bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge management and innovativeness
Authors: Chen Chung‐Jen , Huang Jing‐Wen , Hsiao Yung‐Chang
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of organizational climate and structure on knowledge management and firm innovativeness from the social capital and social network perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study employed a questionnaire approach. The sample for this study was drawn from the population of the top 5,000 Taiwanese firms listed in the yearbook published by the China Credit Information Service Incorporation. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 146 Taiwanese firms.

Findings

The findings suggest that knowledge management is positively related to firm innovativeness. In addition, the effect of knowledge management on innovativeness is positively moderated by supportive climate and decentralized, integrated, and less formalized structure. The study also examines the effects of organizational climate and structure on knowledge management and the results indicate that innovative and supportive climate are positively related to knowledge management. When the organizational structure is less formalized, more decentralized and integrated, knowledge management is more enhanced.

Practical implications

Firms need to be aware of the critical role of organizational structure and climate in the transition process of knowledge management to innovative products or services.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by investigating the relationships among organizational contexts of climate and structure, knowledge management, and firm innovativeness from the social capital and social network perspectives.
An exploratory research on the factors stimulating corporate entrepreneurship in the Greek public sector
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A. , Moustakis Vassilis S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Practice demonstrates and research validates that entrepreneurship is moving from the individual to the organization and from the private sector to the social and not‐for‐profit sectors. The present study endeavors to complement the emerging public entrepreneurship literature by aiming to identify which of those factors that stimulate corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector are preferred by entrepreneurial civil servants.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was completed by a random sample (n=247) of public servants across 15 Greek prefectures. Results are based on Bayesian factor analysis, conjoint analysis and cluster analysis.

Findings

Results provide preliminary evidence about entrepreneurial civil servants' preferences and make available a well‐documented framework for addressing corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector.

Research limitations/implications

The reported research relied on self‐reporting. In addition, because the sample consisted entirely of public servants across Greek prefectures, findings may not be applicable to other public sector contexts (such as hospitals) and other countries. Data are cross‐sectional and alternative relationships may exist. Future research should be multinational and longitudinal to test the assumptions of the present study.

Practical implications

The results of the study are useful both to academics and policy makers interested in formulating a strategy that fosters corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector.

Originality/value

During the last 15 years, considerable effort has been devoted to developing more effective, more efficient, and more flexible public organizations. Using qualitative methods, the results of the present exploratory research identify which factors that foster corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector are preferred by entrepreneurial public servants.
Escaping low pay: do male labour market entrants stand a chance?
Authors: Pavlopoulos Dimitris , Fouarge Didier
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and the human‐capital determinants of low‐wage mobility for labour market entrants in the UK and Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data for the UK (BHPS) and Germany (GSOEP), a competing‐risks duration model is applied that allows the study of transitions from low pay to competing destination states: higher pay, self‐employment, unemployment and inactivity. Unobserved heterogeneity is tackled by a non‐parametric mass‐point approach.

Findings

It is found that low pay is only a temporary state for most young job starters. However, there is a small group of job starters that is caught in a trap of low pay, unemployment or inactivity. In the UK, job starters escape from low pay mainly by developing firm‐specific skills. In Germany, involvement in formal vocational training and the attainment of apprenticeship qualifications account for low pay exits.

Originality/value

Over the past decades, unemployment and low‐wage employment have emerged as major challenges facing young labour market entrants. While most empirical studies focus exclusively on the transition from low pay to high pay, the paper shows that a significant percentage of young entrants are caught in a low‐pay‐non‐employment trap. Moreover, it is shown that, depending on the institutional context, different types of human capital investments can account for a successful low‐pay exit.
Paradigms of choice in manufacturing strategy
Authors: da Silveira Giovani J.C. , Sousa Rui S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The paper sets out to test relationships between performance improvements and the three classical manufacturing strategy paradigms of fit, best practices, and capabilities defined by Voss.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analyses are carried out on an international sample of 697 manufacturers of fabricated metal products, machinery, and equipment.

Findings

The results indicate that capability learning and best practices are positively related to performance improvements in quality, flexibility, and dependability, whereas internal fit appears to be negatively related to flexibility improvements.

