bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic targeting: past, present, and future
Authors: Crystal David
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explicate the notion of “semantics”, especially as it is being used in the context of the internet in general and advertising in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The conception of semantics as it evolved within linguistics is placed in its historical context. In the field of online advertising, it shows the limitations of keyword‐based approaches and those where a limited amount of context is taken into account (contextual advertising). A more sophisticated notion of semantic targeting is explained, in which the whole page is taken into account in arriving at a semantic categorization. This is achieved through a combination of lexicological analysis and a purpose‐built semantic taxonomy.

Findings

The combination of a lexical analysis (derived from a dictionary) and a taxonomy (derived from a general encyclopedia, and subsequently refined) resulted in the construction of a “sense engine”, which was then applied to online advertising, Examples of the application illustrate how relevance and sensitivity (brand protection) of ad placement can be improved. Several areas of potential further application are outlined.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic application of linguistics to provide a solution to the problem of inappropriate ad placement online.
Integration of distributed terminology resources to facilitate subject cross‐browsing for library portal systems
Authors: Eric Si Libo , O'Brien Ann , Probets Steve
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to develop a prototype middleware framework between different terminology resources in order to provide a subject cross‐browsing service for library portal systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine terminology experts were interviewed to collect appropriate knowledge to support the development of a theoretical framework for the research. Based on this, a simplified software‐based prototype system was constructed incorporating the knowledge acquired. The prototype involved mappings between the computer science schedule of the Dewey Decimal Classification (which acted as a spine) and two controlled vocabularies, UKAT and ACM Computing Classification. Subsequently, six further experts in the field were invited to evaluate the prototype system and provide feedback to improve the framework.

Findings

The major findings showed that, given the large variety of terminology resources distributed throughout the web, the proposed middleware service is essential to integrate technically and semantically the different terminology resources in order to facilitate subject cross‐browsing. A set of recommendations are also made, outlining the important approaches and features that support such a cross‐browsing middleware service.

Originality/value

Cross‐browsing features are lacking in current library portal meta‐search systems. Users are therefore deprived of this valuable retrieval provision. This research investigated the case for such a system and developed a prototype to fill this gap.
Semantic metadata annotation: tagging Medline abstracts for enhanced information access
Authors: Ibekwe‐SanJuan Fidelia
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The object of this study is to develop methods for automatically annotating the argumentative role of sentences in scientific abstracts. Working from Medline abstracts, sentences were classified into four major argumentative roles: objective, method, result, and conclusion. The idea is that, if the role of each sentence can be marked up, then these metadata can be used during information retrieval to seek particular types of information such as novelty, conclusions, methodologies, aims/goals of a scientific piece of work.

Design/methodology/approach

Two approaches were tested: linguistic cues and positional heuristics. Linguistic cues are lexico‐syntactic patterns modelled as regular expressions implemented in a linguistic parser. Positional heuristics make use of the relative position of a sentence in the abstract to deduce its argumentative class.

Findings

The experiments showed that positional heuristics attained a much higher degree of accuracy on Medline abstracts with an F‐score of 64 per cent, whereas the linguistic cues only attained an F‐score of 12 per cent. This is mostly because sentences from different argumentative roles are not always announced by surface linguistic cues.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation to the study was the inability to test other methods to perform this task such as machine learning techniques which have been reported to perform better on Medline abstracts. Also, to compare the results of the study with earlier studies using Medline abstracts, the different argumentative roles present in Medline had to be mapped on to four major argumentative roles. This may have favourably biased the performance of the sentence classification by positional heuristics.

Originality/value

To the best of one's knowledge, this study presents the first instance of evaluating linguistic cues and positional heuristics on the same corpus.
Faceted classification for museum artefacts
Authors: Ménard Elaine , Mas Sabine , Alberts Inge
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This research project aims to provide a new visual representation of the Artefacts Canada digital collection, as well as a means for users to browse this content. Artefacts Canada Humanities is a database containing approximately 3.5 million records describing the different collections of Canadian museums.

