bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online risks obstructing safe internet access for students
Authors: Lazarinis Fotis
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overall insight into the factors which undermine safe internet access for students. Safer internet access for students is an issue raised during recent years as the web becomes increasingly more accessible to children. However, recent research studies and initiatives demonstrated a number of potential online risks for students. To be able to protect children from potentially hazardous content it is first necessary to have a good understanding of the existing online threats.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, prior works on online safety problems for children are reviewed and a list of online risks is assembled based on the previous studies and on information gathered from web sites dedicated to safer internet access. Then, based on this listing, an access log of unsupervised internet access of high school students is analyzed to understand which of these risks can be identified.

Findings

The review of previous works on the topic of safer internet access produces a list of diverse problems for unsupervised internet access for children. The results of the log files evaluation show that several of the identified online risks existed in the students' visited sites and that the students are able to bypass the applied restrictions to visit their preferred sites.

Originality/value

The list of online risks can be used by researchers, teachers, parents, educational technologists, web designers, school administrators and libraries to obtain a clearer view of the internet safety issues. Further, this list could be used for directing future research projects on the social consequences of internet usage for children.
Application of social capital theory to Nigerian university web sites
Authors: Utulu Samuel C. , Okoye Maryknoll A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to present a report on Nigerian universities' use of their web sites for collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research methodology and content analysis technique were adopted in the research. The research was undertaken through an examination of the various university web site contents and web link structures. The study relied on the Google search engine as the source of its electronic data, while manual evaluation was used to carry out content analysis. Only Nigerian universities with 500 or more web pages were considered; 15 of the 92 universities met this criterion and were subsequently sampled.

Findings

The research revealed that Nigerian universities' web sites did not contain appropriate contents. Both non‐academic and academic contents expected to be found in university web sites were not available and, hence, made the expected inter‐university web links, electronic social networking and cooperation non‐existent. Consequently, only commercially‐based web sites had web link with the sampled web sites. The findings show that the required structure needed to support web collaboration among Nigerian universities has not been developed. Hence, further research to understand the existing structure required for electronic collaboration among Nigerian universities is needed.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study was limited to only those university web sites that had 500 or more web pages, this meant that universities with fewer than 500 web pages, which nevertheless may have traces of social network and cooperation in their link structures, were automatically excluded.

Practical implications

The research provides information on the readiness of Nigerian universities to adopt web site technology for collaboration and solving the problem of resource sharing that they currently face. It has also laid the foundation for understanding Nigerian universities' web site use in relationship with three social capital dimensions: structural, contents, and relational.

Originality/value

The research provides web analysis information on Nigerian universities. Past experience has shown that research available on web analysis and characteristics of Nigerian universities is very limited and that none has been carried out on their web site use for e‐collaboration.
The National Library of Australia's document supply service: a brief overview
Authors: Moreno Margarita , Xu Anne
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the role of the National Library of Australia in the Australian interlibrary loan environment, not just in terms of providing access to National Library collections through the document supply service, but also in providing infrastructure to support interlibrary loans across Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the various roles the National Library plays in the interlibrary loan/document delivery environment in Australia. It covers the document supply service and the Libraries Australia service, which provides the infrastructure that supports interlibrary loans/document delivery in Australia, and briefly reports on the evaluation of services currently being undertaken.

Findings

Providing access to library collections is complex and constantly changing. Client expectations are increasing, and libraries need to change traditional practices to meet user needs.

Originality/value

The paper covers the services offered by the National Library of Australia in supporting interlibrary loans/document delivery. Very few papers cover this topic.
British Library document supply – a fork in the road
Authors: Appleyard Andy
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of recent developments within the British Library's document supply service and offer an insight into future plans.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a general review.

Findings

The British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) has made tremendous gains in optimising the service in its current guise. As with similar organisations, challenges are presenting themselves that require a completely new look at the way the business model is designed. Although the long‐term plan is not completely formed, this paper aims to give an insight into current thinking.

