A survey of the available information on these internationalisation activities shows that they have been restricted to a relatively small number of co‐operatives and that the “failure” rate has been very high. Some suggestions are made as to why the co‐operatives have been unable to convert their early‐mover advantages into sustainable retail networks.

Research limitations/implications

The restricted nature of the sample means that these exploratory findings are primarily descriptive. Further, in‐depth work with a sample of these co‐operatives would help us to better understand the reasons for the moves into and out of various international activities.

Practical implications

Expands the literature on retail failure in general and also provides some more depth to the literature on the internationalisation of co‐operatives.

Originality/value

Whilst there have been significant volumes of research into the internationalisation of investor‐owned retailers and of producer co‐operatives, particularly the “new generation” co‐operatives, there has been very little prior work undertaken in this area.
Biometrics in retailing
Authors: Jones Peter , Williams Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a preliminary assessment of the potential role for biometrics within the retail sector of the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an outline of the origin and characteristics of biometrics and this is followed by a review of the possible retail applications and an outline of the current barriers to widespread adoption. The paper draws its empirical material from trade sources available on the internet.

Findings

The findings reveal that biometrics has a number of potential applications within retailing including combating identity theft, increasing transaction speed at the point of sale, reducing transaction processing costs for retailers and the development of more individually tailored marketing and customer loyalty systems. However, a number of major barriers need to be overcome if biometrics are to become an integral part of the retail scene. These include acquisition and installation costs, doubts about the accuracy and performance of biometric technologies and public concerns about personal privacy and civil liberties.

Originality/value

The paper offers an accessible review of the potential application of biometrics within retailing, which will interest academics working in retail, business and management and information technology departments in universities and colleges and students studying in these disciplines.
Labour turnover in the retail industry
Authors: Booth Simon , Hamer Kristian
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to identify key variables that influence the variability of labour turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this research is a case study of a major retailer. The key data sources are an index for local competitive and labour market factors, an annual employee survey, and internal labour turnover data for each UK unit of the retailer. The method used for analysis is stepwise regression which identifies the key relationships that predict labour turnover.

Findings

The findings show that environmental factors such as local labour markets have a major influence on labour turnover. Organisational factors such as company culture and values are a significant influence. Management behaviour as seen through operational and control variables are also of importance. Individual employee variables are also important in decisions concerning turnover.

Research limitations/implications

The statistical analysis accounts for 38.7 per cent of the total variance in labour turnover. There are, therefore, other factors which are not assessed in this paper which also contribute to labour turnover. Whilst this study is of retail units across the UK as a whole, it is of one organisation and statistical generalisations cannot be made from this research.

Practical implications

A significant paradox is found in which, as employees become more embedded and familiar with the organisation, its valency for them diminishes and labour turnover increases. This poses a challenge for retailers: how can they retain valued employees who find that as their self‐esteem increases they wish to search for better jobs elsewhere?

Originality/value

This research uses a statistical approach to provide new findings concerning the attitudes of individuals to their work and good explanations of the factors involved in labour turnover. It also provides statistical predictions which could be used by managers who wish to improve performance and decrease labour turnover at the retail unit level.
Customer profile of the “carryout” segment for restaurants
Authors: Bojanic David C.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to identify the customer profile for the “carryout” segment at all types of restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

Customers at two casual dining restaurants in the suburbs of a second‐tier city in Western Massachusetts were surveyed regarding their dining out habits, including carryout service.

Findings

The carryout segment tends to be married with children, below the age of 55, and has slightly higher incomes than dine‐out only customers.

Research limitations/implications

This study was exploratory and similar studies need to be performed covering more geographic locations at various times throughout the year. In addition, a probability sampling technique could be used with a good sampling frame.

Practical implications

Casual dining restaurants need to determine whether they want to target the “carryout” segment. If so, the restaurant needs to focus more of its marketing efforts on reaching these customers and creating demand for the carryout product. Also, the benefits of targeting this segment need to be weighed against the additional costs in facility design and operations.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the “carryout” segment for all types of restaurants, while most of the previous research in this area has been on quick‐service restaurants. This is important because the “carryout” segment for casual dining restaurants is increasing steadily.
Human resources: a hidden advantage?
Authors: Bas Collins Ayse
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to identify the general characteristics of the profile of staff at five‐star hotels, and methods of recruitment, and makes suggestions for improvement in this sector. It is hoped that it will lead hotels to a greater competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect and analyze the data. Comparisons were made with existing data in order to determine trends and characteristics of hotel staff.

