bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Napster: A Business in Search of a Viable Model
Authors: Cartwright Shawn D.
Published: March 2008

Napster is making a lot of headlines because it is disrupting the recording industry. Less well reported is the fact that the company has no real business model.
Stack Attack
Authors: Lane Voss Bristol
Published: March 2008

I don't know about your computer, but mine takes the initiative to capitalize letters as it deems appropriate, like at the beginning of a sentence or after a period. This is pretty darned annoying when you're typing dozens of e‐thises and www‐thats. And try placing Yahoo! in a sentence and you'll see what happens to the letter after the exclamation point. Then there's the nifty automatic feature that takes out capital letters I've just put in a word (e.g., megaBrands) as eagerly as a cat bringing his master a dead mouse. And I'm just about as happy with the result.
HIRING AN E‐TEAM
Authors: Neef Dale
Published: March 2008

Few consultants can actually provide “full‐service” e‐business solutions, so prepare to assemble your own team.
BUILDING A SOLUTIONS‐BASED ORGANIZATION
Authors: Sheridan Steve , Bullinger Nick
Published: March 2008

Seems like every company today says it aims to “partner” with its customers and become a “solutions provider.” But saying it and doing it are two different things.
Real Time Strategy
Authors: Oliver Richard W.
Published: March 2008

Talk with any business person for more than a few minutes about corporate strategy' and the sports metaphors begin to pour out. “The bases are loaded,” “you get three strikes and you're out,” and “we were thrown a curve ball” are favorites from baseball. Football brings us “we'll need some‐one to quarterback this job,” “it's time to punt,” and “we're fourth and goal” to name a few. Even basketball contributes a few terms such as “full court press” (which is actually a defensive rather than an offensive strategy) and “it's a lay‐up.” Business articles and analyst commentaries are equally thickly littered with analogies to these three sports.
ARE BALANCE BENEFITS
Authors: Lizotte Ken
Published: March 2008

AT A PROMINENT FORTUNE 100 CORPORATION, a number of high‐level female managers had reached their boiling point. For some time, they had been requesting changes in their work lifestyle. All in the group were raising new families, yet the manager's role at their company demanded frequent travel, usually days at a time. Repeated requests, however, to cut back on business trips seemed to fall on deaf ears.
DECIPHERING COLLABORATIVE COMMERCE
Authors: Bechek Bob , Brea Cesar
Published: March 2008

Collaborative commerce goes well beyond putting all your products and services on a Web site, and its rewards go beyond increased sales.
B2B Web Exchanges: Easier Hyped Than Done
Authors: Doyle Ted , Melanson Judy
Published: March 2008

Less than two years ago, businesses were being told every day they'd better jump on the Web exchange bandwagon fast or risk getting left behind in the B2B Goldrush. They heard this from the trade press and the mainstream press, from eager‐beaver B2B exchange developers, and even from their Web‐sawy kids. The line went that B2B Web exchanges—online marketplaces where buyers in a particular market can evaluate the best offers from many vendors, and vendors can gain access to a world of new customers—promised giant leaps in efficiency so major that vendors could both lower their prices yet increase their profits.
BRANDING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Authors: Travis Daryl
Published: March 2008

The Internet is changing all the rules of branding, except one—creating an emotional bond with buyers is still essential.
THE PROFIT IS IN THE DETAILS
Authors: Burrows Robert
Published: March 2008

A true strategic business assessment means looking beyond the obvious areas and drilling into the layers of detail that reveal opportunities other strategic methods might miss.
SECRETS OF ONLINE SLEUTHING
Authors: Vibert Conor
Published: March 2008

The Internet makes the search for competitive intelligence a lot easier. Here's how to go about it.
Web Strategies
Authors: Palumbo Daniel P.
Published: March 2008

For Kodak, digital technology and the Internet were good news and bad news. We realized they threatened products we've been putting out for 120 years, namely film and cameras. At the same time, we understood they presented perhaps our greatest opportunity since George Eastman produced his first camera.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Authors: Armour Eric , Mankins Michael C.
Published: March 2008

Shareholder value is “in,” but most companies must take their game to the next level to deliver on this renewed promise.
SEVEN SRATEGIES FOR RETAINING TOP TALENT
Authors: Brannick Joan
Published: March 2008

With the economy slowing, retaining good employees is more important than ever.
HOW TO ENSURE THAT KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Authors: Reicks Rod
Published: March 2008

Collecting the right information and then sharing it with those who need it is vital. Make sure your technology and management systems can handle the job.
INVISIBLE COMPETITION: SOME LESSONS LEARNED
Authors: Fox Kenneth A.
Published: March 2008