Originality/value

The paper spells out the improvement strategy that the BL has adopted for document supply in the light of the worldwide decline.
Interlibrary loan services at Library and Archives Canada
Authors: Kelsall Paula , Onyszko Elizabeth
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the interlibrary loan services of Library and Archives Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the loans, copies and locations services of Library and Archives Canada, and patterns of demand for those services. It also describes the institution's role in the Canadian resource sharing environment.

Findings

Library and Archives Canada offers access to a broad range of Canadian documents, and also provides services that support resource sharing in Canada. Demand for the institution's traditional ILL services is declining, and its focus is turning to digital access.

Originality/value

The paper provides a picture of a national institution at a time of rapid change. It contains information that will be useful to those seeking documents from Canada.
Development of document delivery by libraries in Germany since 2003
Authors: Rosemann Uwe , Brammer Markus
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development and current situation of electronic document delivery by public libraries in Germany, taking into account the impact of the changing regulatory framework of German copyright law and the consequences of law suits against libraries and Subito.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the current situation. Also, the new licensing strategy of the Subito delivery service and the national licensing strategy for electronic media of German libraries and the German Research foundation come into focus

Findings

The negative development of copyright law posed a new challenge for document delivery services in Germany since the statutory licence in German copyright law no longer covers electronic document delivery provided by Subito and other library document delivery services. Licence agreements with publishers or intermediaries such as copyright clearance centres are now necessary to allow delivery of electronic documents. These negotiations have proven to be very complex and controversial, but now a complicated framework of licence agreements has been concluded and will enable German libraries to generally provide electronic documents in the future. DRM‐systems, however, still are a challenge for customers and the delivery service.

Practical implications

Demand of delivery services has decreased and may decrease even more in the long run due to availability and direct accessibility of electronic documents, together with the national licensing program in Germany.

Originality/value

The paper provides a concise summary and gives an impression of the development of document delivery services of German libraries between 2003 and 2008 with special reference to the legal position and changes to German copyright law.
Many roads to information: digital resource sharing and access at the Swiss National Library
Authors: Clavel‐Merrin Genevieve
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the changes in user expectations for access to material at the Swiss National Library and the different ways it seeks to provide access information through resource sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes briefly the Swiss National Library's background and mandate, its digitisation work and access to these resources.

Findings

The Swiss National Library is developing services, both e‐services and non‐e services, to support the information requirements of its users.

Originality

This is one of the few papers to provide an up‐to‐date account of developments at the Swiss National Library.
KITS: a national system for document supply in Turkey
Authors: Cimen Ertugrul , Tuglu Ayhan , Manyas Mehmet , Çelikbaş Sema , Çelikbaş Zeki
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to describe a new national system for resource sharing and document supply in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a historical and descriptive approach.

Findings

KITS has been very successful in linking academic and other institutions in Turkey to an effective and efficient system of document supply. This is illustrated by figures provided on its expansion in the last two years.

Practical implications

The paper is useful for all librarians concerned with national document supply systems, especially in the developing world.

Originality/value

This is the first published review of the national system that is transforming document supply in Turkey, and it deals frankly with the obstacles that KITS faces, at the same time indicating the ways in which success has been achieved.
Corporate governance and investment: domestic and foreign firms in Greece
Authors: Dedoussis Elias , Papadaki Afroditi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that the nationality of ownership affects investment through its interaction with return expectations and cash flow and to answer the question whether this is due to asymmetric information or managerial discretion problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Asymmetric information and managerial discretion hypothesis are being tested in a fully extended model, which provides for a variety of effects from the explanatory variables. The paper also uses firm and industry variables to account for the investment opportunities or marginal q instead of using the average Q. Using industrial variables instead of stock market data enables the possibility to extend the sample to cover a more representative sample of firms and especially a group of firms where financial constraints are expected to be more profound. Another aspect of the paper is that the ownership variable varies with the nationality of the shareholders of the firm and not with the shareholdings of the managers. This means that the paper restricts its search in two sub‐samples, those of domestic firms and of foreign (multinational) ones.

