bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of gender and age on new technology implementation in a developing country
Authors: White Baker Elizabeth , Al‐Gahtani Said S. , Hubona Geoffrey S.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of gender, age and education on new technology implementation in Saudi Arabia, a technologically developing country, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The research was an empirical investigation based on surveys completed by 1,088 Saudi knowledge workers.

Findings

The TPB model performs well in Saudi Arabia. This validation accounts for 37 percent of the variance in behavioral intention among Saudi knowledge workers. For the moderator variables, there were no statistically significant interactions, with the exception of the moderation of perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention by level of education.

Research limitations/implications

Saudi Arabia is an exemplar for many developing nations characterized by distinct intellectual and cultural traditions that differ from Western cultures. Demographic variables (e.g. gender and age) that have been reported to be significant moderators of the influences of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention in other cultural samples were found to be non‐significant in this Saudi Arabian sample.

Practical implications

System developers using user‐centered design approaches have different design criteria for the successful workforce adoption of information technology (IT) systems in a technologically developing nation, as compared to the workforce of a technologically developed nation.

Originality/value

This paper validates TPB as a multi‐cultural model for investigating the impact of attitudes, beliefs, and subjective norms on technology adoption, and, in contrast to previous studies, indicates the (non)effects of select demographic moderators on the model using a non‐Western sample.
IT‐based knowledge management to support organizational learning
Authors: Gasson Susan , Shelfer Katherine M.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to reconcile the contradiction between two paradigms employed in analyzing IT‐related change requirements: knowledge‐as‐thing versus knowledge‐as‐process.

Design/methodology/approach

These tensions are explored in the high‐risk decision‐making environment of an Immigration and Naturalization Service agency. The study combines competitive intelligence risk‐analysis methods with an ethnographic analysis of knowledge‐flows, to determine how the roles of human decision‐makers may be supported effectively by ICT‐based knowledge support.

Findings

The findings demonstrate how high‐risk decision‐making may be analyzed as a integrated hybrid human/ICT intelligence system. The study exposes detailed mechanisms by which knowledge of different forms is transferred, exposing failures in training, interpersonal communications, ICT system support, and reward structures. Four roles for ICT support are identified, to supplement human intelligence effectively.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on an investigation across knowledgeable experts in various geographical locations, functional contexts, and organizational roles in a single government agency. Future research could seek to explore whether our distinctions between knowledge types and ICT‐roles are transferable across different organizations.

Practical implications

Four stages of analysis for a hybrid intelligence framework are suggested: risk‐category identification; the application of risk‐categories to decision‐cases; testing and adapting categorizations against global conditions; and transfer of locally‐meaningful categorizations of risk across communities of practice.

Originality/value

The contributions of this paper are: to provide a taxonomy for the analysis of organizational knowledge‐flows; and to suggest a framework for the analysis of roles for human vs. ICT knowledge management in distributed, high‐risk decision‐making environments.
Learning in a service context: going backstage
Authors: Wägar Karolina
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are: to explore the nature of indirect social learning that takes place “backstage” among frontline contact persons; and the link between backstage learning and front‐stage performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a conceptual framework that is then applied in an empirical study using ethnographic research techniques (participant observation, informal conversations, and interviews) among car salespersons and car‐service advisors.

Findings

The study finds that backstage learning has a significant qualitative influence on the front‐stage behaviour of personnel in a service context. Moreover, a key finding of the study is that backstage learning is not always of a constructive kind; indeed, backstage learning can be non‐constructive by engendering thinking and behaviour that has an adverse effect on service culture and service quality.

Practical implications

The study shows that interactions among frontline contact persons should be encouraged through informal gatherings where social bonds among individuals can be formed. However, managers also need to be aware of the potential for adverse effects from a non‐constructive social‐learning process.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the service‐management literature by developing a social perspective on learning within service management. Moreover, the paper develops the “drama metaphor” in service performances in terms of backstage activities and processes.
An overview on disasters
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide graduate students, researchers, and government and independent agencies with an overview of disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

Disasters have been the subject of research and a source of concern to academicians and government and independent agencies. In this paper disaster types are collected from several sources such as technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. Disaster types, definitions, hazards and mitigations are reviewed. Disasters are classified into natural disasters, man‐made disasters, and hybrid disasters. Man‐made disasters are classified into technological disasters, transportation accidents, public places failure, and production failure. Natural and/or man‐made disasters sometimes lead to subsequent disasters.