Research limitations/implications

The study reinforces the need for research to explore the nature and role of the three paradigms jointly rather than in isolation. In particular, more research is needed to assess the merits of maintaining fit between operations structure and processes.

Practical implications

Improving performance in areas such as quality, flexibility, and delivery can be achieved through building capabilities and/or adopting best practices, but not apparently by maintaining internal fit between operations structure and processes.

Originality/value

The study validates two of the three classical paradigms of manufacturing strategy and makes the case for research to further specify and test the merits of maintaining internal fit between operations structure and processes.
Measuring internal service quality: comparing the gap‐based and perceptions‐only approaches
Authors: Brandon‐Jones Alistair , Silvestro Rhian
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to build upon the debate in the service quality literature regarding both the theoretical and practical effectiveness of expectations data in the measurement of internal service quality (ISQ). Gap‐based and perceptions‐only approaches to measuring ISQ are tested and their respective benefits and limitations evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The internal service context used in this study is the provision of e‐procurement software, training, and user support in four organisations. The two approaches are evaluated in terms of reliability and validity, as well as pragmatic aspects of survey administration.

Findings

The various tests carried out indicate that both the gap‐measure and perceptions‐only measure are reliable and valid, the latter being the marginally higher performer. Both approaches were found to have benefits and limitations, and so the empirical study, combined with contributions from the literature, generates some understanding of the internal service context in which the two approaches might be appropriate.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was based on an internal e‐procurement service; as such, the variables and dimensions selected to measure ISQ in this context inevitably limit the scope of the research.

Practical implications

For operations managers, the paper clarifies the basis on which they might choose between the two approaches to ISQ measurement.

Originality/value

This study is the first to directly test and compare the relative merits of these two approaches to ISQ measurement. The paper also offers insights as to the operational contexts in which each approach might be appropriate.
Web site accessibility evaluation methods in action
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Navidi Fatemeh
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to provide knowledge about methods used to evaluate the accessibility of Iranian web sites through a real research environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The main theoretical base of this article is that almost all research conducted to evaluate the accessibility of web sites has used only one of three methods (namely manual, automatic and users' experiences). However, it seems that using a combination of these three methods is actually necessary. Consequently, taking a critical approach this article examines 18 Iranian ministerial web sites using the three methods.

Findings

Findings in both documents and evaluative studies show that each of the methods has deficits and it is necessary to employ a combination of the methods in order to conduct a reliable accessibility assessment. The different rankings of ministerial web sites in various evaluations have confirmed this view.

Originality/value

Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the three methods and employing them in real research environments to assess the accessibility of ministerial web sites has been a useful exercise. The work can not only be a starting point for further discussions on the reliability of accessibility evaluation methods, but can also be applied to other types of web site.
Dissemination motives and effects of internet book reviews
Authors: Kuei Huang Yun , Yang Wen I.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the motives of consumers in the dissemination of book reviews on the internet. It aims to present an exploratory investigation followed by an empirical study that seeks to analyze the effects of such motives on the communication behavior of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A study was conducted of both traditional and online focus groups to investigate from a broad perspective why consumers disseminate internet book reviews. A survey was also carried out of the disseminators of internet book reviews which aimed to assess the influence and importance of the motives on dissemination behavior.

Findings

The pluralistic approach to research methods adopted in this study reveals that a desire for sharing, venting negative feelings, and social interaction, as well as product involvement are the main motives why consumers disseminate internet book reviews. At the same time, except for venting negative feelings, all the motives generate positive influences on dissemination behaviors.

Practical implications

The findings can serve as a reference in the management and marketing strategies of book reviews for internet platform owners (e.g. internet bookstores or other shops) that provide book reviews. It is also envisioned that internet book reviews can recommend good books or promote the borrowing of books from libraries, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a reference for such promotion.

Originality/value

The broad applications of electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) and their relevant benefits have been generally recognized by individuals and companies. This paper explores the motives and effects of word‐of‐mouth associated with book reviews online and makes relevant recommendations for management.
Scientific information transfer: a conceptual model for scientific communication in IranDoc
Authors: Khosrowjerdi Mahmood , Alidousti Sirous
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a conceptual model for the scholarly communication system in the Iranian Research Institute for Scientific Information and Documentation (IranDoc).