If competitors are coming out of left field, it's time to start watching left field.
DOES THAT MBA REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Authors: Greco JoAnn
Published: March 2008

If Michael Dell, Bill Gates, and Jack Welch succeeded without MBAs, why would anyone need that piece of paper?
STACK ATTACK
Authors: Lane Voss Bristol
Published: March 2008

OK, listen up. Here's how to win the 500‐meter freestyle swimming event at the next Olympics: Swim faster than your competitors do. Simple, absolutely true, but not easy advice to work with. You'll find the same sort of advice in the books in this issue's Stack.
THE FOUR PHASES OF INNOVATION
Authors: Buggie Frederick D.
Published: March 2008

Here's a process for cherry‐picking the new product ideas that are most likely to succeed.
Stack Attack
Authors: Lane Voss Bristol
Published: March 2008

We've been here before—recession, abrupt change, collective loss—just not all of us together in recent memory. But many of our predecessors have, and survived. In addition, our companies have pulled through their own crises: Gillette's takeover battles; Wells Fargo and deregulation, Pitney Bowes losing its monopoly, Abbott Lab's huge product recall … and so on.
LESSONS FROM THE TECH WRECK
Authors: Hitchin David E.
Published: March 2008

Here are five ways you can improve your company's strategic planning process.
PRODUCTIVITY LESSONS FROM CRISES
Authors: Neiman Robert A.
Published: March 2008

You don't have to be in a life‐or‐death situation to realize productivity gains.
Stack Attack
Authors: Lane Voss Bristol
Published: March 2008

For those who manage products with “brand” names, either consumer or B2B, it's a struggle to dilute manage‐ment theory and strategy lessons down to typical tasks faced day‐to‐day.
Real‐Time Strategy
Authors: Oliver Richard W.
Published: March 2008

There is an area on a golf club or tennis racket that players call the sweet spot. They know that if they swing and connect with the ball at that exact spot, they get the best possible results. That's very sweet, indeed.
CEOs STRANDED IN WONDERLAND
Authors: Gaines‐Ross Leslie
Published: March 2008

A CEO's number‐one asset is credibility, but he or she doesn't have much time to build it.
CAR TALK: ASSESSING TELEMATICS
Authors: Chatterjee Anjan , Jones Matthew , Kaas Hans‐Werner , Wojcik Phil
Published: March 2008

New technology businesses can create new profit streams for mature companies, But it takes careful planning.
HELPING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT BE ALL IT CAN BE
Authors: Horwitch Mark , Armacost Robert
Published: March 2008

Businesses have had a rough time marshalling what they know into systems that help cut costs and boost profits—and they've had only themselves to blame. But new lessons from the U.S. Army are showing that KM can be highly effective.
PUTTING SUCCESS INTO YOUR SUCCESSION PLANNING
Authors: Rothwell William J.
Published: March 2008

Succession planning is more than knowing who will take the reins if the corporate jet crashes tomorrow. It's about growing your own talent to ensure your company's future over the long term.
Marketing
Authors: Silver Steve , Hill Sam
Published: March 2008

It is becoming more and more apparent that the war on terror will not be won on the battlefield. This war—like the Cold War—is primarily a battle of ideas. Success depends on building support in the global community for a positive vision of international relations that is a credible alternative to that promoted by the terrorists.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHTSIZING AND WRONGSIZING
Authors: Davison Barbara
Published: March 2008

Cutting staff is a common response during economic downturns, but if staffing plans aren't linked to business strategy, rightsizing can go badly wrong.
Real‐Time Strategy
Authors: Oliver Richard W.
Published: March 2008

In the last issue, I briefly outlined the history of strategy and promised, for this issue, my views on the strategy of the future. In the two issues immediately prior to the last one, I “presaged” those views when I argued that an accelerating technology adoption rate is forcing companies to make strategic decisions more quickly.
THE MARK TWAIN DILEMMA: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CHANGE LEADERSHIP
Authors: Pietersen Willie
Published: March 2008

The best time to change a company is when it's successful, but that's also the time when resistance to change is at its highest.
Brand Management
Authors: Fox Kenneth A.
Published: March 2008

Once the nearly exclusive province of the consumer packaged goods industry, branding is becoming more important to products of every type, from every industry. Just think about the tremendous number of new brands introduced since the 1990. We've become familiar with new car model names (PT Cruiser), new software (Windows XP), new Web sites (Google), new magazines (Darwin), new airlines (JetBlue), new drugs (Xigris), new cable/TV stations (Animal Planet).
GRAPPLING WITH Dysfunctional BOARD RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Kaufman Barbara
Published: March 2008