Findings

Disasters are classified into three types: natural, man‐made, and hybrid disasters. It is believed that the three disaster types cover all disastrous events. Disasters have different characteristics and impacts; however, disasters have a common element, which is their severity. Natural disasters are those disasters that result from natural forces. Man‐made disasters are those disasters that result from human decisions. Hybrid disasters are those disasters that result from both natural and man‐made causes. Subsequent disasters are those disasters that result from natural and/or man‐made disasters. Epidemics could be a disaster or a subsequent disaster.

Originality/value

This paper presents the types, definition, hazards, and mitigation of disasters. Disasters are arranged into disaster types, sub‐disasters, and disastrous events in the form of a disaster tree. An algorithm can be written utilizing this disaster tree. The algorithm can be used for training purposes to prevent or reduce disasters.
Disaster types
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, and government and independent agencies with an overview of disaster types.

Design/methodology/approach

Disaster types have been the subject of research by and concern to academicians and to government and independent agencies. The paper summarizes the views of researchers and agencies. Disaster types are collected from several sources such as technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. Disaster definitions, criteria and types are reviewed. Disasters are classified into natural disasters, man‐made disasters, and hybrid disasters. Man‐made disasters are classified into technological disasters, transportation accidents, public places failure, and production failure. The paper presents a comparison between the main types of disasters.

Findings

Disasters are classified into three types: naturals, man‐mades, and hybrid disasters. It is believed that the three disaster types cover all disastrous events. No definition of disaster is universally accepted. Several criteria are proposed to define disasters. Understanding of disaster definitions, criteria, and types aids researchers and agencies in the proper classification, good recording, and better analysis of disasters. Disasters have different characteristics and impact; however, disasters have a common element, which is their severity.

Originality/value

This paper presents a definition of and criteria for disasters. The paper also presents an overview of disaster types. The paper presents a comparison between the main types of disasters, and combines various disaster terms into one record.
An overview on BLEVE
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers and government and independent agencies with an overview on BLEVE (i.e. boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion).

Design/methodology/approach

BLEVE has been studied by researchers, academicians, company specialists, and government and independent agencies. BLEVE incidents are collected from several sources such as technical and general articles, internet web sites and internal reports. BLEVE definitions, history, theory, types, hazards, and models are reviewed. BLEVE incidents are arranged and classified into fires, overfilling, explosions, overheating, runaways, overpressure, collisions, corrosion, and damage (derailment).

Findings

BLEVE types are classified into cold BLEVEs, hot BLEVEs, and BLEVEs. The major consequences of a BLEVE are thermal radiation from the resultant fireball and the fragments produced when the vessel fails. Several approaches are developed to describe BLEVE theory. BLEVE incidents are classified into explosions, damage (derailment), overfilling, fires, collisions, runaways, overpressure, overheating, and corrosion. The world has witnessed 74 BLEVE incidents in the period 1926‐1986. BLEVE incidents resulted in 1,427 fatalities and 635 injuries. The materials involved in BLEVE were flammable and non‐flammable. The highest frequencies of BLEVE incidents were due to explosions and damage to tanks. Explosion and damage BLEVE incidents resulted in high injuries. Overfilling and fire BLEVE incidents resulted in high fatalities.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview of BLEVE definitions, history, incidents, types, theory, hazards and models. BLEVE incidents are classified. This paper combines scattered BLEVE incidents into one record.
Balanced scorecard for natural disaster management projects
Authors: Lin Moe Tun , Gehbauer Fritz , Senitz Stefan , Mueller Marc
Published: November 2007

Purpose

With the recognition of the necessity for effectively and successfully managing natural disaster projects for saving human lives and preventing and minimizing the impacts of disasters on socio‐economic developmental progress, this paper seeks to propose a balanced scorecard (BSC) approach in order to maximize the possibilities of desired outcomes from projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The BSC approach, which has been widely accepted and used in business organizations, can be adapted for natural disaster management projects. An application of this BSC approach to disaster management projects is discussed with a real flood disaster management project.

