bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use and future of electronic books in academic institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Ebiwolate Posigha Bassil
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the use and future of e‐books in academic institutions in Nigeria, to identify problems encountered in using e‐books and ascertain the future of e‐books in academic institutions in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a descriptive survey method supported by a questionnaire. The population of the study consisted of basic medical sciences and faculty of education lecturers made up of a total number of 122 academic staff.

Findings

Although the survey sampled response was not large, it represented the university's lecturers. The study reveals that all the academic staff sampled in the university make use of e‐books. It also shows that both faculties investigated encountered constraints in the course of using e‐books. Finally it indicated that researchers' use of e‐books would double in the future.

Research limitations/implications

Only 122 (20 per cent) of the entire population of the 640 lecturers participated in the study. Furthermore, the female and male respondents were not evenly distributed. Hence, the size of the population and the uneven distribution of males and females surveyed placed certain limitations on the level of generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

The findings of the study may encourage library authorities to purchase and manage hardware and to negotiate for license issues for e‐resources to be done on time. It is also believed that the study will encourage the library to acquire more models of handheld devices and load them with e‐books from different vendors.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first published study of the use and future of e‐books in Niger Delta University.
Open source integrated library management systems
Authors: Singh Manisha , Sanaman Gareema
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to study the open source integrated library management systems, i.e. Koha and NewGenLib, to inform librarians about what considerations to make when choosing an open source integrated library management system (ILMS) for their library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of both types of software, i.e. Koha (3.2.4) and NewGenLib (3.0), which are undertaken in the study. The methodology used for the study is “Evaluation method” which is followed with the help of structured evaluation checklist prepared after the thorough study of reference tools, reference statistical data available and related literature. Both types of software are evaluated and compared qualitatively and quantitatively.

Findings

Both types of software are web‐enabled and support library automation. Koha has more specific characteristics of open source ILMS. Koha needs to upgrade, modify and improve its features. Koha requires very little hardware and is easy to install. Koha has advanced database features. NewGenLib has better functionality of modules than Koha. More formats and standards are supported by Koha. Digital library functionality of NewGenLib is more specific in terms of technology, data structure and programming. Also NewGenLib provides more user help and support whereas Koha provides more user‐friendly downloads and a documentation facility. NewGenLib has more enhanced features which are significant for ILMS while selecting software for automation.

Practical implications

The comparative analysis of the open source ILMS done in the study will help librarians in making necessary considerations while choosing an open source software for the library.

Originality/value

The paper presents a detailed evaluative study carried out using a comprehensive checklist designed for the study.
Networked library services in a research‐intensive university
Authors: Taha Ahmed
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to present a conceptual model for networked academic library services in a research‐intensive university. It also seeks to focus on the potential challenges that the networked library faces in responding to massive needs of the researchers for digital content in different forms and formats.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a personal interview (face‐to‐face, and email communication) with 75 research faculties and postgraduate students in the colleges of business, engineering, IT, and sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The approach to design the conceptual model for the research‐oriented library service was based on the feedback and observations of the interviewees on the pattern of query processing, research consultations (e.g. comprehensive, expert, topical search), e‐resources coverage, and relevance of the returns to their queries and information needs.

Findings

The proposed conceptual model demonstrates the virtual reference service, processing of research queries, online information search and retrieval, and data delivery to the researchers within a virtual research environment (VRE) in the UAEU. The study argues that the UAEU library should employ new strategies to meet the arising challenges of digital content and ongoing advances in information and communication technology (ICT), as well as considering how to embed itself within a research‐intensive university.

Research limitations/implications

The personal interview does not claim to be all‐inclusive since the research faculties in the humanities and social studies were not reached. The inference of the study is encouraging the directors of the academic and research libraries to consider new models and strategies for providing reliable research‐oriented information services for supporting the emerging paradigm of e‐research activities.

Practical implications

The study derived research‐oriented service implications for the subject librarians to engage effectively with the research‐devoted community either in the physical or in the virtual sphere, i.e. a two‐faceted sphere.