Design/methodology/approach

Some models have been developed to describe the scholarly communication process in different contexts but few considered this process from the organizational point of view. In the model, the organizational structure of scientific communication in IranDoc was considered. This model has four levels:, e.g. person‐to‐persons (P2P) scientific communication, person‐to‐organizations (P2O) scientific communication, organization‐to‐organizations (O2O) scientific communication, and organization‐to‐persons (O2P) scientific communication.

Findings

A conceptual model for scholarly communication within IranDoc is designed. Scientific and research institutions can establish their scholarly communication system by customizing the model.

Research limitations/implications

The model is fairly conceptual and does not refer to technological aspects of the system. The implementation implications of the model are also not considered, so it could not be used directly in action. As it has been developed specifically for IranDoc, it may need some revisions to be used in other contexts.

Originality/value

Compared to the earlier models, the main differences and innovations in the model are: its organizational structure; detailed functions of the organizational scholarly‐communication; researcher based approach of the model; and different and new levels of the model analysis. This model can be applied in research institutions and generalized to those institutions in which information plays an important role.
Recommendation sources on the intention to use e‐books in academic digital libraries
Authors: Lin Chiun‐Sin , Tzeng Gwo‐Hshiung , Chin Yang‐Chieh , Chang Chiao‐Chen
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Few library studies have investigated recommendation classifications for e‐book (electronic book) usage, while none have directly compared what recommendation sources (word‐of‐mouth, advertising, and expert recommendation) might influence e‐book usage intentions. To fill this gap in the literature, the main purposes of this study are to: examine how users perceive the influence of recommendations on the intention to use e‐books for academic purposes; and to measure the level of the perception of trust and perceived risk when users receive e‐book recommendations from peers, advertisers, and experts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected from 382 academic digital library users between the ages of 18 and 25. A multiple regression analysis was then conducted to identify the key causal relationships.

Findings

The comparison of three recommendation sources (word‐of‐mouth, advertising, and expert recommendations) revealed that word‐of‐mouth (WOM) played a more important role than other recommendations in determining the intention to use e‐books in an academic digital library. In addition, enhancing the perceived trust and reducing the risk towards the use of e‐books can mediate the relationship between recommendation sources and the behavioural intentions to use e‐books.

Research limitations/implications

This study assessed self‐reported behavioural intention as part of its survey and, as a result, could have introduced unintentional inaccuracies.

Practical implications

Librarians should emphasise e‐book advantages (e.g. easy searching, easily accessible index) to get positive recommendation if users follow all of the recommendations of the source. They can also create online discussion forums to provide usage intention discussions, which can influence users' perceptions of trust and risk and increase the willingness of potential users to read e‐books.

Originality/value

Little has been written on the intentions of using e‐books. Therefore, this conceptual model is novel. This model is also useful in explaining how recommendations stimulate the intentions of using e‐books by enhancing the perceived trust and reducing the perceived risk; these findings may generally be applicable to librarians, current users, and potential users.
Integrated systems applications in Kuwait academic libraries
Authors: ur Rehman Sajjad , Al‐Huraiti Reham
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the integrated systems applications in Kuwaiti academic libraries with a particular emphasis on their profiles, procurement, implementation, management and service aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method was employed for the study. Procedures used were as follows: identification of Kuwaiti academic libraries; preparation and testing of survey instrument; physical visits and administration of the instruments; interpreting the instruments and having them filled out in one‐to‐one encounters; analysis of data; and write‐up and reporting.

Findings

Three of the six Kuwaiti higher education institutions were established during the last decade. Five of the six academic libraries are using an integrated system. Cataloging applications are almost complete in all the surveyed libraries. The circulation module has not been in use in the largest university library. Serials management is not optimally utilized in the surveyed libraries. The library managers are mostly satisfied with hardware/software, vendor support, physical facilities, and funding opportunities. There are opportunities for networking, system‐integration, and full utilization of management reporting aspects of these systems.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not assess the technical aspects of automated systems. Portals and digital library initiatives have not been covered in this study.