Findings

In the BSC approach, performance measures should be established in four areas: donors' perspective; the target beneficiaries' perspective; the internal process perspective; and the learning and innovation perspectives. Measures for four areas in each of the five generic phases of managing natural disasters (i.e. preparedness, early warning, emergency relief, rehabilitation and recovery) allow project managers to identify problem areas and areas for further improvements. Ensuring success in one phase will lead to success in the subsequent phase because success in one phase will be the input for the following phase.

Research limitations/implications

In general, this study demonstrates an application of the balanced scorecard approach to natural disaster management projects and, in particular, to a real flood disaster management in Hat Yai Municipality, Southern Thailand. Future research might focus on other types of natural disaster.

Practical implications

Using the balanced scorecard, project managers can understand problem areas as well as areas for improvement in current projects, which would enhance their abilities to take corrective actions that ensure and maximize the possibilities of successful outcomes from implemented projects.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the BSC approach for successfully managing natural disaster projects. This management approach can be applied to various natural disaster management projects.
Conflict resolution in Chinese family purchase decisions
Authors: Chuoyan Dong Maggie , Yiyan Li Stella
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of Chinese women's changing roles (traditional and modern) and perceived marital happiness on their adoption of different conflict resolution strategies in family purchase decision making (FPDM). It also explores how the relationships vary for women whose marriages have short and long durations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is framed by and builds on literature on conflict resolution strategies and female role orientation (FRO) in FPDM. Data for this study come from a survey with 735 married Chinese women.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that traditional and modern FRO have differential effects on the adoption of conflict resolution strategies, and the relationships are significantly moderated by marriage duration.

Research limitations/implications

It sheds light on the changing female roles and marital happiness on conflict resolution in FPDM in China, a society with a centuries‐old traditional culture as well as rapid developments in societal and economic modernization. Future research should investigate more conflict resolution strategies and from both husbands' and wives' perspectives.

Practical implications

The paper notes the importance of understanding the family structure of a target market. Product designs, advertising, promotions, and even salespeople should be more attentive to the family member who has greater power in FPDM.

Originality/value

The paper shows that traditional and modern FRO have compatible rather than opposite impacts on the adoption of passive and active conflict resolution strategies in FPDM, and the influences change along with increasing marriage duration and it is of value to international marketers.
It could be worse
Authors: Rispens Sonja , Greer Lindred L. , Jehn Karen A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and test a model of group processes (e.g. conflict), emergent states (e.g. trust), and group context (e.g. connectedness) to better understand the mechanisms that underlie the traditionally negative effects of conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 27 workgroups of a Dutch telecommunications company participated in a survey. To assess trust as a mediator between conflict and performance bootstrapping analysis was used. In addition, the moderating role of the three connectedness types was investigated with hierarchical regressions.

Findings

The results suggest that trust partially mediates the effect of task conflict and fully mediates the effect of relationship conflict on performance. Furthermore, trust is less affected by task conflict when group members are highly cognitively connected and less affected by relationship conflict when group members are highly task connected.

Research limitations/implications

This research implies that task and cognitive connectedness decrease the negative effect of conflict on trust, and hence, performance. Shortcomings include discussing the causality between conflict and trust, and the possibility of different perceptions among group members regarding group phenomena.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that managers can help to provide circumstances in which conflict is not necessarily destructive for intragroup trust and performance.

Originality/value

Provides one of the first empirical examinations of the mediating role of trust in the relationship between task and relationship conflict and perceived group performance. Additionally, examines if connectedness (the level of active involvement of group members with each other) buffers the negative effects of conflict on trust.
Legitimation strategies in Australian mining extended performance reporting
Authors: Yongvanich Kittiya , Guthrie James
Published: November 2007

Purpose

It has long been recognised that social institutions, including business organisations, must obtain social approval for their continued operations. Recently, economic performance and social and environmental (SE) performance have become increasingly important issues of interest to stakeholders, including shareholders. It is expected that companies will increasingly report SE and economic performance as a response to public pressure in securing their right to operate within society. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the extended performance‐reporting framework to capture reporting in the Australian mining industry. Based on legitimacy theory, it then examines, ex post, whether the sample companies may have adopted all four of Lindblom's strategies in their voluntary extended performance reporting within their annual reports. It also assesses the extent to which each of these four strategies may have been adopted. In addition to what was reported, this study analyses what was not reported, or the absence of disclosure, which has been ignored in prior research.