Originality/value

An extensive literature review revealed that there is a lack of scholarly works on research‐oriented library services that are provided by the academic libraries at the UAE‐based universities. The study is the first in the UAE to provide a broad understanding to an academic library in a research‐intensive environment for adjusting its web‐based information services. It presents also a suitable approach to embed librarians in the activities of the new paradigms of e‐learning and e‐science.
Introduction to the special issue on job loss
Authors: Karren Ronald
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The primary purpose of this article is to raise awareness about the need for additional research on job loss. It also aims to provide an introduction to the special issue, and a description of the articles in it.

Design/methodology/approach

The article highlights some of the important research on job loss since the early 1990s.

Findings

Additional theory and research is needed to assist the well‐being and the job search process of the unemployed.

Research limitations/ implications

This article offers suggestions on advancing new research ideas that can be used to assist individuals who have lost their jobs and to organizations that have been involved in a layoff.

Practical implications

The article argues that knowledge related to the effects of job loss can be used to assist organizations in promoting programs to enhance the well‐being of laid‐off individuals.

Social implications

Research on job loss is needed to address the problems of laid‐off individuals.

Originality/value

The article provides a contribution to the social issues literature as it raises awareness of the need for additional research on job loss.
A novel flip‐chip interconnection process for integrated circuits
Authors: Sugden Mark W. , Hutt David A. , Whalley David C. , Liu Changqing
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an outline of the development of a new process for the formation of flip‐chip interconnections using metal coated polymer microparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

Metal coated polymer microparticles were selectively deposited onto the bondpads of integrated circuits using electrophoresis. Thermocompression bonding was then used to bond the devices to substrates.

Findings

Particles obtained a positive surface charge following immersion in an acidic solution and this surface charge allowed the particles to be deposited electrophoretically directly onto the bondpads of an integrated circuit without the need for patterning. Thermocompression bonding of nickel/gold coated particles to gold coated substrates was achieved at temperatures as low as 160°C.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is needed to test this approach using integrated circuits with finer pitch, and to use patterned substrates for assembly and reliability measurements.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new method for the deposition of metal coated polymer microparticles without the need for any masking or patterning processes for the formation of interconnections on integrated circuits.
Midnight‐2.00 a.m.: what goes on at the library?
Authors: Lawrence Peg , Weber Lynne
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Assessment is a driving force in the library and services offered are constantly evaluated for their merit. This study seeks to review student use of an academic library during late‐night hours to determine the effectiveness of the service.

Design/methodology/approach

Late‐night library users were surveyed about the frequency and reasons for their late‐night library use. They were given the opportunity to voice their opinions about the value of library services provided from midnight to 2.00 a.m. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted. Numbers of users were tallied and student behavior was observed and noted. Websites were reviewed to determine open hours at other libraries.

Findings

The investigators found that the patrons viewed the library as a quiet, peaceful place conducive to study and placed high value on late‐night access to the library. This was confirmed by the fact that there were requests to further extend the late‐night hours and to offer access to more library space. The research established the library as a haven required by a dedicated group of students who greatly needed a late‐night place to work.

Research limitations/implications

The investigators plan to extend the study of late‐night use to determine where the students go at 11.30 p.m., when all floors except first floor close. In addition, more questions will relate to student classification, area of study, late‐night safety, food, age, gender, mode of transportation, and housing. Participant recruitment will be enhanced to increase participation.

Practical implications

These outcomes could result in changes to the hours and services provided after midnight and have an impact on other libraries following similar late‐night practices.

Originality/value

There is little information in the literature about student behavior during hours after midnight. No reference was made to investigators observing student behavior first‐hand during late‐night hours.
Local newspapers and the library: a “community asset”
Authors: Massis Bruce E.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this column is to examine the transition of print newspapers to the digital environment and the recognition that the library continues in its tradition of providing access to local newspapers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by theoreticians, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

The library must remain a trusted resource regarding access to local newspapers, a critical factor defining its place in the community. As newspapers increasingly transition to the digital environment, in any discussion of availability of the local newspaper to its patrons, the library must continue to play its central role as the principal access point for local news and information.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to recognize that libraries persist in providing local newspaper services to their patrons during the evolution of formats.
9th AMICAL Annual Meeting and Conference
Authors: Kolbaeva Kunduz
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This report aims to provide an overview of the 9th American International Consortium of Academic Libraries (AMICAL) Meeting and Consortium held at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, April 4‐7, 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The report provides main information about AMICAL, and describes the main topics of the Conference.