Practical implications

Academic libraries in the region may take useful clues from these findings for developing and managing their automated systems.

Originality/value

Since no similar study has been conducted in Kuwait, it enhances the understanding of the prevailing situation about the use of integrated systems and their applications in the country.
An innovative approach for developing and employing electronic libraries to support context‐aware ubiquitous learning
Authors: Chu Hui‐Chun , Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Tseng Judy C.R.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an innovative approach to assist teachers in using electronic libraries to develop learning activities for context‐aware ubiquitous learning, in which the learning system can detect students' behaviors and guide them to learn in the real world with personalized support from the digital world.

Design/methodology/approach

An electronic library with context‐awareness metadata for supporting learning activities conducted in real‐world environments is presented. Furthermore, a systematic procedure for guiding teachers in employing the electronic library to develop learning activities is proposed based on an innovative approach.

Findings

From a practical application conducted on an elementary school, it is found that, with this innovative approach, electronic libraries not only have the potential in supporting traditional in‐class or online learning activities, but also can assist teachers and digital content workers in developing high quality learning activities and related digital learning materials to support outdoor learning.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper imply that, to promote the utilization rate of electronic libraries for more specified purposes, more features of the application domains need to be considered while designing the database schemas of the electronic libraries.

Practical implications

From the feedback of teachers and digital content workers, it is found electronic libraries have high potential for supporting outdoor learning activities for “Science” and “Social science” courses with proper database schema design and the provision of user guidance.

Originality/value

An electronic library for supporting context‐aware ubiquitous‐learning is presented and an innovative approach for guiding teachers to design learning activities is proposed.
SpaceCat: an online union catalogue for space science serials in India
Authors: Alam Nurul , Pandey Pragya
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe SpaceCat, a centralised and distributed online information system based on open source software (GSDL) and its use for the space science community in India.

Design/methodology /approach

The system is based on open source software (GSDL, Apache, PERL, and GRE). SpaceCat gathers collections of space science serials, indexes them and offers them to the space science community.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that SpaceCat can serve as an ideal access tool for space science serials holdings information in India and will enhance space research activity by providing information accurately, exhaustively and expeditiously.

Research limitations/implications

This is an experimental prototype study and only a few samples have been considered. This will be investigated further with a wider population, which will improve the SpaceCat System.

Practical implications

These results suggest that a system like SpaceCat could be applicable to space science libraries, which would help to serve the students and scientists working on space science research in quickly accessing information from other institutes.

Originality/value

The paper describes the application of open source software (GSDL) as a form of resource‐sharing tool and a single authoritative source of space science serials holdings information in India.
Document supply today in Serbia: counterpoint to copyright
Authors: Pavlovic Aleksandra , Filipi Matutinovic Stela
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the developing constraints on the use of commercial electronically published material and in contrast the development of the open access movement. This and the situation for interlending and document supply are seen through the perspective of Serbia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a historical and descriptive approach.

Findings

Open Access is increasing in value for researchers, especially those for whom budgets are very tight. Document supply is becoming more constrained by the electronic and technical advances that have been made by publishers.

Originality/value

This is the first article in English to describe the global situation on these matters from a Serbian perspective. It also offers insights into the situation in Serbian libraries today.
Evaluation of the interlibrary loan services in Iran: a case study of the AMIN service
Authors: Jamali Hamid R. , Nooshinfard Fatemeh , Baghestani Golizeh , Asadi Saeid
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the use and the costs of AMIN, the interlibrary loan service in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used for the data collection. It was completed by those librarians in charge of AMIN in academic libraries.