A board peopled with renegades Is a disaster waiting to happen. Here's how to bring the renegades back Into the fold.
3. Open Learning in Further Education
Authors: Birch Derek , Latcham Jack
Published: March 2008

The open‐learning student has far more responsibility for setting the learning agenda than in traditional systems. Guidance is needed to help confirm the choice of course and explain particular difficulties associated with open learning. Tasks of the tutor include defining aims and learning objectives; organising learning material; presenting this material and assessing and providing feedback on achievement. The emphasis within this mix of activities changes in open learning, with more time on counselling and providing a mark and comment service. Ready availability of individualised learning materials is critical to the development of open learning. Lack of resources has been one reason why open learning has not been more widely adopted. The more effective the investment in materials development, the less likely the requirement for high levels of tutorial support. Development costs of learning materials and calculation of the cost of delivery systems are discussed.
7. Open Learning from the Open University
Authors: Roche David
Published: March 2008

The Open University's multi‐media approach to teaching has been judged one of the most important innovations ever in the British educational system. Open learning allows individuals to learn in their own place and time and at their own pace, and to learn quickly away from work and in a way that relates to their work. The Open University's approach to open learning, course material, tutorial contribution and assessment and qualifications are described. The benefits of accessibility, quality, relevance, flexibility and cost effectiveness are discussed. An outline of the “Effective Manager” course is given.
Enterprise Culture — Its Meaning and Implications for Education and Training
Authors: Gibb Allan A.
Published: March 2008

The relationship between education and training and the currently popular theme of “enterprise culture” is explored. The expression “enterprise culture”, is at present ill‐defined, if defined at all. The confusions surrounding this expression relate in turn to the failure to make proper distinctions between entrepreneurship, enterprise and small business. These terms are defined in this context, as well as “intrapreneur”. Entrepreneurs are defined in terms of a set of attributes, some of which can be measured. Small business is defined in terms of ownership and task structure. Enterprise is seen to be something that means the exercise of entrepreneurial attributes in a wide range of different situations. Intrapreneurship is the exercise of entrepreneurial attributes within a large company or bureauracy. The relationship between these redefined concepts is explored and the issue of whether entrepreneurship can be socially engineered through education and training is addressed. A definition of what constitutes “enterprise culture” is then related to education and training. This link is discussed, both in general terms and particularly in respect of university and management education. It is argued that many of the values and structures pervading in university education and university business schools may be the antithesis of entrepreneurship. In this respect, the links between entrepreneurship as practised in small business and as fostered under the “intrapreneurship” banner in large companies is explored. Finally, policy objectives in fostering entrepreneurship, small business and intrapreneurship, particularly in respect of education and training, are reviewed.
Nebraska: Successes and challenges
Authors: Wagner Rod , Boettcher Mike , Lindsay Lorin H. , McCaslin Sharon , Runyon Robert S. , Brooks Smith Peggy , Snyder Sally
Published: March 2008

Nebraska libraries are involved in a variety of automation and connectivity initiatives. Libraries of all sizes and types are using information technology for internal operations as well as for connectivity with other libraries and external sources. Individual libraries and groups of libraries have had success in obtaining both public and private funding to support their technology projects. Despite these successes, ongoing support is lacking to sustain and enhance library technology. The following examples highlight several projects, but do not pretend to cover all of the many individual and cooperative initiatives underway or planned.
Local poets and libraries
Authors: Ratcliffe Eric
Published: March 2008

A survey by questionnaire was conducted in order to obtain details of criteria employed in libraries in the shelving of the works of local poets in local collections or on the main poetry shelves. The general extent of interest in book search and purchase of such works, and provision of venue facilities involving local poets reading their work were also determined. A considerable variation in shelving policy was found. More publicity for the local poet and his work is advocated, together with the ideal of large regional collections, such as achieved by the Northern Poetry Library.
The Intranet — the quiet (r)evolution
Authors: Wodehouse
Published: March 2008

Looking at computing and networks Costs At a meeting of The Royal Society of Arts, an IBM researcher made the following statement: “The only fact that matters is that hardware costs fall by 30% per annum in real terms.” Pressed later on he added the following: “Network costs fall by 50% per annum.” These two statements should not be dismissed lightly. At a lecture to a British Computer Society (BCS) group, it was also stated that in 1989 a 50 MIP system cost about £250,000 — £5,000 per MIP. Today that cost is £2,500 — £50 per MIP: a hundred‐fold reduction.
Building intranet‐based information systems for international companies etc…
Authors: Morrell Peter
Published: March 2008