Design/methodology/approach

A four‐step methodology was adopted for the development of the faceted taxonomy model. First, a best practice review consisting of an extensive analysis of existing terminology standards in museum communities and public web interfaces of large cultural organizations was performed. The second step of the methodology entailed a domain analysis; this involved extracting and comparing relevant concepts from terminological authoritative sources. The third step proceeded to term clustering and entity listing,which involved the breaking‐up of the taxonomy domains into potential facets. An incremental user testing was also realized in order to validate and refine the taxonomy components (facets, values, and relationships).

Findings

The project resulted in a bilingual and expandable vocabulary structure that will further be used to describe the Artefacts Canada database records. The new taxonomy simplifies the representation of complex content by grouping objects into similar facets to classify all records of the Artefacts Canada database. The user‐friendly bilingual taxonomy provides worldwide visitors with the means to better access Canadian virtual museum collections.

Originality/value

Few methodological tools are available for museums which wish to adopt a faceted approach in the development of their web sites. For practitioners, the methodology developed within this project is a direct contribution to support web site development of large cultural organizations.
Influence of pocket‐size on misaligned hole‐entry journal bearing
Authors: Sharma Satish , Jain Satish , Sharana Basavaraja J. , Sharma Neeraj
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Hole‐entry hybrid journal bearings are widely used in many applications owing to their favourable characteristics. Ever increasing technological developments demand much improved performance from these class of bearings operating under the most stringent, exact and precise conditions. Therefore, it becomes imperative that the hole‐entry journal bearings be designed on the basis of more accurately predicted bearing characteristics data. The purpose of this paper is to describe a theoretical study to demonstrate the combined influence of the effect of pocket size at the outlet of supply holes and the journal misalignment on the performance of an orifice compensated hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element method is used to solve the Reynolds equation governing the flow of an incompressible lubricant in the clearance space between the journal and bearing together with equation of flow through an orifice. The journal misalignment has been accounted for by defining a pair of misalignment parameters sigma and delta. The effect of pocket size at the outlet of supply holes has been accounted by defining a non‐dimensional parameter which is function of diameter of pocket and journal diameter.

Findings

The results presented in this paper indicate that the effect of journal misalignment is, in general, to cause a reduction in bearing dynamic characteristics parameters whereas the effect of pocket size is to slightly compensate this loss. Performance of a two lobe four recessed journal bearing, a proper selection of bearing offset factor along with type of restrictor (capillary or orifice) is essential.

Originality/value

This paper presents valuable data relating to hole‐entry hybrid journal bearings useful for bearing designers.
Tribological and physical‐chemical properties of aqueous solutions of cationic surfactants
Authors: Sulek Marian , Wasilewski Tomasz , Zieba Malgorzata
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Modern cutting fluids often are real aqueous solutions of chemical compounds. That form of cutting fluid is simpler in preparation, as compared to emulsions and microemulsions. The water base is a good cooling medium of high‐ecological value. The purpose of this paper is to discover water‐soluble additives that could improve the lubricity of water.

Design/methodology/approach

Three cationic surfactants were chosen to be analyzed. Their tribological properties were verified using two testers: T0‐2 (four‐ball machine) and T‐11 (ball‐on‐disk). The results of the tests performed using friction couples made of steel (T0‐2, T‐11) and steel‐ceramics (T‐11) were satisfactory.

Findings

The friction coefficients and wear scar diameters are even a few times smaller, as compared to the ones measured in a water environment.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the crucial role in improvement of the tribological properties is played by the surface activity of the additives (confirmed by the measurements of the surface tension and wetting angle). As the cationic surfactants are bactericidal and anti‐corrosive, they can be classified as multi‐purpose additives modifying water lubricity.
Oil analysis and application based on multi‐characteristic integration
Authors: Yanchun Xia , Yafei He , Hua Huo
Published: August 2010

Purpose

In order to find the relationship between operation machine status and oil monitoring information, the oil monitoring information characteristics abstraction and fault diagnostic system is established. The purpose of this paper is to find an effective method to monitor and diagnose the machine running status, and consequently, serve the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The operation status information of equipments is obtained through applying the methods of statistical, trend, entropy and clustering characteristics as a whole; and the multi‐characteristic integration method is established based on the existing literature, industry practices and oil characteristic analysis.