Findings

The statistics collected from six libraries showed that 514 items were loaned, of which 49 per cent were journal articles and 43 per cent were books. Post was used for the delivery of about 55 per cent of the items, while e‐mail was used for the delivery of only 7 per cent of the items. The average time spent dealing with each request (the time lapse between receipt of the request and dispatching the item) was about 7.1 days. The library of the University of Tehran was the most effective library in this regard as it only took 3.4 days on average for each request. The study revealed that the participating libraries did not have a proper procedure in place for collecting usage statistics and therefore one cannot evaluate the effectiveness of the AMIN service.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the cost of document supply in Iranian academic libraries and illustrates that ILL services in Iran are not efficient and that measures could be taken to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of services.
Interlending policy and OCLC strategy in the National Library of the Czech Republic
Authors: Kafkova Pavlina , Bornova Hana
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the document supply service of the Czech National Library and its use of OCLC in supporting the service.

Design/methodology/approach

The service is described in detail and placed in the context of the Czech Republic.

Findings

The use of OCLC has increased the use of the National Library internationally in terms of both requesting and supplying material.

Originality value

The paper is one of the few articles in English to describe the work of the Czech National Library and provides a good insight into the use of OCLC's WorldCat for international document supply.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 72
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning ILL, 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 websites.

Findings

Resistance to Big Deals for journals continues to grow – perhaps 2011 will be the crunch year for their continuation, although their attraction for users continues to be high. Big Deals for books are now becoming popular. Empirical studies on Open Access confirm its continued growth.

Originality/value

The paper is a useful source of information for librarians and others who are interested in ILL, document supply and related matters such as resource sharing, mass digitisation and open access.
Inter‐library access solution in Hong Kong academic libraries
Authors: So Edward , Ho Winnie
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe inter‐library access services in Hong Kong academic libraries and to discuss means of improving the services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a narrative with suggestions for further development.

Findings

The introduction of the EasyRegister service has been a success.

Originality/value

The paper presents a detailed description of how the physical access of users can be facilitated between universities. This will be useful for all librarians concerned with this issue.
Electronic reserve services for academic libraries in China: practices and concerns
Authors: Fang Conghui , Cui Lin , Lian Heqing
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive description and analysis of electronic reserve services in academic libraries in China. It also seeks to describe possible solutions for libraries to build multi‐functional e‐reserve services in order to face the challenge of the vast expansion in both academia and the economy in modern China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the recent literature on the practices of e‐reserve services, and analyses the results of the online surveys conducted in the 112 key university libraries in the China 211 Project, especially the top 15 university libraries.

Findings

The paper reveals that three‐level (national, regional, and campus‐wide) e‐reserve resource systems have been developed jointly or individually by Chinese academic libraries. Their development, implementation and implications are discussed; existing problems and possible solutions are identified.

Originality value

The paper provides insights into the recent development of e‐reserving services in Chinese academic libraries, offers useful information about e‐reserving resources for students and faculty, and recommends solutions to libraries for e‐reserve services.
Intercultural competence in the international business arena
Authors: Morley Michael J. , Cerdin Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue which brings together six papers exploring aspects of intercultural competence in the international business arena.

Design/methodology/approach

This overarching paper contextualizes the theme and introduces the selected papers which offer both theoretical and empirical insights.

Findings

The findings in this paper vary according to the core theme of each of the six contributions.

Practical implications

The papers in the special issue call attention to competences required for operating in the intercultural arena and offer a potential platform for developmental interventions.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how, combined, the papers explore new avenues of enquiry in the intercultural competence domain and showcase cross national theoretical and empirical work.
Global management competencies: a theoretical foundation
Authors: Bücker Joost , Poutsma Erik
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the concept of “global management competencies”.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of most of the relevant literature on global management competencies was done. By investigating four constructs, i.e. the global mindset, cross‐cultural competence, intercultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence, all related to “global management competencies” the authors made an in‐depth investigation of the contributing organizational behaviour components, the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other personality characteristics (the KSAOs), useful for a construct of global management competencies.

Findings

A configuration of the above components as an integrative model was developed. This model could serve as the basis for the development of measurement instruments.

Originality/value

The construct of global management competencies, albeit with different labels and in different disguise, has received a lot of attention in the last two decades but has not been conceptualised satisfactorily. This article is an attempt to do so.
Intercultural competencies for culturally diverse work teams
Authors: Lloyd Shannon , Härtel Charmine
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that the level of individuals' intercultural competencies has on their satisfaction, trust and affective commitment and assessment of their work team.