Findings

The analysis shows that the sample companies may have adopted all four of Lindblom's strategies in their voluntary disclosure within their annual reports.

Originality/value

The paper explores the various strategies adopted by companies when reporting SE performance.
Is there an association between intellectual capital disclosure, underpricing and long‐run performance?
Authors: Mitchell van der Zahn J‐L.W. , Singh Inderpal , Heniro Joshua
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Excessive initial trading day returns (termed underpricing (UP)) and poor long‐run performance (LRP) are two well‐documented anomalies associated with initial public offerings (IPOs).The primary objective of this study is to empirically test the association between the extent of intellectual capital (IC) disclosure in the prospectus of an unseasoned IPO and: UP and LRP.

Design/methodology/approach

Ex ante uncertainty surrounding IC – recognized as the pivotal resource underlying a firm's future value creation and sustainable competitive advantage in the “new economic” era – is likely to be high. Unseasoned IPOs world‐wide are increasing with many IPOs heavily IC‐reliant. Given ex ante uncertainty surrounding IC, there is an escalating need to understand how disclosure of information related to IC can reduce an IPO's cost of capital (i.e. UP) and provide an indication of LRP. The analysis is based on a sample of 228 Singapore IPOs listing during the period 1997‐2003. IC disclosure (ICDisc) in IPO prospectuses is measured using an 81‐item researcher constructed disclosure index.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate, contrary to expectations, a positive (negative) ICDisc‐UP (ICDisc‐LRP) association.

Practical implications

It is the opinion that regulators, scholars and practitioners alike need to pay attention to developing a responsible model for reporting IC information so as to prevent a potentially unhealthy speculative environment driven by over‐optimism.

Originality/value

The study is the first to simultaneously investigate the linkage between ICDisc and UP and: LRP.
Consumption and macroeconomic policies
Authors: Kandil Magda , Aghdas Mirzaie Ida
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to examine asymmetry in the cyclical behavior of private consumption in a sample of nine developing countries in the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical model includes three policy variables: government spending, the money supply, and the exchange rate. Anticipated movements in these variables are likely to vary with agents' forecasts of macroeconomic fundamentals and, therefore, determine planned consumption. Unanticipated policy changes, in contrast, determine cyclical consumption.

Findings

The results indicate that fluctuations in private consumption are mostly cyclical. The stabilizing function of policy shocks varies across countries and appears to be asymmetric within countries.

Originality/value

Asymmetry necessitates a thorough evaluation of the positive and negative effects attributed to changes in policy variables and the necessary reforms to relax binding constraints.
Long‐run growth and productivity changes in Uruguay
Authors: Casacuberta Carlos , Gandelman Nestor , Soto Raimundo
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The economic performance of Uruguay in the last 50 years has been disappointing. Annual growth in labor productivity has been lower than the rest of the Latin American economies and well below that East Asian and OECD countries. Out of the 0.9 percent of annual growth in productivity, total factor productivity (TFP) accounts for around 45 percent, which confirms the key role TFP plays in economic growth. The paper aims to discuss the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors decompose the change in productivity into four sources: an utilization effect, a reallocation effect, a markup effect, and effect of technical change.

Findings

In the 1985‐1994 period, there is an appreciable increase in productivity levels. On the other hand, the 1995‐1999 period productivity increased by a mere 0.8 percent per year. The high increase in productivity between 1985 and 1994 is explained by the relatively high and sustained technical change of Uruguayan firms as well as the relocation of inputs between and within industries. The process of relocation seems to lose momentum – or may have been completed – in the late 1990s.

Research limitations/implications

This paper uses data only from the manufacturing sector. It would be desirable to include all other sectors of activity.

Practical implications

A study of the contribution to growth of different determinants suggests two important conclusions. First, that government policies are at the base of growth instability. Second, that reforms have been the source of higher than predicted growth in the 1970s and 1990s, pointing to the need of deepening such reforms.