Findings

Using multi‐characteristic integration method, an oil monitoring and diagnostic system is established based on the above status information. This multi‐characteristic integration method is applied to D‐100/8 air compressor sets in the status monitoring project of a shipbuilding company. The analysis conclusions of the operation status can be obtained promptly and accurately by the method, and can provide guidance for the equipment maintenance.

Originality/value

A novel comprehensive oil monitoring data processing method are presented in this paper, which can scientifically distill latent laws among the monitoring information and detect accurately the measurement index of the fault states and abnormity data.
Robotics innovations at the 2009 Assembly Technology Expo
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the Assembly Technology Expo. Assembly Expo is the feature show, which is combined with five other manufacturing shows at the same time at the same venue in Chicago.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots, system integrators as well as suppliers of robot‐related components such as end‐of‐arm‐tooling.

Findings

Smaller, even nano‐precision‐sized robots are becoming more available as the range of applications ever increases.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that users who investigated robot solutions in the past and found they did not meet application requirements may find it is time to revisit robotics. Robot builders and system integrators are providing more suitable solutions that can better address application needs in a more cost‐effective manner than ever before.
Improving ability of tele‐operators to complete progressively more difficult mobile robot paths using simple expert systems and ultrasonic sensors
Authors: Sanders David A. , Graham‐Jones Jasper , Gegov Alexander
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of simple expert systems to improve the performance of tele‐operated mobile robots and ultrasonic sensor systems. The expert systems interpret data from the joystick and sensors and identify potentially hazardous situations and then recommend safe courses of action so that tele‐operated mobile‐robot tasks can be completed more quickly.

Design/methodology/approach

The speed of a tele‐operator in completing progressively more complicated driving tasks is investigated while using a simple expert system. Tele‐operators were timed completing a series of tasks using a joystick to control a mobile robot through a simple expert system that assisted them with driving the robot while using ultrasonic sensors to avoid obstacles. They either watched the robot while operating it or sat at a computer and viewed scenes remotely on a screen from a camera mounted on the robot. Tele‐operators completed tests with the simple expert system and the sensors connected. The system used an umbilical cable to connect to the robot.

Findings

The simple expert systems consistently performed faster than the other systems. Results are compared with the most recently published results and show a significant improvement. In addition, in simple environments, tele‐operators performed better without a sensor system to assist them but in more complicated environments than tele‐operators performed better with the sensor systems to assist.

Research limitations/implications

Simple expert systems are shown to improve the operation of a tele‐operated mobile robot with an obstacle avoidance systems fitted.

Practical implications

Tele‐operated systems rely heavily on visual feedback and experienced operators. This paper investigates how to make tasks easier. Simple expert systems are shown to improve the operation of a tele‐operated mobile robot. The paper also suggests that the amount of sensor support should be varied depending on circumstances.

Originality/value

The simple expert systems are shown in this paper to improve the operation of a tele‐operated mobile robot. Tele‐operators completed tests with the simple expert system and the sensors connected. The results are compared with a tele‐operator driving a mobile robot without any assistance from the expert systems or sensors and they show a significant improvement.
Development of a flexible AGV for flexible manufacturing systems
Authors: Martinez‐Barbera Humberto , Herrero‐Perez David
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to describe the design and development of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that incorporates artificial intelligence techniques to increase its autonomy and flexibility. The aim is developing a flexible AGV that operates as a flexible material handling system (MHS) in dynamic industrial environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces the entire on‐board control system including hardware and software designs. The sensory system consists of a laser navigation system for localisation and a security laser scanner for sensing the environment. The software architecture is instantiated in a CPU that is connected to low level controllers through a CAN bus. Simplicity, flexibility, robustness and safety were concerned in the design process.