Design/methodology/approach

An intercultural competencies classification system is developed in which the cognitive, affective and behavioural intercultural competencies predicted to impact upon individuals' responses toward, and assessments of, their work team are identified. The results of quantitative survey research providing support for the classification system are subsequently described.

Findings

Competencies identified as being related to individuals' responses toward, and assessments of, their work team include cognitive complexity, goal orientation, dissimilarity openness, tolerance for ambiguity and emotion, and conflict management skills.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides sound evidence for the important role that intercultural competence plays in facilitating positive individual level outcomes which it is theorised will lead to positive team level outcomes.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the research is the development of an intercultural competencies classification system which ties together in a single but multifaceted framework the intercultural competencies required for employees working in culturally diverse teams.
Emotional intelligence correlates of the four‐factor model of cultural intelligence
Authors: Moon Taewon
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine relationships between emotional intelligence and the four factor model of cultural intelligence – metacognitive CQ, cognitive CQ, motivational CQ, and behavioral CQ.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analyses and hierarchical regression analyses on data from 381 students in Korea are conducted.

Findings

The results support discriminant validity of the four factor model of cultural intelligence scale (CQS) in relation to the emotional intelligence (EQ) construct. This study also demonstrates that the EQ factors related to social competence (social awareness and relationship management) explain CQ over and beyond the EQ factors related to self‐competence (self‐awareness, and relationship management). Finally, the results present that specific factors of EQ are related to specific factors of CQ.

Originality/value

The findings of this study demonstrate how CQ and EQ are distinct, but related constructs, which has not been conducted by prior research.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership practices
Authors: Vivian Tang Hui‐Wen , Yin Mu‐Shang , Nelson Darwin B.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the relationship between the emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership practices of academic leaders in Taiwan and the USA. It aims to investigate whether cross‐cultural differences exist in academic leaders' EI, leadership practices, and the relationship between them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a casual‐comparative approach to draw cross‐cultural comparisons. Convenience samples of 50 academic leaders in Taiwan and 50 in the USA were selected as two comparison sample groups. Two instruments were selected to measure emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness.

Findings

Results of the correlational analyses indicate that Taiwanese participants' overall EI was found to be positively correlated in a statistically significant manner with all five areas of leadership practice. The US participants were found to have statistically significant positive relationships between overall emotional intelligence and all areas of leadership practice except Challenging the process, and Inspiring a shared vision. ANOVA results reveal that significant differences exist in distinct areas of EI and distinct areas of leadership practice as a function of cultural difference.

Research limitations/implications

An important limitation of the present study is the probability of response bias resulting from self‐reported data.

Originality/value

The study has significance in three aspects. First, it investigates a less understood and explored issue: cross‐cultural differences in the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership practices. Second, findings of the study make contributions to the body of research in a number of related disciplines, such as leadership effectiveness, emotional intelligence, cross‐cultural research on leadership, and cross‐cultural studies of emotional intelligence. Third, the results of the study bring significant insights into the field of cross‐cultural leadership development in the academic context.
P3T – a new technology for the cost and resource efficient inline production of flexible printed circuits, RFID antennas and biosensors
Authors: Borris Jochen , Thomas Michael , Dohse Antje , Klages Claus‐Peter , Möbius Andreas , Elbick Danica , Prinz Ulrich , Wandner Karl‐Heinz , Weidlich Ernst‐Rudolf
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present details of the plasma printing and packaging technology (P3T), a new reel‐to‐reel technology under development for the cost and resource efficient manufacture of flexible printed circuits (FPC).

Design/methodology/approach

The first two process steps of P3T include reel‐to‐reel patterned activation of polymer film at ambient pressure in the so‐called plasma‐printing process and subsequent selective electroless plating of the plasma‐activated areas of the polymer film. The concept underlying the P3T project includes processing of flexible films with widths up to 400 mm.

Findings

Copper, palladium and nickel metal structures with widths down to less than 100 μm were produced on various polymers. Peel strengths according to the German DIN Standard 53494 of copper on polyimide film reached values in the region of 1 N/mm, sufficient for electronic applications. Sufficient wetting of the solder on copper metallisations and solderability were found.