Originality/value

This paper decomposes the productivity change in four main sources and performs a contrafactual exercise of the impact of several policies on output growth. Therefore, researchers interested in development issues, policy makers and international multilateral organizations are likely to find it useful.
Social development in the Tibet Autonomous Region
Authors: Hasmath Reza , Hsu Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to historically examine social development outcomes in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in respect to poverty eradication, education and employment, health care and social integration. Moreover, it will aims to offer tangible advice for improving future social development work in TAR.

Design/methodology/approach

The main theoretical approach is a literature and policy review of social development in TAR from 1951 to present.

Findings

Seemingly, Tibet's social development strategy has been achieved through a strong top‐down approach. However, the road ahead for TAR once basic needs are satisfactorily met, is a move towards a participatory approach, whereby Tibetans can directly contribute and have a stake in their own futures.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to those who want a definitive account of recent historical social development strategies and outcomes in TAR; and subsequently, the future possibilities and challenges for development in the region.
Lawlessness and economic governance: the case of hawala system in Somalia
Authors: Ismail Abdirashid A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how informal money transfer system known as hawala works in Somalia. The paper also intends to contribute to the current debate on the lawlessness and economics of governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an institutional approach and a simple game theoretical model. The author interviewed agents and informants of the hawala system but mainly relied on surveying the literature.

Findings

To support economic relationships and increase the future cost of hold ups by their agents, the hawala companies, with the help of two main social institutions, use seven main strategies.

Research limitations/implications

A research on contract enforcement should involve with the contract partners (i.e. firms and agents) and third part enfocers (i.e. social groups). However, the author findings are based on surveying the existing literature and interviewing on a small number of agents and other informants in the West. Further, research should examine the practical experience of owners/managers of the firms and the traditional/religious leaders.

Practical implications

Establishing future formal commercial laws in Somalia, currently functioning informal mechanisms should be taken into great consideration.

Originality/value

This paper is one of very few research studies on the hawala system. Further more, little if any attention has been paid on economic governance aspect of the system by these studies. According to the authors' knowledge the paper is the only one that considers economic governance with the case of complete picture of statelessness in our contemporary world.
An evaluation of office productivity measurement
Authors: Haynes Barry P.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate approaches to the measurement of office productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The author presents an historical context to office design and reviews appropriate literature. The review aims to establish the limitations in defining office productivity and the range of approaches to its measurement.

Findings

The review of the literature reveals that there is no universally accepted means of measuring office productivity but the researchers that have produced the most research evidence have tended to adopt a self‐assessment approach.

Originality/value

This paper establishes that the “people‐centred” approach to office evaluation is most appropriate for office workers with varying job tasks and allows the end‐user or occupier perspective to be established.
Using simulation to optimise renting and space planning decisions
Authors: Farncombe Martin , Waller Andrew
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Many modern businesses have accommodation needs which vary sharply over time. Corporate real estate (CRE) managers plan for these variations using “common sense” estimates based on average occupation levels, and these estimates are almost always wrong. This study aims to present a method where these businesses can optimise decisions on their mix of short‐ and long‐term space based on previous occupation patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimum accommodation mix is derived from Monte Carlo simulation, where previous work patterns are resampled to estimate future needs. The method is extended to look at the effect of rental costs, and looks at how rental decisions are affected by attitudes to risk. Extensions of the method include pricing of real estate derivatives and assessing the probability of making money from renting premises. The method is easily within the grasp of most spreadsheet users, and can be automated using a number of simple, downloadable tools. This method is suitable for organisations with fluctuating workforces, and will be of special interest to project‐based organisations.

Findings

Use of “average” occupancy levels to predict the accommodation mix, while intuitive, produces worse results than simulation. While the method is transferable, the analysis must be performed using the company's specific distribution. The mix depends not only on the ratio of short‐ to long‐term rents, but also on the renter's perception of risk.

Practical implications

The method produces provides more accuracy for accommodation planning in all “real world” cases. The technique also provides an opportunity for the CRE manager to engage with the board about the importance of business planning.