Findings

The developed prototype is able to operate in partially structured and dynamic environments, is easily configured using an approximated description of the workplace and is able to adapt when slight floor layout modifications. This development shows that current technology permits introducing intelligent vehicles in complex manufacturing systems.

Practical implications

The prototype is successfully tested in a real factory, operating as a flexible MHS, transporting pallets between production and storage lines.

Originality/value

A novel flexible AGV is designed and developed to operate as a flexible MHS in dynamic industrial environments. The system satisfies the safety and robustness requirements of industrial applications. The flexible MHS results especially suitable for manufacturing systems that suffers from cyclic and seasonal variations and for flexible manufacturing systems where the possibility of choosing alternative routes is a must.
Reading food marketing: the semiotics of Marks & Spencer!?
Authors: Tresidder Richard
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a social semiotic methodology for the analysis of food marketing and to explore the complexity of reading representations of food within promotional texts.

Design/methodology/approach

The work develops a social semiotic reading of Marks & Spencer's promotional campaigns utilising images from television and web‐based campaigns. This reading is located within a conceptual framework that underpins and identifies the influences that direct the interpretation process and subsequent consumption patterns of the reader/consumer.

Findings

By analysing the relationship between food marketing and the consumer, it is possible to identify a language of food that has its meaning and significance embedded within both culture and society. It is argued that the individual hermeneutically interprets and negotiates this semiotic language of food to reach their individual understanding of food advertising.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual model presented within this paper offers a subjective and interpretivistic approach to the analysis of food marketing. As such it is open to criticism that its implications are limited as it lacks a positivistic or empirical grounding. However, the implications for such an approach are that it highlights that marketing is about people and, if industry is to develop effective or efficient forms of marketing, it is important to understand how the meaning and significance of products such as food are embedded within both culture and society, and how this informs the individual's relationship with it.

Originality/value

Although the study of food has a significant and substantial archive, research within food marketing focuses primarily on management and strategy and fails to engage with the social discourses that define meaning. As such, this paper offers an original insight into food marketing.
A discourse about the institutional handling of the substance abuser's penchant to relapse (Relapse)
Authors: Cook David H.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the first of two articles about substance abuse as a human disorder that defies resolution, with the primary care physician the intended audience.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is about the phenomenon of relapse as an extension of the formation of the underlying addictive‐oriented thinking. Both relapse and acceptance are about the “why” of substance abuse and not the “what.”

Findings

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of US adults who were classified as having substance dependence or abuse in 2008 based on criteria specified in the DSM‐IV was 22.2 million. Subtract on a mutually exclusive basis the 1.2 million who participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the 1.7 million persons who are in some configuration of institutional therapy and this leaves 19.3 million persons as a potential pool of need.

Research limitations/implications

Focusing on the primary care physician is no more trivial than the two topics to be discussed.

Social implications

The potential pool of need in the USA is much larger than the 19.3 million persons on the strength of what is implied by the to‐be‐developed views of relapse and acceptance as the “why” of substance abuse, as a subset of addictive‐oriented thinking.

Originality/value

While the paper is in line with the World Health Organization's position that substance abuse is the most serious health problem globally, the advocated approach to the resolution of addiction is the efficiency of the relationship between the primary care physician and the patient.
Network resources and knowledge alliances
Authors: Huggins Robert
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework to distinguish different forms of network resource that govern knowledge‐based alliances and facilitate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks to build theory through a critical analysis of the relevant literature.

Findings

The paper draws on the notion of network resources to better understand those assets firms have at their disposal to facilitate knowledge‐based interactions and relationships that catalyze innovation. It seeks to integrate the concept of social capital, which the paper argues largely concerns resources related to the social relations and networks held by those individuals within a particular firm. As a means of describing and identifying network resources that are more strategically held by the firm as a whole, the paper introduces the concept of network capital. Network capital is defined as consisting of investments in calculative relations by firms through which they gain access to knowledge to enhance expected economic returns. Therefore, the paper argues that it is possible to make a distinction between the two types of network resource: network capital and social capital.