European Management Systems has for a number of years been providing EIS to international organisations. This activity has recently been extended to offering intranet solutions and this synopsis describes the research work undertaken and a case study of a live application. Other topics covered include the practical lessons learnt from the implementation, tips for successful intranet projects and cultural issues which arise.
NHSweb: a health intranet
Authors: Harrison Steven
Published: March 2008

This paper looks at how a secure national network has been developed exclusively for the NHS, how within that network, intranet services are being established and the benefits that will be derived for the NHS itself and ultimately the patients it cares for.
Staff training aspects of automation in a Nigerian university library
Authors: Olorunsola Richard
Published: March 2008

Automated systems, like manual systems, will not be successful without adequate training and preparation on the part of the staff. Some problems will arise where adequate training is lacking. The article discusses the structure and organisation of on‐site training of staff in the use of TINLIB software at the University of Ilorin Library. Particular attention is paid to the content of the training, trainers and what the programme is out to achieve. The article discusses some pitfalls in the training exercise and offers suggestions for future training programmes.
Assessing information needs: a case study of journalists
Authors: Nicholas David , Martin Helen
Published: March 2008

A structure for analysing information needs is outlined. The purpose of the structure is to enable data on users to be collected in a systematic and routine manner. The form of analysis is demonstrated through a consideration of the information needs of newspaper journalists — a group for which user surveys are lacking. The aspects of information need considered are: subject, nature, function, viewpoint, authority, quantity, quality, place of origin, speed of delivery, and processing/packaging. Considered as well are the barriers to meeting information needs — training, time, resources, access and information overload. The library's role in meeting information needs is also assessed. The data used to illustrate the structure are taken from interviews with journalists. Journalists have a need for large volumes of information, for very current and authoritative information, and they require their information very quickly. They are generally very well provided for in terms of information systems, sources and channels; the key problem they face is a shortage of time. Shifts in newspaper coverage, the harsh economic climate newspapers find themselves in and the information flood unleashed by IT, are changing journalists' information requirements and information seeking behaviour.
The development of an intranet within a college of further and higher education
Authors: Blackmore Paul
Published: March 2008

This paper outlines the origin and continuing development of an intranet within Wirral Metropolitan College. The College intranet has grown as a result of a number of initiatives introduced which have been designed to improve student and staff access to Internet‐based and in‐house generated learning resources.
The benefits of a knowledge culture
Authors: Bonaventura Mike
Published: March 2008

Current received wisdom would seem to suggest that a simple deployment of web‐based technologies will provide the platform for competitive differentiation in the dynamic and agile world of mass customisation. It is argued here that technology is but one element of infrastructural renovation required to support intranet applications. An emerging pattern in these applications is support for the soft networks which exist within all organisations and which embody the key raw asset for competitive advantage: knowledge. The discussion reviews the emergence of Knowledge Management as a discipline, presents a model for the flow of commercial knowledge through an organisation (Knowledge Economies), and looks at the cultural and organisational ramifications of knowledge programs (Knowledge Cultures). On this basis the technological superstructure is discussed in the context of one intranet application: Corporate Digital Library. The principal assertion of this paper is that applications of this type can only be said to be commercially successful when they are deployed in support of knowledge‐based initiatives where first order benefits can be realised, improved market performance in particular. A proto‐typical benefit statement is provided.
Teachers' use of information technology: observations of primary school classroom practice
Authors: Chalkley Trevor W. , Nicholas David
Published: March 2008

Published research indicates that teachers have not integrated information technology into their classroom practice and that computer use tends to be peripheral to other curriculum activities. However almost all of this research is based on survey methods involving self‐assessment and self‐reporting by teachers. Very little observational research has taken place and there is a need to corroborate survey research with classroom observations. Observations took place of 11 teachers and 253 pupils in different classes held in three London primary schools. Results generally agree with previous research in that computers are only used for a small percentage of time. Significant differences in use were observed between those classrooms where children were free to choose their own activities and those where activities where teacher directed. These differences may show that computer technology is being used only when it does not require a change of teaching style or classroom organisation. Differences were found between the youngest boys and girls in how much time they spent using computers.
Estimating the recall performance of Web search engines
Authors: Clarke Sarah J. , Willett Peter
Published: March 2008

This paper reports a comparison of the retrieval effectiveness of the Alta Vista, Excite and Lycos Web search engines. A method is described for comparing the recall of the three sets of searches, despite the fact that they are carried out on non‐identical sets of Web pages. It is thus possible, unlike previous comparative studies of Web search engines, to consider both recall and precision when evaluating the effectiveness of search engines.
Information and the law
Authors: Eisenschitz Tamara
Published: March 2008