Originality/value

The study describes a simulation method widely used outside the real estate industry, and provides simple side‐bars that will help readers to create their own models using Microsoft Excel.
Six sigma: it is not what you think
Authors: McCarty Thomas D. , Fisher Sally A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a practice guide for where to apply six sigma process improvement methodology to the corporate real estate function.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on years of direct experience provide practical guidance on how to get started and to overcome resistance that process improvement is not for service organizations like CRE.

Findings

World‐leading CRE departments are addressing cost pressure and performance expectations using process improvement, and the method of choice is six sigma. A methodology that emerged from mechanized manufacturing might seem ill‐adaptive to CRE and similar service cultures. Yet, with guided implementation and disciplined use, six sigma yields tangible results in service environments.

Research limitations/implications

Documenting and benchmarking process improvement results across CRE departments; surveying the level of business adoption of six sigma methodology compared to the level of CRE adoption within the same company and how this leads to business misalignment

Practical implications

World class benchmarks will be set in the future by CRE organizations that adopt six sigma process improvement methodology.

Originality/value

A provocative discourse furthering the cause six sigma within an industry that famously resistant to change.
Turning knowledge into value in professional service firms
Authors: Forstenlechner Ingo , Lettice Fiona , Bourne Mike , Webb Carol
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the findings of research into the value perception of knowledge management among lawyers and staff from among the top ten global law firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with lawyers as well as knowledge management (KM) service providers within the selected law firms. The results were then analysed by statistical means and compared to previous findings in literature. The methodology is inspired and broadly based on a research paper into the value perception of information by Broady‐Preston and Williams.

Findings

The findings are that respondents showed strong support for the value of KM to law firm success through concepts such as improved efficiency, quality and other drivers for better performance.

Research limitations/implications

The survey in the paper itself was limited to the top ten global law firms and is therefore not representative of the entire professional service sector or the law firm sector.

Practical implications

The results in the paper indicate strong support from the internal customer side for the notion of KM adding value to the business of a law firm.

Originality/value

Prior to this paper there has been little research into the value perception of knowledge management within the professional service environment.
Quality measurement of Croatian public and academic libraries: a methodology
Authors: Petr Kornelija
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present the proposed methodology for the first scientific project to evaluate Croatian academic and public library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The project shown in the paper will: collect statistical data on state‐of‐the‐art in libraries, as well as public and academic library staff opinions on evaluation activities in their libraries; define dimensions of effectiveness that will differentiate academic and public libraries; show differences in views between library management and staff; and encourage more positive attitude of library staff toward evaluation activities.

Findings

The paper finds that the possible obstacles to creating a positive climate for performance measurement in the Croatian library and information science community might be, among other things: insufficient number of staff, inexperience and lack of skills needed for data collection and processing, lack of motivation, fear of being made redundant, etc. This project will hopefully help uncover all the weak spots of Croatian library community. However, certain problems are anticipated in getting Croatian librarians to express their real opinions.

Practical implications

The project is considered of utmost importance for the Croatian LIS community because it will not only describe the present situation, but it will also draw attention to evaluation topics preparing librarians by the means of a set of workshops and an evaluation manual designed especially for Croatian library community for systematic and dedicated work on measurement and improvement of library services.

Originality/value

The paper shows that this is the first project of its type in Croatia.
Collaborative co‐design
Authors: Somerville Mary M. , Nino Mary
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the use of collaborative co‐design activities to advance strategic planning assessment efforts by staff members of the merged (city‐university) Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Library in California's Silicon Valley.

Design/methodology/approach

The activities use action research approaches rather than traditional approaches which rely on gathering library‐centric data to assess organizational effectiveness. The paper also reports on staff members' application of Learning 2.0 competencies to co‐create physical places and virtual spaces which enable learning for and with users.

Findings

This conversation based approach encourages co‐defining “success” with user constituencies through sustained dialogue that, over time, builds relationships.

Practical implications

In the process, library staff invite, interpret, and apply user generated evidence and insights to co‐create sustainable relationships and concurrently advance systems thinking and workplace information literacy. This “research in practice” initiative extends action research on “thought leadership”.