Research limitations/implications

Making a distinction between network capital and social capital is relevant to both scholars and decision‐makers as it provides a framework for analyzing the underlying complexity of inter‐firm networks and variability across a range of dimensions, conditions and contingencies. It also provides a framework for evaluating which networks a firm can or cannot manage and invest in to meet its requirements.

Originality/value

The paper develops a new and more refined framework for analyzing and evaluating knowledge‐based alliances and innovation‐driven networks between firms and other actors.
Indigenous children of India: enrolment, gender parity and drop‐out in school education
Authors: Joshi K.M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of access to school amongst the indigenous children of India. It looks at the enrolment, gender parity and drop‐out at different levels of school education as well as gender‐wise.

Design/methodology/approach

Sociological factors and the economics of education discourses on the significance of education and reasons for impedimentsto accessare reviewed. The paper uses SES data for the year 2006‐2007 published by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development in the year 2008.

Findings

The indigenous children still remain the most deprived group in terms of access to school education and drop‐outs. The girls are the most affected stakeholders. The enrolment and gross enrolment have increased in the last three decades, but it is still very low at the higher levels of schooling. Similarly, the gender gap amongst the indigenous children increases at the higher levels of schooling. The high poverty and opportunity cost of attending schools are the major reasons for low participation.

Research limitations/implications

Although the macro‐level strategies of government reflect an overall increase in enrolment and fall in drop‐out, research is needed to study grass root/micro‐level strategies adopted by NGOs for individual indigenous communities at different locations and their effectiveness.

Originality/value

The effective and equal access to and within indigenous children is an important tool for their socio‐economic development. The paper provides both an aggregated and a disaggregated picture by both gender and state.
The effect of quality management on mass customization capability
Authors: Murat Kristal Mehmet , Huang Xiaowen , Schroeder Roger G.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of quality management (QM) in the development of mass customization (MC) capability. QM is modeled as a second‐order construct reflected by six QM practices (small group problem solving, top management leadership for quality, information and feedback, process management, customer focus, and supplier involvement). The paper proposes that these six practices reflect the core principles of QM, and in turn QM contributes to the development of MC capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the survey data collected from 167 manufacturing plants in three industries and eight countries, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results provide empirical evidence supporting the proposed relationships between QM and MC capability.

Research limitations/implications

The dataset for this paper is cross‐sectional. Future studies should consider a longitudinal setting that would provide a deeper understanding of causal relationships. Second, an existing database was used, thereby limiting the choices of variables analyzed.

Practical implications

The findings of empirical support for the positive impact of QM practices on MC capability provide guidance for managers in the allocation of resources for QM efforts in their pursuit of MC capability.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to shed light on the effects of QM on MC capability. The paper presents an explanation on how QM helps to develop MC capability and also finds empirical evidence supporting such a relationship.
Human factors: spanning the gap between OM and HRM
Authors: Patrick Neumann W. , Dul Jan
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the claim that the application of human factors (HF) knowledge can improve both human well‐being and operations system (OS) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted using a general and two specialist databases to identify empirical studies addressing both human and OS effects in examining manufacturing OS design aspects.

Findings

A total of 45 empirical studies were found, addressing both the human and system effects of OS (re)design. Of those studies providing clear directional effects, 95 percent showed a convergence between human effects and system effects (+, + or −,−), 5 percent showed a divergence of human and system effects (+,− or −,+). System effects included quality, productivity, implementation performance of new technologies, and also more “intangible” effects in terms of improved communication and co‐operation. Human effects included employee health, attitudes, physical workload, and “quality of working life”.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should attend to both human and system outcomes in trying to determine optimal configurations for OSs as this appears to be a complex relationship with potential long‐term impact on operational performance.

Practical implications

The application of HF in OS design can support improvement in both employee well‐being and system performance in a number of manufacturing domains.