Information laws are looked at as they operate with analogue media, and then with digital services. The changes in law are related to use patterns and a solution proposed to improve access. This requires the development of a legal equity of access to information. Conditions in which this would apply are outlined. The areas of law considered are intellectual property rights, rights relating to personal information, and law protecting against breaches of confidence.
Lyotard and postmodern knowledge
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: March 2008

Lyotard's work on postmodern knowledge has been influential on our thinking of paradigms, meta‐narratives, legitimation, and contemporary trends in the information economy. These issues are discussed, criticisms of his work examined, and implications for information professionals explored.
Knowledge management in a law firm
Authors: Doyle Diane , du Toit Adeline
Published: March 2008

This article concentrates on the use of intranet technology to further the goals and ideals of knowledge management in a law firm. The need for research on the implementation of corporate intranets is emphasised and concepts commonly used when dealing with knowledge management and collaborative technology are defined. The benefits and disadvantages of proprietary collaborative technology are discussed as well as intranet technology and its potential to enable enterprise‐wide transformation.
WWW homepages for the tourism industry: the Scottish experience
Authors: Cano Virginia , Prentice Richard
Published: March 2008

WWW Homepages are becoming powerful advertising and marketing tools. Business organisations from diverse economic sectors are pursuing an advertising strategy which combines mass media advertisements in traditional paper‐based media such as national newspapers, alongside WWW sites. However little research has been done on the minimum levels of description necessary for a homepage to become a suitable information/ marketing medium nor on the range of sites now available to users. The present research examines the availability of homepages for the Scottish tourism industry. Regional areas within Scotland were identified according to their 14 area tourist boards. Sites were identified through three mechanisms: search engines, a questionnaire to the tourist boards and manual searches. Over 900 sites providing information about specific regions within Scotland were identified. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland is the tourist region with the highest number of sites (145). Sites were classified according to a content‐analysis derived classification of tourism‐related topics. Results show a direct emphasis on sites providing general information about Scotland, supported by emphasis on socio‐economic aspects, sports, accommodation and cultural potential.
SDI Processing for search profiles in online databases
Authors: Ansari Nasser
Published: March 2008

The term “Intelligent Agent” can be understood in many different ways. One notable working Intelligent Agent is the Alert Service offered for the retrieval of international information on public tenders from the database Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) provided by the European Office for Official Publications (EUR‐OP). The system uses predefined client profiles to select the required information from the database and distributes this information the same day by either fax or email using SDI (Selected Dissemination of Information). The predefined client profiles are created by the TED Alert Agent and vary greatly in complexity and structure depending on the information required by the customer. The profile can include searching by geographical, product and legal aspects as well as date, name etc. The service allows the customers a choice of formats for document delivery. Thus the customer receives filtered and very specific information on a chosen topic. The system therefore meets the four tasks of modern information dissemination: you get the “right” information at the right time at the right place and quality.
Surfing through the Internet — the new content of teenagers' spare time
Authors: Pivec Franci
Published: March 2008

The appearance of the Internet brings changes into social context and into the cultural and moral experience of people. This applies especially to teenagers, who are attracted to the Internet much more intensively than other sections of the population. Cyber Cafes are their favourite places of meeting and at the same time gives the opportunity to study their behaviour. Since this is important for getting to know a significant part of the users of our activities as a bibliographic utility, we organized free access to the Internet in our institute. This article presents the results of the inquiry conducted among the visitors over a longer period of time. We compared our findings with similar researches in the world. “The Net is my culture, my tribe if you would. In many ways it is the only place where I feel at home”. H. Hardy /LISTSERV@gnom.georgetown.edu/ A long time ago, in 1938, H. G. Wells predicted the “establishment of a world brain”: “This World Encyclopaedia would be the mental background of every intelligent man in the world. It would be alive and growing and changing continually under revision, extension and replacement from the original thinkers in the world everywhere. Every university and research institution should be feeding it. Every fresh mind should be brought into contact with its standing editorial organisation…. It would do just what our scattered and disoriented intellectual organisations of today fall short of doing. It would hold the world together mentally. ” Of course the Internet is not such a consistent unity but rather a “chaotic mishmash ”, which nevertheless gives the impression of an all‐embracing brain that lives and grows from within itself and where you have to be close by if you want to belong to civilization. What will be the most intriguing and valuable is in fact the variety of messages, which was stressed with a special reason by Ben Goedegebuure at the FID 100th anniversary: “We will measure scholarly achievement in a different manner than before, since text will be only one dimension of a person's knowledge and not, as in today's world, the only dimension.” However, it's not good to look upon the Internet from the serious side only, since it requires a lot of good will, patience and above all time. And we have to be careful all the time not to fall into a trap, such as mentioned by Robin Ruskin (according to a sincere confession in PC Magazine, 26th April 1994): “If I was ever in close competition with another scientist, and I wanted to get a year ahead, I'd just go out and buy them a computer.” Something like that cannot happen to the participants in our story because they are very young and they have all their lives in front of them. Besides, they don't take their occupation with the Internet deadly seriously but rather as amusement in their free time, because they like it and because it is different from everything else they have to do.
The information professional in a networked society
Authors: Ortega Carrasco Laura , Sanchez Vanderkast Egbert
Published: March 2008