Findings

The results show that there is room for staff improvement and improvement in recruitment methods, even within five‐star hotels. All hotels, regardless of their rating, should understand their human resources make‐up and what needs to be implemented to retain staff.

Practical implications

With these improvements one might better compete for the first time guests and repeat clientele. Other studies should be undertaken on an international basis in order to widen the database.

Originality/value

There are few studies that address these particular issues, yet there is still additional room to expand the study and comparisons that need to be performed. It would be advantageous include hotels of a lesser rating in future studies.
Finite volume method for the solution of flow on distorted meshes
Authors: McBride D. , Croft N. , Cross M.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To improve flow solutions on meshes with cells/elements which are distorted/ non‐orthogonal.

Design/methodology/approach

The cell‐centred finite volume (FV) discretisation method is well established in computational fluid dynamics analysis for modelling physical processes and is typically employed in most commercial tools. This method is computationally efficient, but its accuracy and convergence behaviour may be compromised on meshes which feature cells with non‐orthogonal shapes, as can occur when modelling very complex geometries. A co‐located vertex‐based (VB) discretisation and partially staggered, VB/cell‐centred (CC), discretisation of the hydrodynamic variables are investigated and compared with purely CC solutions on a number of increasingly distorted meshes.

Findings

The co‐located CC method fails to produce solutions on all the distorted meshes investigated. Although more expensive computationally, the co‐located VB simulation results always converge whilst its accuracy appears to grace‐fully degrade on all meshes, no matter how extreme the element distortion. Although the hybrid, partially staggered, formulations also allow solutions on all the meshes, the results have larger errors than the co‐located vertex based method and are as expensive computationally; thus, offering no obvious advantage.

Research limitations/implications

Employing the ability of the VB technique to resolve the flow field on a distorted mesh may well enable solutions to be obtained on complex meshes where established CC approaches fail

Originality/value

This paper investigates a range of cell centred, vertex based and hybrid approaches to FV discretisation of the NS hydrodynamic variables, in an effort characterize their capability at generating solutions on meshes with distorted or non‐orthogonal cells/elements.
A numerical model for the thermocapillary flow and heat transfer in a thin liquid film on a microstructured wall
Authors: Alexeev A. , Gambaryan‐Roisman T. , Stephan P.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study thermocapillarity‐induced flow of thin liquid films covering heated horizontal walls with 2D topography.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical model based on the 2D solution of heat and fluid flow within the liquid film, the gas above the film and the structured wall is developed. The full Navier‐Stokes equations are solved and coupled with the energy equation by a finite difference algorithm. The movable gas‐liquid interface is tracked by means of the volume‐of‐fluid method. The model is validated by comparison with theoretical and experimental data showing a good agreement.

Findings

It is demonstrated that convective motion within a film on a structured wall exists at any nonzero Marangoni number. The motion is caused by surface tension gradients induced by temperature differences at the gas‐liquid interface due to the spatial structure of the heated wall. These simulations predict that the maximal flow velocity is practically independent from the film thickness, and increases with increasing temperature difference between the wall and the surrounding gas. It is found that an abrupt change in wall temperature causes rupture of the liquid film. The thermocapillary convection notably enhances heat transfer in liquid films on heated structured walls.

Research limitations/implications

Our solutions are restricted to the case of periodic wall structure, and the flow is enforced to be periodic with a period equal to that of the wall.

Practical implications

The reported results are useful for design of the heat transfer equipment.

Originality/value

New effects in thermocapillary convection are presented and studied using a developed numerical model.
Social relations among managers: old boys and young women's networks
Authors: Waldstrøm Christian , Madsen Henning
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate whether there are gender differences in the importance placed on two types of network support among managers in organisations. Prior research indicates that it can be expected that female managers will not have their social contact needs satisfied to the same extent as their male colleagues and that female managers do not regard their nearest colleagues as friends to the same extent as male managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Large scale survey of managers in Denmark.