Research limitations/implications

P3T covers the whole manufacturing chain for FPCs from surface patterning of the dielectric carrier to component assembly and soldering. This paper focuses, however, essentially on the first two process steps including plasma activation and electroless plating.

Originality/value

A unique feature of the flexible circuit manufacturing technology presented here is the combination of the additive‐technique, the absence of vacuum processes, the continuous production mode and the ability to process polymer carrier films with widths of 400 mm.
Gigabit data transmission with a novel flexible printed circuit structure
Authors: Pai Yu‐Chang , Sogo Hsu Shou‐kuo
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the problem of high‐speed data transmission on flexible printed circuits (FPC) and the common method for transmission signal designs on those FPCs. A new and novel approach using a “voided return path” of the coplanar transmission model is described and the ease of building them in mass production is described.

Design/methodology/approach

Microstrip transmission structures with a “mesh” return were studied and illustrated with emphasis on the problems encountered when the signal changes direction. A new solution using the “voided” return layer of the coplanar transmission model was proposed, simulated, built and tested.

Findings

The use of this novel coplanar structure to solve the problem of gigabit data transmission, with minimum noise and electromagnetic interference on flexible circuits can be achieved at low cost and with the flexibility to have multiple impedances and application for “Dynamic Flex”.

Research limitations/implications

The “voided” coplanar structure has been used successfully. Further, developments are underway to employ a “modified” broadsided‐coupled differential structure that simulated a “twisted pair”.

Originality/value

The paper describes various high‐speed transmission structures on FPC used in computers and servers, combined with high volume mass‐production techniques. It presents the best cost scenario for optimal PCB design flexibility and applications.
Development of a micro drill bit with a high aspect ratio
Authors: Fu Lianyu , Li Xueguang , Guo Qiang
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present key points relating to the development of micro drill bits with high aspect ratios and to provide a solution for high aspect ratio hole drilling.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of challenges in high aspect ratio hole drilling, key points for the development of micro drills bit with high aspect ratio are discussed. A design example of a micro drill bit with 0.3 mm diameter and a 7.2 mm flute length is presented. Experiments are conducted to verify the performance of the developed micro drill bit.

Findings

Helix angle, web thickness and flute land ratio are three key parameters that significantly influence the behaviour of micro drill bits with high aspect ratios. Large helix angle, web thickness and flute land ratio are beneficial in terms of improving the performance of high aspect ratio micro drill bits. Step drilling is essential to prevent drill breakage and to ensure smooth debris evacuation. Meanwhile, proper steps and drilling parameters are of great importance to complete high aspect ratio hole drilling.

Originality/value

The paper highlights key points relating to the development of micro drill bits with high aspect ratios that can provide a satisfactory solution for high aspect ratio micro drill bit design.
Public libraries as impartial spaces in a consumer society: possible, plausible, desirable?
Authors: Rooney‐Browne Christine , McMenemy David
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question whether, in an increasingly commercialised “24/7” information and entertainment society, public libraries are finding it progressively more difficult to provide access to trusted, impartial public spaces free from commercial influence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects on the secondary literature related to public library as an impartial space, considers the modern commercial factors impacting on this role, and provides a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis examining whether the role as impartial space is under threat.

Findings

The paper addresses whether public libraries should conform to a more commercial model in order to survive in a predominantly consumer society or retain their values and continue to provide “... alternatives and alternative spaces in a culture dominated by information capitalism and media image and spectacle”. Concerns are expressed regarding the influence of commercialism in public library services, especially around the marketing of specific brands within a public library environment.

Social implications

The paper focuses on public libraries in “real world” and “virtual” communities and addresses pertinent issues related to their place in twenty‐first century society.

Originality/value

The paper considers the important issue of the impartiality of the public space occupied by the library and whether this role is in danger due to commercial influences. As such it offers value for theorists and practitioners involved in library and information science, as well as those interested in public services and the impact of consumerism.
Social networking in academic libraries: the possibilities and the concerns
Authors: Dickson Andrea , Holley Robert P.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to examine the use of the major social networking tools in academic libraries in the USA. As college students are heavy users of social networking, such efforts provide academic libraries with outreach possibilities to students who do not use the physical library. The paper also seeks to examine the concerns about their use both from students and within the academic library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes findings from articles published since 2006 found in the Library Literature and Information Full Text database. The first author also examined librarian blogs and library accounts in various social networking sites.