Originality/value

The paper outlines and documents a research and practice gap between the fields of HF and operations management research that has not been previously discussed in the management literature. This gap may be inhibiting the design of OSs with superior long‐term performance.
How do companies achieve mix flexibility?
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne , Platts Ken
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a research gap relating to the understanding of how one type of manufacturing flexibility – mix flexibility – is achieved during day‐to‐day operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Constructs from coordination theory are used in order to understand the way in which physical manufacturing resources are coordinated during daily operations to produce a company's product mix. A multiple case study methodology is used to investigate the applicability of these constructs in the flour milling industry. Subsequently, a conceptual framework is proposed which captures the coordination mechanisms used in the achievement of mix flexibility.

Findings

The paper finds that mix flexibility requirements influence how a company achieves mix flexibility. Further, the findings indicate that, at an operational level, mix flexibility is achieved via the use of coordination mechanisms to manage specific dependencies relating to mix flexibility requirements.

Research limitations/implications

Mix flexibility achievement was studied in a single industry. Future research can test the applicability of the conceptual framework in other manufacturing settings.

Originality/value

An empirical contribution to the study of manufacturing flexibility achievement has been made, where the application of constructs from coordination theory presents a novel approach to the study of manufacturing flexibility achievement.
The role of public sector asset managers in responding to climate change
Authors: Warren Clive M.J.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets, and therefore the delivery of public services, in the face of extreme weather events. Public sector asset managers need to mitigate and prepare for future events. However, current practice, as illustrated by the literature, shows that little risk assessment is currently undertaken.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a literature review of current climate data and best practice asset management. An extensive survey of public sector asset managers working at senior levels in their organisation was designed and distributed to gather data on the current levels of disaster and business continuity planning. The survey design sought to establish the level of risk assessment across the organisations and the integration of property management into the disaster planning process.

Findings

This paper describes the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets in the face of extreme weather events. It reveals that a significant number of public sector authorities are not preparing integrated disaster management plans nor business continuity plans. There is a need for further research into the impact on assets and the role of the public sector real estate manager in assessing the risks and developing strategies to prepare the organisation and to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and severe weather events.

Originality/value

This research highlights the potential for climate change to threaten property assets and particularly to compromise the delivery of public services in the event of extreme weather events. The paper highlights the need for integrated risk assessment and disaster planning, which incorporates enabling property assets. Public sector asset managers have a vital role to play in undertaking risk assessment and preparing disaster plans. This role is becoming increasingly important as climate change is predicted to have a significant effect on the frequency of extreme weather events and the occurrence of natural disasters.
Internet business strategies by property companies in Asia
Authors: Najib Razali Muhammad , Manaf Zaharah , Mohd Yassin Azlina
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study of the top listed property companies in Asia based on capital market value on internet business strategy, and to examine the relationship between top companies and the internet business strategy index.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the research were collected from the top 30 property companies in Asia through their web sites. The services and information offered in these web sites are discussed and used to describe the growth of internet usage in the real estate business.

Findings

From the findings, most companies in Asia realised the importance of the internet as a marketing tool. This has been proved from the good average score of the internet business strategy attributes. The results indicated that top property companies in Asia implemented good internet business strategy.

Research limitations

The research is based on a study from the top 30 companies in Asia based on market capital values as at 30 June 2009. Only three countries were selected in this study: Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Originality/value

This paper examines the practice of property companies in Asia of using the internet as a marketing tool in property business in order to enhance the marketing strategy in this borderless world. The findings provided some insight and guidelines for the industry as well as academics on the use of information and communication technology in the property business.
The development of document supply services in China
Authors: Jia Ping
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the background to Chinese libraries and the general development and new trends in document supply in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The service operation, copyright protection and management mechanisms of document supply in China are described. New challenges to it and the responses are also identified.

Findings

The role of document supply in China is recognized as important and is developing rapidly as economic constraints on purchasing increase.

Originality/value

The paper will be of interest to all document supply librarians interested in developments in China.
Lowering the barriers from Discovery to Delivery: a JISC funded EDINA and Mimas project
Authors: Guy Fred , Elizabeth Palmer Joy
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to describe the context and the progress with the UK Discovery to Delivery project.