Findings

In total, 2,700 domestic and foreign (multinational) manufacturing firms located in Greece in the 1992‐1997 period were examined, providing consistent evidence supporting the asymmetric information hypothesis against the managerial discretion hypothesis. These results also support the significance of ownership effects, at least with respect to the national origin of the firm's shareholders.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence that the nationality of ownership affects the investment behavior and is related with the specific information problems of the firms.
Investment spending and corporate governance
Authors: Dedoussis Elias , Papadaki Afroditi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence on the effects that different ownership's structures of Greek listed firms exercise on the relation between investment and liquidity constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Corporate governance in Greece is primarily based on the form of family‐owned firms, as in many European countries. In countries with similar corporate governance systems, a possible source of separation (in the absence of bank‐controlled firms and large business groups) between management and ownership is the nationality of the companies, as foreign nationality implies the physical separation of managers and owners. A second possible separation is based on the shareholdings of the CEO when he/she bears no relation with the controlling shareholders. A sample of Athens Stock Exchange listed firms is collected and a generalized (vs a simple) model of investment is applied to test the role of corporate governance using these two basic separations of management and ownership.

Findings

The paper's empirical findings support the hypothesis of asymmetric information both in the total sample and in various sub‐samples. Low Q, small, and new firms under the generalized model are facing asymmetric information problems. On the other hand, low Q, old and low dividend firms are more likely to face managerial discretion problems that result in over‐investment.

Originality/value

This paper links information‐related problems of investment with simple corporate governance structures.
Social cataloging tools: a comparison and application for librarians
Authors: Jeffries Scott
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the recent developments in interface design and company development of social networking sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on Shelfari, Goodreads, Visual Bookshelf and LibraryThing, explaining what librarians need to know about each site. Findings –Each tool featured in this paper may find its niche among users it is more likely that only one or two will emerge as the standard for social cataloging sites.

Originality/value

For those who are brand new to social catologing tools, this paper will serve as a useful introduction.
Use of electronic journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, India
Authors: Chirra Rekha , Madhusudhan Margam
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the use of electronic (e)‐journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa (India). The main aim is to know the use of e‐journals for research work. Further, the study aims to highlight the problems in accessing e‐journals, degree of utilization, and influence of e‐journals on research work.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 100 doctoral research scholars (PhD) in Goa University and the response rate is found to be 96 percent. The responses received from the doctoral research scholars to 16 questions is presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation. Stratified accidental random method is used for selection of respondents.

Findings

The paper arrives at the following conclusions: the e‐journals have become vital part of information for research work. This study helps in knowing the importance and use of e‐journals in comparison to printed journals particularly for the research community. Most of the respondents are accessing e‐journals from the Department Computer Labs for their research work and e‐journals meet the instant desire of users to have an access to information. Springer & Kluwer is the leading publisher. Boolean Search is the most popular advance search technique. The study shows that there is need for user orientation for efficient searching of e‐journals. The most common problem faced by the respondents is that there is difficulty in accessing full text and many of the respondents are not satisfied with the Internet facilities available in Goa University and they provide some constructive suggestions for improving the accessing of e‐journals.

Practical implications

The paper is confined to the use of e‐journals by the doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa.

Originality/value

This paper is an outcome of the study made in Goa University, Goa about the use of University Grants Commission (UGC)‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium's e‐journals by doctoral research scholars during the study period, i.e. 1‐28 June 2008.
Four‐mode channel interactivity concept and channel preferences
Authors: Florenthal Bela , Shoham Aviv
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper has two purposes. First, it aims to propose an alternative conceptualization for interactivity that distinguishes between four interactivity modes: human, medium, message, and product. Second, it seeks to develop a framework of channel preferences that integrates the four‐mode concept of channel interactivity.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of interactivity literature streaming from several disciplines (social psychology, computer science, communication, object interaction, and marketing) was used to develop the four‐mode concept. A framework is proposed to illustrate how consumers' perceptions of, and preferences for, the four interactivity modes impact channel preferences.