Society has undergone important changes. This can be perceived in the advances in computer, information and communication technology and the progress made in information science. The use of computers in our daily life, specially in the scope of libraries have pointed out development and possibility to store, to organize and to retrieve information in huge volume and in a rapid way. Communication between users has been supported through links between computers. This interconnectivity, in means of networking is transforming how libraries provide and users seek information. The organization of knowledge is necessary, otherwise retrieval will be difficult for the end‐users. They will not obtain the needed information unless they spend much time or they have gained vast experience in searching. In view of this, Information Professionals have to affront the emerging demands of the end‐users. Advances in technology and end‐users demands are evolving increasingly rapidly. The role of the information professionals has changed dramatically from a “book‐lending” person to a recognized “intermediary” between information and users. This recognition is not in general. In case of Latin American countries this situation is more evident, because of the budget decreasing. The expectation of a library is not only to satisfy users demands, without considering those accomplishment to require essential training, infrastructure and economic resources. Institutions in charge of formal library and information science education are making effort to affront training and skills to face the marketplace. The reluctance to change must be considered by the profession and society, which by means assimilate very slowly those changing profile. In contrast society demands these changes without recognizing the library as an active agent in a social system, neither to support the necessary infrastructure to satisfy users demands. In view of this information professionals got together to discuss issues about their concern of the directions of the profession. They concluded that the future is uncertain. There is a lack of policy and great diversity of opinion among members. Libraries in general are confronting with the idea that this institution is a decreasing stage because the overpromoting of the computer. Users specially in the educational environment have the idea that using a networked environment will immediately solve their information problems. Others have in mind that the cyberspace will substitute the library function and that libraries will be soon disappeared. Libraries in general have been affected not only by these mentioned opinions but also in their budget, which had strongly influenced their possibility to acquire appropriate equipment to satisfy information needs of users and training of the workers.
Transforming corporate information into value through data warehousing and data mining
Authors: Cheng Paul S. , Chang Pintsang
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to some promising potential applications to turn the existing information within a corporation into a business advantage through data warehousing and data mining. The idea is to have a data warehouse system capable of accommodating diverse needs through analytical decision support usage. Roll up data from legacy transaction‐based, routine business operational systems have to be an integral part of the repository. In addition, data warehousing plans must be done in conjunction with top‐level strategies, and most importantly with the cooperation of the technical and other business entities within the corporation. An architecture to coordinate the evolution will be needed. Also, per implementation perspective, there are many synergies between intranet and data warehousing. In turn, intranet provides a quick and easy mechanism for external data sourcing, and facilitates information access by its users anywhere, at any time, which is critical in making timely decisions.
Application of systems engineering in quality assurance
Authors: Gerkes Maksimiljan
Published: March 2008

The way of how we introduce a problem is often decisive for a successful solution. This, actually the basic insight of systems engineering was used with the representation of the problem of quality in the problem solving domain. The implementation of systems engineering as a relatively new profession, originating from the system's view, for quality problem solving is conditioned by its relatively methodological perfection, independence of technologies and a well defined problem as the starting point for the use of system methods. In spite of that it was necessary to a certain extent to adapt the methods of systems engineering to the features of quality problems. This approach results in a new dimension of quality understanding, understanding of problems generating non‐quality, and a new dimension of solving these problems. The discussion is limited to the problem and assurance of the information product quality, the quality of the process which provides the information product as its output, and the information quality. Additionally, various problem situations, considerably affecting quality, are identified, and their solution requires an interdisciplinary and system approach. To treat them only within the frame of quality assurance, does not provide quality solutions.
Designing libraries round human beings
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: March 2008