Design/methodology/approach

Having set the scene for Discovery to Delivery, the paper describes how the project work was divided into four separate but interlinked strands. The methodologies for each strand are described and the outcomes are critically assessed.

Findings

The project was successful in demonstrating that services created separately by different organisations could be enhanced to provide a seamless approach from discovery to delivery for users. It had been planned to develop a link to local document supply services, but investigation revealed that further investigation would be required before such a service could usefully be supplied.

Originality/value

The project is an example of inter‐working between the national data centres with services that have already been established.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 71
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This review aims to provide a summary of the most recent articles published on document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.

Findings

At the time of writing the cuts due to hit libraries have not yet taken place but reports and articles all indicate cuts of 5‐10 per cent – although that seems optimistic. Open Access continues to grow, with the US FRPAA receiving cross‐party support. If passed it will have a transformative effect on OA. Document supply as such gets plenty of coverage including the Espresso Book machine, and there is much debate on pay per view and in particular DeepDyve.

Originality/value

The paper is the only regular review of the document supply literature and related areas. It will be of particular value to document supply librarians.
Establishing an information network among Islamic Sciences Centers in Iran: a feasibility study
Authors: Abazari Zahra , Isfandyari‐Moghaddam Alireza
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study aims to evaluates the existing and potential facilities in Iranian Islamic Sciences Centers (ISCs), including information resources, budget, human resources and facilities. It identifies the views of Center managers in order to find grounds for cooperation and collaboration and to develop communication and information exchanges between the Centers.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of this research includes all 123 ISCs in Iran. Questionnaires were distributed in a three‐month interval (August to October, 2008). The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 16).

Findings

The findings show that ISCs support the establishment of a network and would join it; however, lack of professionals in the informatics and network development, lack of in‐service training facilities, lack of financial and facilities, lack of access to the resources of other centers and the absence of fast exchange of information are among the problems that need much attention.

Practical implications

To establish the network, three issues should be considered, i.e. human resources, budget, and facilities of the centers.

Originality/value

The paper can serve as a driver to improve the efficiency in ISCs through establishing an information network to serve them.
Satisfaction with work‐family balance among German office workers
Authors: Beham Barbara , Drobnič Sonja
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the relationships between various work demands and resources and satisfaction with work‐family balance in a sample of German office workers. Work‐to‐family conflict is expected to mediate several relationships between dependent and independent variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 716 office workers from two service sector organizations in Germany participated in a comprehensive online survey. Hierarchical multivariate regressions were used to test the predicted relationships.

Findings

Perceived high organizational time expectations, psychological job demands and job insecurity were found to be negatively related to employees' satisfaction with work‐family balance. Work‐to‐family conflict partially mediated those relationships. Social support at work and job control revealed positive relationships with satisfaction with work‐family balance, but contrary to predictions this association persisted after controlling for work‐to‐family conflict.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a cross‐sectional design and employees' self reports which may be problematic in drawing causal conclusions.

Originality/value

The majority of studies in work‐family research look at either work‐family conflict, or more recently, at work‐family facilitation/enrichment, but little research has been conducted on employees' overall assessment of satisfaction with work‐family balance. By investigating relationships between various work demands and resources and the mediating role of work‐to‐family conflict in a sample of German office workers, the study extends previous research and contributes to the work‐family literature by clarifying the relationship between work‐to‐family conflict and satisfaction with work‐family balance.
Local e‐government impact in China, New Zealand, Oman, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Deakins Eric , Dillon Stuart , Al Namani Hamed , Zhang Chao (Kevin)
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a picture of (local) e‐government impact and development philosophy in China, New Zealand, Oman, and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was used to collect data from policymakers in 114 civil service organisations in four countries during 2007.

Findings

Policymakers in every country report only low‐medium levels of agreement that their e‐government initiatives had yielded significant benefits for organisations and citizens alike over a broad range of performance measures concerning service quality, citizen satisfaction, productivity, and management effectiveness. In interactions with stakeholders that are both directive and maintain control over citizens, policymakers also favour the provision of online services that offer ever increasing amounts of information, rather than collaborative service channels that engage citizens in local decision making.