Findings

The first hypothesis is neither supported nor rejected, since the gender differences are strongly influenced by age, when controlling for sector, marital status, and children living at home. While male managers tend to see their colleagues more as friends, the older they are, the reverse is true of female managers. The second hypothesis is clearly rejected, since no gender differences are found.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the crucial role of age in the gender differences in perception of social support, offering a new interpretation of female managers' use of workplace networks.
Institutional preparedness and sustainability of micro finance institutions during post disaster scenario
Authors: Anand Kumar T.S. , Newport Jeyanth K.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to show how microfinance has contributed to poverty reduction and strengthening the risk management capacity of the poor.

Design/methodology/approach

Considers disaster preparedness of micro finance institutions (MFIs) especially in natural disasters, economic crisis and civil conflicts.

Findings

Finds that it is essential for MFIs to prepare a strategy for maintaining liquidity in a disaster situation, especially keeping disaster loan funds (DLFs) in reserve to help affected households.

Originality/value

Sees disaster management as a dynamic process that could ideally be developed during normal times and tested in actual disasters but it requires careful planning and commitment on the part of all stakeholders
Opportunities for improving disaster management in Chile: a case study
Authors: Aldunce Paulina , León Alejandro
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose measures to improve management of rainfall‐related disasters in Chile.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was carried out as a case study in the semi‐arid region of Chile where above‐normal rainy events occur once or twice during some rainy seasons. Measures to improve management are suggested based on theory, field data, and community participation. The method was based on a review of both the scientific literature and the local media; and a semi‐structured survey that was applied to local parties, including the population affected by past disasters. Also, some participatory activities (i.e. workshops) were organized in order to include the community opinions.

Findings

Results show that there have been significant advances during the last decade in Chile regarding disaster management. Yet, improvements need to be done at the local level in order to achieve a holistic, proactive and integrative management, including community participation and sharing responsibilities. A key element is increased coordination and cooperation.

Practical implications

Benefit the communities and public agencies associated with disaster management, through practical recommendations based on theoretical issues and findings derived from fieldwork.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few scientific research efforts done in Chile based on a case study that includes social aspects (e.g. community participation, social vulnerability) and disaster management.
Co‐ordinating humanitarian operations in peace support missions
Authors: Rietjens Sebastiaan J.H. , Voordijk Hans , De Boer Sirp J.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to contribute to a more effective co‐ordination of humanitarian operations by military and civilian organizations involved in a peace support mission in response to a complex emergency.

Design/methodology/approach

The information processing view, in particular Galbraith's typology of generic mechanisms for achieving co‐ordination, is taken as the theoretical framework. This framework is subsequently applied to the co‐ordination of humanitarian operations by military and civilian organizations. Empirical data are derived from a set of expert interviews with both military and civilian respondents in The Netherlands and a four week visit to Kabul and Baghlan, a province in northern Afghanistan. During this visit 40 military respondents have been interviewed and over 60 meetings have been held with local authorities, humanitarian organizations, small entrepreneurs, refugees and local villagers. Finally, conclusions are drawn and recommendations are provided with regard to a more effective co‐ordination of humanitarian operations in a peace support mission.

Findings

The article's main finding is that “self‐contained tasks” in combination with lateral relations are the dominant co‐ordination mechanisms. “Slack resources”, though observed in practice, is not considered a viable co‐ordination mechanism since this implies an excess, and thus waste, of scarce resources. “Information systems” are, unfortunately, not well‐developed leading to mismatches between policy and practice. Keeping “self‐contained tasks” as the major co‐ordination mechanism, the main recommendation is to develop and implement innovative “information systems”, that can also be used to support “lateral relations”, in particular those between military and civil actors.