Findings

The propositions developed suggest: channels are perceived as offering different modes of interactivity; preferences for interactivity modes are shaped by personal and situational characteristics; and a match/mismatch between consumers' perceptions of and preferences for the interactivity modes determine channel preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The approach allows an evaluation of particular interactive technologies, an assessment of multi‐channel strategies, and an examination of consumers' satisfaction with their shopping experiences.

Originality/value

The authors propose a broader approach than existing ones. It is not restricted to an online channel; it integrates consumers' interaction with products; and it enables a comparison of online and offline channels. In addition, most research has focused on perceptions of interactivity whereas the framework presented in the paper addresses perceptions of, and preferences for, interactivity modes that impact channel choices.
What are the fundamental features supporting service quality?
Authors: Ueno Akiko
Published: February 2010

Purpose

There are many features that have been regarded as having a critical role in supporting service quality. The purpose of this article is to identify those features that are fundamental in supporting service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted covering total quality management (TQM), internal marketing, and the service quality literature, especially the study of service quality gaps. All of these are concerned with the search for service excellence.

Findings

From a comparative study of these three areas of the literature, it was found that there are seven common features: recruitment and selection, training, teamwork, empowerment, performance appraisals and reward, communication, and culture of the organisation. Each of them is argued to be critical for the management of service quality.

Practical limitations/implications

Although there are other factors that can influence service quality, the identification of fundamental features provides managers and academics with a valuable framework with which to start in pursuit of service quality across a variety of service businesses.

Originality/value

Although management of service quality has been regarded as notoriously difficult due to the characteristics of services, by identifying fundamental features supporting service quality, this article provides focal points for the management of service quality.
Assessing operational effectiveness in healthcare organizations: a systematic approach
Authors: Gomes Carlos F. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Yasin Yousef
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic approach to measuring, tracking, monitoring and continuously improving efficiency, availability and quality in healthcare operational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed measure of healthcare operational effectiveness (HOE) consists of three indicators. They include an availability indicator, an quality indicator, and an efficiency indicator. The proposed approach tends to facilitate the systematic improvement at the different facets of operational effectiveness.

Findings

The proposed operational performance approach based on the HOE is consistent with the themes of performance measures and measurement reported in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed healthcare operational effectiveness approach represents a serious attempt at quantifying the key facets of service effectiveness in healthcare operational settings. The validation of this performance assessment and measurement approach is worthy of future research.

Practical implications

The approach advocated by the HOE has operational and strategic relevance to decision makers of healthcare organizations.

Originality/value

This paper presents a practical, systematic approach toward enhancing operational effectiveness in healthcare organizations. Relevant implementation issues associated with the proposed approach are also addressed.
Benefits of participating in accreditation surveying
Authors: Lancaster Judith , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Greenfield David
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how surveying benefits accreditation surveyors and the organisations in which they are regularly employed. The purpose is to examine from the perspective of senior executives who pursue this form of secondary professional activity, what they seek from being surveyors and what they believe they gain from the experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from recorded interviews with three senior area health executives who also serve as accreditation surveyors for the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards. The interviews comprised a series of open‐ended, semi‐structured questions. One hour was allocated for each interview. The questions were designed to explore why senior executive health professionals seek secondary professional activity as surveyors and their perceptions of the benefits they gain from surveying.

Findings

The benefits derived from surveying as a secondary professional activity fall into four categories. First, it exposes the surveyor to new methods and innovations. Second, it provides a unique form of ongoing learning. Third, it serves as a resource for acquiring expertise to enhance quality within the institutions in which the participants were regularly employed and, finally, it provides opportunities to contribute to the process of quality improvement and enhance public health beyond the organisations in which the participants were regularly employed.

Practical implications

This research identifies a key aspect of the accreditation process that has not been the focus of previous research. It provides a reference point for understanding the value of surveying to the surveyor and to the institutions in which they are regularly employed.