Findings

Social networking can be an effective method of student outreach in academic libraries if libraries take care to respect student privacy and to provide equal coverage for all subject areas.

Research limitations/implications

Most information about social networking is anecdotal with very little statistical analysis of its effectiveness. The popularity of the various social networking sites can change quickly.

Practical implications

Academic libraries should consider using social networking as an outreach effort but take care to avoid the potential negative consequences.

Originality/value

This paper provides a snapshot on the use of social networking in academic libraries through a thorough review of the available literature and an examination of the libraries' presence on the most popular social networking sites. It also provides help for academic libraries wishing to implement social networking.
Library design, learning spaces and academic literacy
Authors: Beard Jill , Dale Penny
Published: November 2010

Purpose

To acquire academic literacy students need library buildings that take account of “what the student does”, changing learning styles and preparation for employment in a digital world. Equally as academic staff develop innovative e‐learning activities, library spaces need to accommodate new learning opportunities. This paper aims to consider how the design of library buildings contributes to a complex and evolving range of academic literacies and emerging pedagogical frameworks. The paper also seeks to consider the contribution these literacies make to the experience of students reading for a degree in an increasingly digital environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the experience at Bournemouth University, where a higher education academy‐funded project accelerated the introduction of new technologies into learning and teaching frameworks. A new library building, The Sir Michael Cobham Library, enabled the creation of learning spaces that are flexible and responsive to the changing needs of users.

Findings

Innovative spaces and evolving pedagogies demand different levels of academic literacy to enable students to succeed in physical and digital environments.

Originality/value

This reflective review adds new dimensions to the body of knowledge underpinning both the study of learning spaces and academic literacy.
Implementation of the Finnish University Libraries National Information Literacy Recommendation into academic studies at the Kumpula Science Library, University of Helsinki
Authors: Kakkonen Anne , Virrankoski Antti
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the co‐operation between a librarian of a science library and the teaching staff of a university in a project where a pilot course of information literacy was constructed. The central aim of the project was to integrate information literacy teaching into the bachelor‐level studies and thus implement the national recommendation to include information literacy competency in new degree structures based on the Bologna Declaration, which aims to harmonise higher education in Europe

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes how the pilot course of information literacy was constructed and conducted and presents the results of a feedback questionnaire which was sent to the students after the thesis course.

Findings

Based on the experiences of the teaching librarian and the feedback given by students and their teachers, the integrated information literacy course was found to be very useful and needed. After the course, students had a broader perspective on the information sources of their own subject area and on the scientific information seeking process as a whole.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical guidance for libraries in similar situations in how to co‐operate with the departments when integrating an information literacy course into thesis seminars. It also gives an example of how to construct and conduct such a course.
Customizing an open‐source tool to enhance information literacy
Authors: Magee Jane , Thomas Elisabeth
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss customizing an open‐source program called the Assignment Calculator into a tool designed specifically to serve the needs of students at California State University, Fresno, and at San José State University. The paper aims to discuss information literacy standards, students' need for convenient access to resources, time‐management and research help and the technical issues involved in such a project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents how the steps and content of the open‐source tool were connected to the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards. Subject matter was researched and evaluated from other tutorials to find the most valuable instructional concepts based on assessment of their students' needs. The paper discusses ways to customize, maintain and continue to revise the Assignment Calculator to keep it relevant and beneficial.

Findings

The customized online tool can help improve understanding of the library's role in information literacy and provides opportunity for librarians and faculty to collaborate. Statistics and a survey can yield information on usage and usefulness.

Originality/value

This case study reviews current research in incorporating information literacy concepts into an online tool. It describes the process for librarians to research and customize an open source tool and concludes that while it is initially time‐consuming, it is ultimately a rewarding experience which will improve students' understanding of these concepts.