Originality/value

In development since 2003, this inclusive co‐design approach reflects theoretical and applied insights from researchers in Europe, Australia, and North America, who have worked with US library practitioners to develop user‐centric processes for improving organizational effectiveness and enhancing user efficacy.
ISO 9001: 2000 and managing change in a South African law firm library
Authors: Garratt Olwyn
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe a personal journey, through identifying and managing change in a small law library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a simple approach to improving services and managing change in a small workplace solo library.

Findings

The paper shows that by using ISO 9001 audits as a tool for identifying weaknesses in existing systems, and applying the Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act principles, corrective actions were identified and implemented.

Originality/value

This paper gives simple, practical guidance for service identification improvement in small workplace libraries.
Public library and users' lifestyle in a changing context
Authors: Nagata Haruki , Sakai Kanako , Kawai Tetsuya
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that in a time of dramatic social change and progress in information communications technology, surveys and analysis were used to identify residents' lifestyles and their views and attitudes toward public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Two series of surveys were conducted in suburban/rural cities of Japan in 2004 and 2006. The first survey was across all local residents, and the second among library users. The results of these surveys were analyzed in depth, and different lifestyle groups were identified. Library use by each of these groups was investigated in detail.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that those who positively appreciated the various benefits of the public library tended to be frequent/regular visitors and to belong to the “Group of ‘actively striving’” and the “Group of ‘respecting others’” in the 2004 survey, and similar types of group in the 2006 survey. In addition, the 2006 survey also showed that the visitors include those who were not necessarily conscious about library services, and 10 per cent of the respondents were not much interested in them at all.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that the libraries acquire new user groups according to their service innovations. However, it was found that people have already started to utilize search engines on the internet, regardless of the presence/absence of the corresponding service in the library to acquire various types of information.

Originality/value

This paper re‐examines the traditional understanding of the user profile of public libraries, and demonstrates a tool to help identify changes in use and users.
Factors influencing the usage of 3G mobile services in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Chun‐Hsiung , Tsou Chun‐Wang , Huang Ming‐Feng
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse factors influencing subscribers' usage of 3G mobile services in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model, based on a technology acceptance model (TAM) and added perceived enjoyment, was tested by means of a two‐stage structure equation modelling approach. Data were collected from 532 respondents via a web questionnaire survey.

Findings

The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment are positively related to attitude, and perceived enjoyment has a positive influence on perceived usefulness.

Practical implications

The findings suggest users of 3G mobile services need to be provided with more diverse and entertaining ways of communicating, which are at the same time easily accessible and convenient to use.

Originality/value

A new correlation from perceived enjoyment to perceived usefulness was found to have a significant effect. This finding indicates enjoyment as a key factor influences customers' adoption of 3G services.
Evaluating the searching capabilities of e‐commerce web sites in a non‐English language
Authors: Lazarinis Fotis
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this work in progress is to build a methodology for evaluating the searching capabilities of e‐shops. The emphasis of the evaluation is on ease of use and on the characteristics THAT influence the retrieval of products in non‐English queries.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially an evaluation model is built in the paper, based on previous studies and on the attributes of worldwide search engines. Next, this model is applied in the evaluation of the searching effectiveness of Greek e‐shops with the aid of real users who define the importance of each criterion of the model. The results of this review are then presented and analysed.

Findings

The methodological evaluation revealed several inefficiencies of the local search engines related to interface issues and most importantly to their searching effectiveness. The evaluation showed that the search engines do not take account of the morphology of the queries, which is significant in a non‐English and non‐Latin language like Greek, and thus user searches fail. The user assessment of the importance of the attributes of the evaluation model helps search engine developers to realize the usefulness of the facilities they provide and the user required options.

Originality/value

The methodology described can be used for evaluating the searching effectiveness of local search engines and for designing quality search tools for e‐shops.
Sound policies and procedures: the basis of a sound compliance program
Authors: Wolosz Linda
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: emphasize the importance of sound policies and procedures to support a sound compliance program; define the relationships among rules, policies, and procedures; and recommend a detailed, step‐by‐step approach for implementing a strong rules, policies, and procedures infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the nature of rules, policies, and procedures and how they relate to one another, and recommends an approach to implementing a strong rules, policies, and procedures infrastructure broken down into four phases: discovery, rationalization, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.