Originality/value

The paucity of existing literature on the role of the surveyor – both pre and post accreditation – makes this topic timely and significant. This study is important because almost all accreditation programs world wide rely on external surveyors, and yet we know little about them.
A new methodology for the development of sizing systems for the mass customization of garments
Authors: Mpampa Maria L. , Azariadis Philip N. , Sapidis Nickolas S.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive a new method for developing sizing systems for the mass customization of garments.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published works has been studied. A new method is derived by following a basic statistical analysis on anthropometric data which are supported by an iterative mass customization model and introduced “satisfaction performance” indices. The derived method is applied successfully to an anthropometric data consisting of 12,810 Greek men.

Findings

With the proposed method, it is possible to control the degree of mass customization and the corresponding number of garment sizes. Under this way, a balance between the number of sizes (in other words: production cost) and the percentage satisfaction of consumers can be achieved. The proposed method consists of six subsequent tasks which are applied to the target population data for the development of mass customization models for male shirts, coats and trousers.

Research limitations/implications

Future work could be focused on the development of methods for the automatic garments grading with respect to the proposed mass customization models and practise.

Originality/value

The methodology presented in this paper can be applied to the development of mass customization models for other categories of garments and target population.
Destination marketing: competition, cooperation or coopetition?
Authors: Wang Youcheng , Krakover Shaul
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the business relationships among the tourism industry stakeholders in conducting collaborative destination marketing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research takes a case study approach by focusing on the investigation of the business relationships among tourism industry stakeholders in Elkhart County, Indiana. Interviews with five staff members from the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as 32 tourism industry representatives were conducted in order to answer the research questions.

Findings

The interview results indicate that different relationships of cooperation, competition and coopetition coexist among the tourism stakeholders. Four cooperative relationships with various degrees of formalization, integration, and structural complexity are involved. In addition, four factors have been identified as affecting this relationship configuration. The perceived relationship between cooperation and competition was also found to be vital with reference to the marketing of a destination.

Research limitations/implications

Given the exploratory nature and case study approach of the research, caution is required in interpreting the results of the study, particularly in generalizing the study results to other destinations.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical implications to tourism businesses in their efforts to collectively market their destination, particularly in relation to how they balance the relationship between cooperation and competition, individual benefits and common benefits in order to achieve success for both the destination and their individual businesses.
Iran public education and awareness program and its achievements
Authors: Parsizadeh Farokh , Ghafory‐Ashtiany Mohsen
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a brief summary on the comprehensive earthquake education program for increasing the public awareness and preparedness for earthquake through an integrated educational program using all types of media, especially in the schools and amongst children.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will provide an overview to the program on the disaster management education for the managers; general public; and especially children's earthquake safety education in schools. This priority could be better highlighted by looking at the wide coverage of schools as well as the young age structure of Iran.

Findings

There is still a is a long way to go to achieve a fully prepared and seismically safe community and for this stronger cooperation and participation of the whole of society are necessary for enhancing public safety.

Originality/value

Finally, the paper strongly believes that the Iran experience is successful, one that can be shared and from which one can learn.
RethinkingDisasters by Design
Authors: Afedzie Richard , McEntire David A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on Dennis Mileti'sDisasters by Designten years after its publication and to discuss the book's contributions and limitations. It seeks to uncover how Mileti's work relates to disaster and emergency management policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines scholarly reviews of Mileti's work and explores the theoretical and practical implications of his important research.

Findings

Disasters by Designrecognizes the importance of environmental protection and poverty reduction in disaster policies. However, this work may not fully capture all the hazards, distinct types of vulnerability, phases and functions pertinent to emergency management.

Research limitations/implications

This review both accepts and questions some of the assessments of Mileti's work. The perspective of this review may help shape the future of emergency management policy.

Practical implications

The paper provides a comprehensive view of disasters and offers recommendations to improve the emergency management profession.