Originality/value

The paper applies the information processing perspective to a unique and important subject, namely co‐ordination between military and humanitarian organizations in peace support missions.
Adolescents' view on smoking, quitting and health education
Authors: Dijk Froukje , de Nooijer Jascha , Heinrich Evelien , de Vries Hein
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the beliefs of 15‐17 year‐old Dutch adolescents about starting or quitting smoking and to explore their preferences regarding education concerning this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that a total of 12 group interviews were held with 101 students in the highest classes in secondary school (lower and higher secondary school and first class of intermediate vocational education).

Findings

The findings in this paper indicate that most adolescents started smoking to be cool and because they were curious about the taste of a cigarette. Smokers felt that smoking is sociable and relaxing, while non‐smokers emphasized the negative consequences of smoking. Smokers expected to quit smoking when the price of cigarettes further increased, or when they fell ill as a result of smoking. They did not expect to receive social support from their friends and parents during a quit attempt. The hardest times during their quit attempts would be in the presence of smoking friends, when feeling stressed or during a night out. Adolescents preferred to receive future education through the internet. A web site should consist of much colour and animated images, but should also be serious.

Originality/value

The paper shows that computer tailoring could be an effective method of educating adolescents about (quitting) smoking through the internet, since it links up with their personal situation and therefore relevant advice can be given.
Spotlight on Peter Cappelli
Authors: by Sarah Powell Interview
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This article provides an interview with Peter Cappelli

Design/methodology/approach

An interview with Peter Cappelli exploring the background to and impact of the changed relationship between employers and employees.

Findings

Peter Cappelli provides views and opinions about the changed relationship between employers and employees.

Originality/value

Provides an insightful interview with Peter Cappelli.
The double bind of e‐journal collections
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine technology developed to aid in e‐journal archiving and preservation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines two organizations and relevant technology which has been developed over the last five years to meet the needs of e‐journal archiving and preservation.

Findings

This paper is exploratory in nature and examines two potential solutions for the e‐journal preservation dilemma.

Practical implications

Since the advent of e‐journal licensing, concerns regarding the preservation of digital born content have grown. The need to establish means to preserve this content for the future is acute.

Originality/value

This paper examines the pros and cons associated with the two primary organizations, Portico and LOCKSS, regarding e‐journal content preservation. It is hoped that this information will be useful to librarians and library staff who are responsible for exploring the means to implement digital preservation and will guide them to further resources which will be helpful in making an informed decision.
Standard methodology in digital library project management
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to provide a description of the model for standardized project management developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), as applied to digital library projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the PMI model for project management, the paper develops a context for managing digital library projects according to the PMI's standard methodology.

Findings

The paper finds that by using a standard methodology increases the likelihood of delivering projects on time and on budget.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to digital library project managers as it fills a gap in the literature by providing an accessible overview of the major components of standard project management methodology as defined by the PMI.
Analysis of the use of open archives in the fields of mathematics and computer science
Authors: Wojciechowska Anna
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to study the use of institutional open archives in France, and more specifically “Hyper Article en Ligne” (Hal).

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses self‐archiving of articles by those of the French researchers in mathematics and computer science who work in relation with the French National Network of Mathematics Libraries (RNBM). The survey was performed by sending a questionnaire to the researchers via libraries of the RNBM.

Findings

The paper provides information about the knowledge of open archives, about information search, experience in self‐archiving and copyright awareness of French researchers in mathematics and computer science.

Originality/value

This paper tries to identify the causes of the difficult development of open archives in France.
Project StORe: making the connections for research
Authors: Pryor Graham
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the workflows and norms of scientific researchers in their use of source and output repositories and to design functional links between them that will enhance the value of research data.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on the key findings from a survey of seven scientific disciplines, with analysis of data from an online questionnaire and a series of structured interviews, conducted with a representative cohort of researchers.

Findings

The paper finds that significant support was expressed for the provision of bi‐directional links between source and output repositories, tempered by a limited knowledge of repositories among the survey constituency and the need for reassurance on measures for the protection of data ownership. Diversity in the application of good data management practice is marked both between and within each of the disciplines surveyed, with solutions adopted characterised by a culture of self‐sufficiency and the use of repositories driven by practical research requirements. Common areas for improvement have been recognised across the disciplines, notably in the processes described for the assignment of metadata, and opportunities for expert assistance in data management were identified.