Research limitations/implications

Less than a 100‐percent response rate gives an incomplete snapshot of the e‐government scene in the four countries studied. Also, a lack of understanding of some key e‐government issues plus cultural response bias may have led to erroneous/biased responses.

Practical implications

In an era in which public sector organisations worldwide are under pressure to demonstrate success in service delivery and organisational performance, policymakers do not perceive online services as an opportunity to reduce the costs of physical infrastructure or to improve democracy via shared decision‐making. Thus, further erosions of trust and participation in democracy may continue unless citizens are given similar choices in the democratic system to those they have in their everyday lives.

Originality/value

The paper is undertaken at the local level of government and in a diverse range of countries where the political, social, economic, and cultural environments can differ markedly. It evaluates the significance of key e‐government issues in Western, Arabic, and Eastern contexts, enabling international comparisons to be made across these cultural settings. Impacts of the e‐government initiatives on organisations and citizens are presented and compared; and policymaker attitudes to new technology having the potential to enhance the democratic process are presented.
Is higher education in the UK becoming more competitive?
Authors: Adcroft Andy , Teckman Jon , Willis Robert
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the extent to which recent changes in the UK's higher education sector are likely to increase the level of competition and change the behaviour of UK higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a conceptual framework developed to understand competitive conditions and behaviours in order to provide an analytical device to guide the narrative of the paper. The paper draws on a number of national and international sources.

Findings

It is likely that competition between UK higher education institutions will intensify in the future especially in light of the introduction of student tuition fees and this will lead to further changes in behaviour.

Originality/value

The paper offers an original approach and conceptual basis to make a contribution to a growing debate about the future of the UK higher education sector.
Changing perspective of capabilities in the dynamic supply chain era
Authors: Clifford Defee C. , Fugate Brian S.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

A review of the literature reveals that previous research on capabilities has been limited to static capabilities and have largely been firm‐centric, which neglect today's evolving supply chain environment. To address this shortcoming, this paper aims to explore dynamic supply chain capabilities (DSCCS) as a path to achieving sustainable competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistics and supply chain literature is reviewed to provide a foundation for introducing a model of DSCCS driving competitive advantage. Propositions for future research are presented based upon the theoretical model.

Findings

The need to continuously renew boundary spanning supply chain capabilities may be facilitated by the presence of a supply chain orientation and a learning orientation found across the multiple partners.

Research limitations/implications

Supply chain organizations exist in a continually evolving environment with the best‐performing firms often being characterized as agile and continually improving. The dynamic capabilities perspective provides a theoretical foundation that may be used to better understand and predict the success of supply chain firms. The work presented here is conceptual and empirical examination of the propositions should occur before any broad generalization can be drawn.

Practical implications

Long‐term organizational success may be facilitated by continuous renewal and creation of new static capabilities through the use of DSCCS.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that dynamic capabilities may be extended beyond the traditional single‐firm view to exist across the relationships developed by multiple organizations in a supply chain.
Technology acceptance and satisfaction with logistics services
Authors: Bienstock Carol C. , Royne Marla B.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the technology acceptance model (TAM) from the information technology (IT) literature to investigate the relationships among technology use and acceptance, and perceptions of quality and satisfaction with logistics services among industrial customers.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed model, an online survey was prepared using WebSurveyor and an introductory e‐mail with a link to the survey was sent to a sample of members of two professional organizations of industrial purchasing managers.

Findings

The findings indicate that both logistics service quality (LSQ) perceptions and satisfaction levels are significantly related to future purchase intentions. In addition, LSQ perceptions mediate the relationship between the two TAM constructs and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper provides additional insight on technology acceptance in the context of logistics and supply chain management. IT is a common thread throughout logistics and supply chain management, from electronic data interchange, through collaborative forecasting and replenishment and vendor‐managed inventory processes. Consequently, extending research on technology acceptance and use into the context of logistics and supply chain management is an important step, both in terms of theory development and managerial relevance for both the information systems and supply chain management disciplines.