Originality/value

The review is one of the few works that examines Mileti's work with a critical eye. It draws concern to his paradigm and suggests the need for continued refinement.
Development of landslide susceptibility map utilizing remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Authors: Zulhaidi Mohd Shafri Helmi , Mohd Zahidi Izni , Abu Bakar Shamsul
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to produce the landslide susceptibility map of Fraser's Hill and its surroundings in Pahang (Malaysia), utilizing remote sensing data and Geographic Information System (GIS) as a way to monitor sustainable highland development.

Design/methodology/approach

Ancillary data are collected, processed, and constructed into a spatial database in a GIS platform to produce the satellite image. The factors chosen that influence landslide occurrence are land cover, vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation, and geology. Landslide‐hazardous areas are analyzed and mapped using the landslide‐occurrence factors through the heuristic approach Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Findings

It is demonstrated that the integration of remote sensing data and GIS database is of assistance in managing land‐use planning of sustainable development. The verification with the existing landslides record shows a noteworthy accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The list of data/maps reflects a considerable understanding of the basic cartographic information that is needed to effectively deal with the landslide problem.

Practical implications

This approach indicates a potential long‐term application of remote sensing and GIS in managing sustainable highland development by monitoring the hazard‐susceptibility area.

Originality/value

The value of the work is in its integration and utilization of remote sensing and GIS to provide sustainable development which can be developed to aid landslide warning systems.
Flood risk management for the riverside urban areas of Hanoi
Authors: Vinh Hung Hoang , Shaw Rajib , Kobayashi Masami
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons for an unusual over‐development of flood‐prone areas outside the river dyke in Hanoi, while analysing the urban development and disaster management policies, and to suggest policy measures for regulating the rapid urbanization incorporating catastrophic flood risk planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Urban development and disaster management policies were analyzed and key stakeholders were interviewed to discover the effectiveness of the policies and governance tasks.

Findings

A discrepancy was identified between the goals of urban development and disaster management. The negative side of this discrepancy has been amplified by ineffective Construction Regulations and a lack of specificity with regard to Ordinances on Dyke. These factors, combined with poor coordination and lack of motivation within the city authorities in managing the Riverside Urban Areas (RUA), have contributed to the over‐development, which consists primarily of squatting and illegal construction.

Research limitations/implications

Along with a consideration of community perception of catastrophic flood risk in the RUA, which has been examined, the paper further analyses the effectiveness of related policies for catastrophic risk reduction in the RUA.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the following effective measures: build and share a knowledge base concerning catastrophic flood risk and sustainable ways of coping with the flood; be responsible and develop a commitment to manage flood‐prone areas; and develop better coordination between urban development and flood management.

Originality/value

The paper suggests new policy standards for managing the RUA development and reducing flood risks.
Landslide management: concept and philosophy
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to promote sustainable development through disaster management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on extensive field observations and intensive review of literature from secondary sources.

Findings

In recent times landslides have increased both in frequency and intensity and have assumed catastrophic and disastrous proportions, causing extensive damage to life and property and posing great problems and serious challenges to man and his development process. This increase has been triggered by a combination of several attributes (geological, morphometric, climatic and anthropogenetic) that directly or indirectly cause slope instability, most of which (if not all) are either man‐made or man‐accelerated. Thus, most of the disasters are natural events aggravated by undue human intervention. Man, through his intervention, has accelerated this natural process and his encroachment on the relatively unsafe areas has turned them into disasters. The effect of man on natural processes can be judged from the fact that the frequency of natural disasters/hazards has recorded more than a fivefold increase just in the last two decades, despite all the hue and cry that has been going on all round the world. The economic losses on account of such happenings have shot up by over 3.5 times, and the rise in total insured losses is about six times and, with the present trends (particularly of ignorance, carelessness, lack of will and finances, greed, increasing population and also human demands) and situations, it can safely be predicted that the worst is still to come.