Libraries have traditionally been designed to fit the needs of printed materials and organisational processes that have evolved to handle them. Users have had to adjust to these systems. Also, because of the limitations of printed matter, the services offered were ‘bulk’ services, not easily adaptable to individual requirements. Developments in information technology lead users to have greater expectations and make more complex demands. In consequence, librarians are having to consider less what material they can collect and more what services users want. They therefore have to find out much more about how people operate when seeking and using information, and then to consider how they can supply them with the necessary information in the way they want it — which may be at least partly individualised.
The Internet, a regional newspaper and the provision of ‘value added’ information
Authors: Williams Peter , Nicholas David
Published: March 2008

The Northern Echo has long provided its newspaper in a digital form. It is now looking to use the Internet to widen its customer base and information remit. To this end two initiatives have been launched: it now provides background information to support and enhance the stories it publishes and it also runs an online reference service, which largely provides information on matters of local and national concern. This article describes and evaluates these initiatives and looks forward to their future.
Fear and loathing in cyberspace: how mainstream US media almost missed the biggest communication story in history
Authors: Sussman Vic
Published: March 2008

Shows how the US media were very slow to spot the potential of the Internet. When they finally did they proceeded to demonize it. Examples are given of this demonization. However, the US media is on its way to incorporating and integrating the Internet rather than attacking it. A younger generation of Internet and web users, who have essentially grown up with the media, will speed the end of a lengthy period of confusing and hysteria‐inducing Internet reporting.
METHODS OF TESTING FILTER PERFORMANCE & CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME TYPES OF FILTERS
Authors: STOKES E.A. , VOKES G.H.
Published: March 2008

Wear can be minimised by good lubrication. We have travelled far since lubrication meant just “oil”; refining processes have improved, oils are more “oily”, and additives reduce the effects of gums, oxidation, acid formation, etc., over a useful service life. Extreme pressure agents and detergents allow operation under conditions of load and temperature not possible with straight oils. Yet all these advances count for little, unless abrasives are excluded.
Purchasing, Risk and Logistics: A Neglected Combination?
Authors: Wright Gordon
Published: March 2008

In industry today the majority of managers appear to be aware of the importance of the purchasing function in manufacturing organisations and of the need to secure supplies of materials at the best available prices. What is not well recognised, however, especially by the senior non‐purchasing managers in the majority of manufacturing organisations, is the need to consider purchasing as a risk‐taking function and the need for supply management to be involved in strategic planning processes. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest an alarming ignorance of the need for senior executives in procurement operations to make strategic evaluations of their supply markets, to evaluate the risks involved in particular supply channels and to be able to relate these to their company's marketing objectives. The strategic planning requirements of purchasing are not well understood at a fundamental level and this may, in part, explain the view held widely in manufacturing organisations that purchasing is essentially an administrative function, concerned mainly with administrative procedures and tactical decisions, and need not be involved in the forward corporate strategy and planning processes of the organisation.
The All‐Time Requirement of Spare Parts for Service After Sales—Theoretical Analysis and Practical Results
Authors: Fortuin Leonard
Published: March 2008

An industry which manufactures and sells products that are liable to failure (e.g. TV sets, tape recorders, washing machines or refrigerators), usually has a department for “service after sales”. Such a department must distribute information on how to repair products, and has to supply spare parts to replace defective components during a given number of years. We call these parts service parts. Three phases can be distinguished in the life‐cycle of service parts:
The Use of Manufacturing Profiles to Predict the Applicability of Computer Systems
Authors: Schofield Norman A. , Bonney Maurice C.
Published: March 2008

In the research project, “Criteria for Successful Production Control”, the main objectives were:
The Professions in Production
Authors: Kirkman Frank
Published: March 2008

There is now a very extensive literature on the subject of professions. There is, moreover, the frantic activity of members of those occupations concerned with production, such as production engineering and work study, to lay claim to the title — professional. Yet no one seems to have examined in any detail whether production would benefit or not if such occupations were professionalised. This paper offers some preliminary thoughts on the problem. First the nature of professions is examined; secondly, the field of production; thirdly changing trends in the world of work, within which production and those associated with production are located; finally some conclusions on the place of the professions in production are offered.
Organising for Materials Management
Authors: Miller Jeffrey G. , Gilmour Peter , Van Dierdonck Roland
Published: March 2008

It is now quite widely accepted that there are benefits to be derived from an integrated management perspective of the flows of purchased parts, components and raw materials from suppliers into and through manufacturing facilities, and of finished products through distribution channels to final consumers. There is, however, far less agreement on how an organisation should marshal its resources to actually derive these benefits. Many options exist: the use of computer‐based systems and management information support; the use of analytical tools to help evaluate decision alternatives adjusting the materials and logistics environment to facilitate the exchange between the organisation and its suppliers and the organisation and its customers; establishing more efficient communication networks and coordination methods for interfunctional information exchange; altering the organisational structure to facilitate the administration of materials functions.
Models of Order Input/Output Systems
Authors: Toone R.P. , Gibson J.
Published: March 2008