Research limitations/implications

Having identified the specificity of requirements and levels of understanding within individual disciplines, further research would benefit the design and alignment of repository and information services.

Practical implications

Observations of researcher attitudes and behaviours provide clues to future service provision, and to the principal functions of data repositories. Evidence for the potential realignment of institutional information services is also provided.

Originality/value

This paper presents a candid description of the challenges facing data managers, curators and information service providers.
Using web logs transactions to assess a metadata registry system's use
Authors: Polydoratou Panayiota , Pendleton Michael , Nicholas David
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The Environmental Data Registry (EDR) is a cornerstone of the US Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to manage and integrate environmental information for the purposes of safeguarding human health and protecting the environment. This paper seeks to present findings on the use of the EDR/SoR metadata registry system based on data from web logs transactions. It aims to broaden our understanding of how metadata registries are used, particularly as indicated by their own users.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analysis of web log transactions of a six‐year period (1998‐2004). The focus of this paper is in three areas: use presented on a daily, monthly and yearly basis; trends in use (increasing/decreasing) over a period of more than six years; and users of the metadata registry system as shown through the domain and directory reports.

Findings

The paper presents the daily, monthly and yearly use of the EDR/SoR. It shows trends in its use for a period of over six years and identifies some of the metadata registry's users and the information they seek (as shown in the directory reports).

Research limitations/implications

Transactional web logs, in general, record the internet protocol address of the computer that accessed the web site/service. That is not necessarily linked to any one specific user. Therefore, results are presented as actual access numbers rather than human beings.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first of its kind to examine web log transactions in assessing metadata registry usage. This research is intended to enhance the understanding of the user and application of the EDR/SoR and therefore provide a baseline for metadata registry systems' evaluation in general.
Information retrieval features in Indian digital libraries: a critical appraisal
Authors: Das Anup Kumar , Dutta Chaitali , Sen B.K.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the present situation in the development of indigenous digital libraries in India. The study aims to evaluate different retrieval features of Indian digital libraries, especially those provide access to multilingual and multimedia documents.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, eight digital libraries originated in India, which are available in 24×7 timeframe and accessible worldwide through the internet, have been identified and selected. The retrieval features and other information on these digital libraries have been collected mostly from their respective websites and from other published literature, annual reports, etc.

Findings

The paper finds that Indian digital libraries provide universal access to informative and culturally rich digital content related to South Asian region. The digitisation efforts in Indian institutions make these digital libraries operational.

Research limitations/implications

The institutional repositories and open access archives of Indian institutions that give access to the current research literature are not included in this study, because their retrieval features are mostly similar to each other as they use either DSpace or GNU EPrints open source software.

Practical implications

Indigenous digital libraries in India provide universal access to information and knowledge related to culture and heritage of people of South Asian counties. This study gives an insight on how diverse contents are integrated and disseminated to the end‐users in a user‐friendly manner. This study also indicates research initiatives on different aspects of multilingual contents in this region.

Originality/value

No such evaluation on Indian digital libraries has been done from the perspective of information retrieval features. This study will generate new knowledge in area of indigenous digital libraries in a developing country like India. This study is also an attempt to popularise Indian indigenous digital libraries among the world community.
Analysing Google rankings through search engine optimization data
Authors: Evans Michael P.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the most popular techniques used to rank a web page highly in Google.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of a study into 50 highly optimized web pages that were created as part of a Search Engine Optimization competition. The study focuses on the most popular techniques that were used to rank highest in this competition, and includes an analysis on the use of PageRank, number of pages, number of in‐links, domain age and the use of third party sites such as directories and social bookmarking sites. A separate study was made into 50 non‐optimized web pages for comparison.

Findings

The paper provides insight into the techniques that successful Search Engine Optimizers use to ensure a page ranks highly in Google. Recognizes the importance of PageRank and links as well as directories and social bookmarking sites.

Research limitations/implications

Only the top 50 web sites for a specific query were analyzed. Analysing more web sites and comparing with similar studies in different competition would provide more concrete results.