Practical implications

Landslides are a natural phenomenon and every year hundreds of major and minor landslides occur in the hills, though only a few major ones are reported by the print and electronic media, and still fewer are studied and/or analyzed in some detail. The present paper presents a valuable insight into various aspects of landslide management to spread awareness, to educate and sensitize people towards better and effective landslide hazard mitigation and thereby ensure people's participation in disaster management. It also aims to initiate and encourage research in the field of landslide management.

Originality/value

The paper hopes to minimize losses due to landslides through better knowledge and enhanced levels of understanding of the phenomenon and its management.
Young adults' perceptions of smoking actors
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Rossiter John D.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of portrayed smoking status of actors on their popularity with both smoking and non‐smoking young people, as well as their perceptions of the prevalence of smoking

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies were conducted with Australian undergraduate university students, in which students were exposed to different versions of mock magazines featuring images of actors smoking and not smoking, as well as control actors.

Findings

The attitudes of young people towards well‐known actors were little influenced by the presence or absence of cigarettes, but non‐smoking actors were perceived more favourably when depicted in a group with smoking actors. Smoking actors tended to be preferred by young people who smoked. The results of both studies confirm that young people's estimates of smoking prevalence are considerably inflated.

Originality/value

The results of the current study suggest two key implications for health education: the need to address young people's elevated perceptions of smoking prevalence among their peers, parents, and celebrities by communicating the social norm of non‐smoking; and the potential use of celebrities – such as actors – as spokespersons or role models in anti‐smoking campaigns.
Are we promoting the health of people with physical mobility impairments? A literature review
Authors: Francis Donna Marie , Adams Ruth
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the health education and health promotion literature is inclusive of people with physical mobility impairments. The English government Department of Health statistics indicate that the number of people living with physical mobility impairments is increasing and this is largely a result of chronic illness survival. The current UK Government has set targets to reduce inequalities that disproportionally affect those with disabilities. In light of the above points, it was expected that this interest would be reflected by a growing health promotion literature.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve an overview of health promotion offered for those with physical mobility impairments, a literature review was conducted. The literature was systematically reviewed using keywords and inclusion criteria. The range of published literature searched included research journals, health promotion texts, health and disability policy documents, as well as web sites offered on the internet.

Findings

There is a dearth in the information and development of health promotion for those with physical mobility impairments. Health policy documents offer little that is specifically focused for this group of people in particular. The majority of the relevant literature comes from the USA. Two theoretical positions are offered in the literature: one argues that those with physical impairments require a medical model approach to support individual's adjustment to society; and the other argues that emphasis should be placed on social change to accommodate those with physical impairments. While there are a range of initiatives in legislation and policy that utilise the social model position, the lack of UK health promotion interventions and the small number of US studies for improving the health of those with physical mobility impairments tends to encourage the medical model approach.

Research limitations/implications

This review focuses particularly on health promotion for those with physical mobility impairments. Although not exhaustive, it highlights the need for further research into effective development of health promotion for those with physical mobility impairments in the UK.

Practical implications

Far more needs to be done to promote the health of those with physical mobility impairments. Both the medical model and social change approaches are required to deliver health promotion for this segment of the population.

Originality/value

There are no other reviews of the literature with a focus on physical mobility impairment and health promotion. This paper considers an often‐neglected group of people and identifies a need for effective health promotion information and resources.
Limited‐potential niche or prospective market foothold? Five tests
Authors: Hutt Ken , Gavieres Ruben , Chakraborty Betosini
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The authors offer advice on how can managers can distinguish between limited‐potential niche and crucial market foothold opportunities. The distinction is crucial in order to make the case for funding and supporting for the small, but potentially important, foothold business areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past few years the authors have worked with a number of large companies. They have found several straightforward tests for distinguishing between footholds and niches that have proved to be very useful when incorporated within a development process.

Findings

The authors propose that a strong foothold opportunity exists if managers answer “yes” to five tests: Does the product provide clear value to new customers? Can an initial, viable product be brought to the market sooner rather than later? Will the first customers pay for the improvements needed to enter larger markets? Will initial applications diffuse the product across traditional market segments? Is there limited reliance on third parties for major product improvements?