The order control system in a manufacturing firm is influenced by sales, production, purchasing etc, whose differing aims have to be reconciled in order to meet customer needs. Wild[1] provides a framework for analysis when he proposes two objectives for operations management:
Implementing Computer Aided Process Planning
Authors: Sackett P.J. , Evans S.
Published: March 2008

The case for Computer Aided Process Planning in small and medium sized batch manufacturing organisations is described. Current implementation options are detailed together with likely realisable benefits. The procedural methodology being used by the authors in a manufacturing organisation is outlined.
Retail Inventory Control with Sales Dependent on the Stock Level
Authors: Roll Y. , Kerbs A.
Published: March 2008

Situations exist where the quantities of a commodity held in stock can have an influence on the selling rate of this commodity. Examples include: items displayed in quantities on the shelves in supermarkets, consumer goods that are offered in a number of varieties (such as size, colour, style, etc) and the like. The identification and definition of a possible connection between quantities of stock and selling rate falls in the realm of marketing. Microbehavioural sales models are used to describe the effect of availability, along with other factors, on the level of retail sales (see, for example,). Elton and Mercer discuss specific methods for estimating the effect of variety on sales. For the following analysis it will be assumed that this effect is partially linear and known.
Production Managers and Directors — Their Role and Contribution
Authors: Hill T.J.
Published: March 2008

In each issue we usually give over one short paper to a major topic of general management interest, primarily addressed to senior management in a company and concerned with a particular technical aspect of manufacturing systems treated in a non‐technical way. The paper in this issue concerns the currently very topical subject of the implementation of Material Requirements Planning Systems. The paper itself is also presented in a novel way — it takes the form of an open letter to all Managing Directors (primarily in manufacturing activities).
Critical Aspects of Japanese Component Suppliers and Employment Subcontractors
Authors: Pegels C. Carl
Published: March 2008

A detailed review of the functions being played by the component and parts suppliers for Japan's automobile, consumer products and industrial products firms. In addition, a similar function is reviewed—that being played by the employment subcontractors in process industries such as steel mills and in other industries which cannot so readily use parts suppliers, such as shipbuilding yards.
The Numbering and Taxonomy of Inventoried Items
Authors: Carlson J.G. , Gopal C.S.
Published: March 2008

Group technology has become an important and viable approach to manufacturing systems, and provides significant benefits in inventory management, production process flow, throughput efficiency, tooling, and purchasing. It focuses on classification systems as the main approach, as opposed to production flow analysis. Many firms try to use a code such as a GT code as a means of both classifying and identifying components. This article points to some of the pitfalls that accompany this practice, and advocates the use of independent systems—one for identification and others for classification; thus, separating these two functions.
The Production Manager in the UK
Authors: Lockyer Keith G. , Oakland John S.
Published: March 2008

This paper describes the results of surveys which provide information on the relative status, qualifications, knowledge, practices and needs of production/operations managers within the UK. The qualifications and ambitions of production managers are shown to be lower than managers in other functions. A disturbing finding is the level of knowledge of established operations management techniques and concepts. Moreover, those who do have knowledge make low utilisation of it. Comparison of American and British‐owned companies indicates that production managers in the former make greater use of good management techniques. There is demonstrated a need for active career development to enable well qualified and ambitious recruits to enter the profession and progress to senior management positions.
Work Improvement Programmes: Quality Control Circles Compared with Traditional Western Approaches
Authors: Schonberger Richard J.
Published: March 2008

Quality control circles, a Japanese management technique for improving quality, productivity, and worker morale, have been widely adopted in western industry. The apparent hope is that the circles are a key to competing with the Japanese. In this article QC circles are shown to resemble, and potentially overlap with, six other western work improvement programmes, most of which have had successful histories. Case observations offer limited evidence that plant configuration considerations should be foremost among the factors emphasised in an industrial work improvement programme and that western industry should not expect too much from quality control circles.
New Products — Strategies and Risks for Smaller Firms
Authors: Adams A.H. , Walbank W.M.
Published: March 2008

Despite the attractions and high profit or growth potential of expansion by new products into new markets, smaller firms, particularly the specialist resource and general sub‐contractors, should think very carefully before committing a high proportion of their resources into developing new products that lead them into new market areas beyond their current experience. The skills of the small marketer—the goal of many new product introductions—can take a long time to acquire.