Findings

The study finds that financial services organizations need to take steps for creating, controlling and distributing the right policies and procedures to the right audience based on the right interpretation of laws, regulations and guidance à propos to their businesses. In large complex firms today, the ongoing maintenance of rules, policies, and procedures cannot exist without the assistance of an automated solution.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical advice from experienced systems consultants.
SEC adopts new anti‐fraud rule for private funds
Authors: Shea Fries Elizabeth , Galloway Jackson B.R.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze new SEC Rule 206(4)‐8 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and discuss its practical implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the new rule, the types of advisers and funds to which the rule applies, examples of topics on which advisers might make statements that run afoul of the new rule, the application of the rule to both existing and potential investors, the application of the rule beyond statements made in the context of a securities transaction, and the application of the rule to any conduct that is fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative, including negligent conduct. The paper explains that the scope of the new rule extends beyond Section 34(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, that the rule creates no new fiduciary duty, and that it creates no new private right of action against fund advisers.

Findings

The new rule signals that the SEC continues to focus intently on the fund activities of both registered and unregistered investment advisers, in particular with respect to their unregistered funds.

Practical implications

The new rule is an indicator of the SEC's enforcement intentions. Advisers should review their compliance programs, particularly as they relate to communication and other interaction with current and prospective fund investors, in light of the new rule.

Originality/value

The paper provides an helpful rule description and practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
SEC adopts amendments to Regulation SHO
Authors: Kaswell Stuart J. , Rosenblat Alan , Ha Christopher S.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and explain amendments to SEC Regulation SHO adopted on June 13, 2007

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains elimination of “grandfather” exception to Reg SHO close‐out requirement, explains proposed amendments to options market maker exception and long locate requirement, and explains elimination of all price tests that were designed to restrict short selling in bear markets.

Findings

The paper finds that, in June 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted and proposed amendments to the short sales rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The SEC: adopted amendments to Rules 200 and 203 of Regulation SHO to: the eliminate the “grandfather” exception to the “close out” requirement, extend the current close out requirement of 13 consecutive settlement days for securities sales pursuant to Rule 144 under the Exchange Act to 35 settlement days, and update the market decline limitation relating to index arbitrage trading activity;proposed and re‐proposed amendments to Regulation SHO to eliminate the “option market maker” exception to the close out requirement, and to require broker‐dealers making a sale as “long” to document the present location of the securities being sold; and adopted amendments to Rule 10a‐1 and Regulation SHO to repeal all price tests, including the “tick” test, and to provide that no price test, including any price tests of any self‐regulatory organization (“SRO”), shall apply to short sales of any securities. The adopted amendments to Rule 10a‐1 and Regulation SHO to repeal all price tests took effect on July 3, 2007. The other adopted amendments to Regulation SHO will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Originality/value

The paper provides a concise, practical summary by lawyers who specialize securities markets regulations.
Young Australians' perceptions of mobile phone content and information services:an analysis of the motivations behind usage
Authors: O'Doherty Kieran , Rao Sally , Maio Mackay Marisa
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the motivational factors that influence the purchase of mobile phone content among young Australians.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive qualitative analysis of focus group data is used to explore the topic. Focus group participants were strategically selected from a larger sample to be representative on a broad range of demographic variables.

Findings

There is considerable negativity associated with spending money on mobile content owing to the following factors: The mobile phone is perceived primarily as a communication tool. Money spent on the mobile phone for uses not related to communication is often perceived as wasted. The mobile phone is seen as an inferior channel for entertainment and information when compared to television, magazines, and the internet. Consumers are wary of deceptive advertising practices for mobile content. Many consumers are able to access “free” content.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus on comparisons to consumers in other countries and on the relative pervasiveness of the factors identified in this study in the general population.

Practical implications

Considerable negativity towards spending money on content suggests problems with revenue models relying on direct sales of content. However, “free” content is often perceived very positively. Advertiser‐sponsored models and branded “value add” models may prove to be effective ways of leveraging this positive sentiment.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique examination of the link between perceptions of mobile content and the perceived role of the mobile phone in everyday life, and draws important conclusions regarding the implementation of successful revenue models. The conclusions reached are likely to be of interest to mobile application developers, content aggregators, content owners, and mobile telecommunication companies.