Research limitations/implications

Their findings are not intended to be the last word on identifying footholds, but instead a starting point for managers.

Practical implications

Working with company management, the authors have successfully incorporated these tests into early product‐ and market‐development activities and decision making through process steps and metrics.

Originality/value

After asking all five questions, if a manager's analysis of a potential business opportunity indicates that it is a strong foothold, then it's likely it has a significant long‐tern potential for the business.
Workplace stress and well‐being across cultures: research and practice
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to raise some important questions for cross‐cultural research on occupational stress and well‐being and sets the stage for the five papers in the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews some previous literature on cross‐cultural understanding of occupational stress and well‐being, why such research is difficult to undertake, and summarizes the five original manuscripts that comprise this special issue.

Findings

Manuscripts in this special issue represent authors from several countries and report data collected from over a dozen countries. Some contributions attempt to replicate previous North American and European research findings in other countries while others undertake comparative studies of two or more countries.

Originality/value

It is important to undertake more cross‐cultural comparative research of the effects of occupational stress and well‐being to determine whether any boundary conditions exist for previous results based in North American and European samples. In addition, future research should include assessments of some national culture values.
Stress and psychological well‐being in UK and Malaysian fire fighters
Authors: Dahlan A. Malek Mohd , Mearns Kathryn , Flin Rhona
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among sources of stress, coping strategy, job satisfaction and psychological well‐being and to examine the roles of coping behaviour as the moderator variable.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a questionnaire survey and area sampling design, with responses of 617 Malaysian fire fighters and 436 UK fire fighters. The questionnaire comprises: the Sources of Occupational Stress in Fire Fighters & Paramedics scale, the Coping Response of Rescue Workers and the Job Satisfaction Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis is used to examine the moderating effect of coping behaviour on job satisfaction and psychological well‐being.

Findings

It is found that the sources of occupational stress have significant negative correlations with job satisfaction and psychological well‐being. The results of the regression analysis indicates that overall coping behaviour has a significant influence on overall job satisfaction for UK fire fighters but not for Malaysian fire fighters. However, overall coping behaviour has a significant effect as a moderating variable between sources of stress and psychological health for Malaysian fire fighters.

Practical implications

The results suggest that training that focuses on psychological aspects (stress management, coping strategies, etc.), and the use of counsellors should be highlighted. It is suggested that the Malaysian Fire Brigade should establish a Counselling Unit, to deal with psychological problems faced by the fire fighters.

Originality/value

This study shows how theories originating in developed countries (USA and Canada) can help explain the psychological health of the fire fighters in a developing country (Malaysia). The analysis of statistical results led to the development of a model to interpret the factors influencing psychological health in Malaysian and UK fire fighters. Beside that, the evidence from the study also highlighted that factors such as culture may influence the ways employees cope up with the situations.
Stress episode in aviation: the case of China
Authors: Tourigny Louise , Baba Vishwanath V. , Wang Xiaoyun
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of role stressors on job stress among airline employees in mainland China. More specifically, the aggravating effects of shift work and the mitigating effects of decision latitude are explored to facilitate strategies of intervention aimed at reducing job stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected using a field survey in Mandarin from 485 airline employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and service employees in five major cities in mainland China.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that role overload and role conflict have significant positive effects on job stress. Furthermore, both shift work and its interference with non‐work activities significantly elevated the impact of role overload on job stress. Findings also reveal that decision latitude mitigated the detrimental effect of role overload on job stress for employees working on fixed shift, but not for employees working on rotating shift.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross‐sectional study using perceptual measures.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that aviation managers in China need to focus not only on decision latitude but also on job and organizational design to mitigate the impact of job demands on stress. While decision latitude works to ease demands among those who work on fixed shifts, it does not work in the same way for those working on rotating shifts.

Originality/value

This paper corroborates the cross‐cultural applicability of stress theory by demonstrating the detrimental role of rotating shift on stress while at the same time calling attention to some cultural shaping of the findings.