Practical implications

The paper offers a revealing insight into the techniques used by industry experts to rank highly in Google, and the success or otherwise of those techniques.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for web sites and e‐commerce sites keen to attract a wider web audience.
An approach to service‐oriented architecture using web service and BPM in the telecom‐OSS domain
Authors: Kim J.W. , Lim K.J.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

In order to implement Service‐Oriented Architecture (SOA) in the telecommunication providers' Operations Support System (OSS) domain, this paper aims to propose an architectural baseline to design and implement the SOA based OSS model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an approach to SOA using Web services for the service delivery domain in the area of telecommunication OSS design and implementation. The paper defines the operational activities needed to serve customers, rearrange these activities to support autonomous services, and designs a systemic process that is composed of numerous services. The new OSS is implemented for wireless LAN services delivery process. In order to realize this SOA based OSS, the interfaces of these well‐defined services are described and each service is implemented within its own boundaries. Services can be orchestrated with a composite objective, so that operational expenditures for new business objectives can be reduced.

Findings

The paper finds that, through the implementation of the SOA‐based OSS platform, business agility can be achieved in rapidly changing market circumstances.

Originality/value

The paper shows that in the move towards service‐oriented computing, Service‐Oriented Architecture provides flexible, cost‐effective operations support solutions through interoperability, reusability and composability between loosely coupled services.
Synthetic worlds and the University: approaching the unknown
Authors: Abeles Tom
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This is an introductory editorial for Volume 15 designed to challenge current thinking about the future in general and the future of post‐secondary education in particular, at a time when the world wide web is being populated by synthetic worlds.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the emerging area of synthetic worlds, the essay challenges the current thinking, not about the virtual space occupied by these worlds, but the very world of the university currently inhabited by both faculty and students.

Findings

Currently traditional institutions are changing because of the ubiquity of the internet. The creation of synthetic worlds in the world wide web represents a substantive change similar to the shift in society as the horseless carriage transformed into the automobile.

Originality/value

As the synthetic “worlds” transition, the borders between a country on earth and these virtual environments become similar to today's political boundaries. Yet the physics, biology and social environment can be radically different with, as yet, unknown consequences.
Educational supply chain management: a case study
Authors: Lau Antonio K.W.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the philosophy of supply chain management in the current higher education environment so as to suggest innovative management ideas in higher education management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted an in‐depth case study approach in a university. This study follows Yin's approach to interview the personnel of a supply chain department and collected the university documents.

Findings

The study identified three supply chains of the university, i.e. commodity, special requested and outsourcing supply chains. Rearrangements of the existing supply chain are suggested to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education.

Research limitations/implications

This research, which used a case study approach to examine a university, affects the research generalization. This research, which qualitatively reviewed the supply chain management in a university, failed to obtain objective instruments of the supply chain performance in the university.

Practical implications

Two innovative ideas for managing the supply chain in the higher education environment are explored. The findings provide interesting and innovative ways for the manager in the education section to review their works.

Originality/value

From an academic perspective, this research may be an innovative way to implement the latest business management philosophy into the higher education environment. This connects education management with general business management. From a managerial perspective, this research provides education management a new way to understand how supply chain management impacts on the performance of a university. It also identifies unanswered questions for further study.
Structure‐context alignment: evidence from a developing country (Sudan)
Authors: Mohamed Hesham E.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This research seeks to investigate the relationship between structure and context in the manufacturing sector in the Sudan, as one of the developing countries. Hence, the “universality” of the relationship between context and structure could be tested by conducting cross‐cultural comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study cross‐sectional research strategy is adopted in which 30 manufacturing firms are investigated. Hickson et al. (1969) measures were employed to operationalize the concepts of structure and context. Correlation analysis is used to test the significance of the relationship between the two variables.

Findings

This study could be categorized as a new advocate to the Aston Group's size imperative rationale. Also the findings suggest that the impact of the national cultures on the structuring of organizations is not as strong as perceived by some researchers.

Practical implications

The implication of this research is that researchers and practitioners should overemphasize the impact of national culture on organizations’ structures and processes.

Originality/value

The value of the research can be attributed to the scarcity of evidences from developing countries as far as the relationship between context and structure is concerned.