Findings

All the presentations and discussions created a unique environment to share experience and disseminate information among the Conference participants.

Originality/value

The report is interesting and informative for librarians and academic institutions at the international level.
Effects of discount framing in comparative price advertising
Authors: McKechnie Sally , Devlin James , Ennew Christine , Smith Andrew
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine the framing effects of discount presentation format in comparative price advertising in a low‐price and a high‐price product context. In particular, the authors study whether identical discounts presented in percentage and absolute terms result in different consumer perceptions of transaction value and purchase intention. Although price promotions have been the subject of previous research, a closer examination of the potential moderating influence of discount size in both contexts is warranted.

Design/methodology/approach

Two separate experiments were designed to isolate the effects of the manner in which discounts are numerically expressed and the size of the discount on consumers' perceptions of a retail price promotion in a low‐price and a high‐price product context.

Findings

The effects of discount framing in comparative price promotions are found to be influenced by discount size in the case of the low‐product context but not the high‐price one.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that the study be replicated for other types of low‐price and high‐price products to confirm the generalisability of the results for each product context.

Practical implications

Retail managers' choice of discount presentation format for both low‐ and high‐price product contexts, and in the case of the former the additional manipulation of discount size, have an impact on the ability of comparative price promotions to accelerate purchases. Meanwhile policy makers should continue to assign significant time and resources to investigating concerns about misleading price comparison based promotions.

Originality/value

The paper provides original insights into the importance of considering the joint effects of discount presentation format and discount size on consumers' perceptual and behavioural responses to retail price promotions, unlike previous research, which has examined these framing effects separately.
Sustainability or limitless expansion: paradigm shift in HRD practice and teaching
Authors: Ardichvili Alexandre
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss a shift from the mentality of limitless growth and expansion to the new sustainability paradigm in HRD practice, and identifies what corresponding changes are needed in human resource development (HRD) university programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of the literature in HRD and related fields, and of curricula of a sample of HRD programs in the USA.

Findings

Five themes were found in the academic literature: critique of HRD's fixation with performance outcomes and lack of emphasis on developing sustainable and responsible members of society; role of HRD in embedding sustainability in organizational cultures; training and development methods, aimed at increasing sustainability awareness and at developing related skills; sustainable leadership and leadership development; and interconnectedness of HRD, sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and business ethics. Review of the contents of a sample of HRD graduate programs suggested that these programs rarely incorporate sustainability‐focused courses or course segments.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to conduct an in‐depth review and analysis of the existing HRD graduate coursework in a larger sample of HRD programs to determine the extent of coverage of sustainability‐related topics. In addition, a review of the literature from related fields (e.g. business and management, HRM, and engineering), is needed to identify successful examples of sustainability‐related curricular innovations. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to conduct action research‐based studies of experimental development and implementation of courses and/or teaching modules, focused on sustainability issues.

Practical implications

There are three main areas where changes in HRD curricula are needed: economic foundations of HRD (to demonstrate the economic necessity of the paradigm change); systems theory (to provide a solid understanding of the systemic nature of inter‐relationships between the economy, environment, and society); and self‐leadership and individual moral development as related to individual employees' role in promoting sustainable organizations.

Originality/value

While there is some research on the role of HRD in organizational sustainability, this article is the first to address issues of corresponding changes in HRD academic curricula.
Accelerating and braking in times of economic crisis
Authors: Wallo Andreas , Kock Henrik , Nilsson Peter
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present the results of a study of an industrial company's top management team (TMT) that fought to survive an economic crisis. Specifically, the article seeks to focus on describing the TMT's composition, group processes, and work during a period of high external pressure; analysing the TMT's work in terms of an organisational learning process; and discussing factors that may have enabled the TMT to make appropriate strategic decisions during the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical foundation of this article is a longitudinal case study of a Swedish industrial company during the economic recession of the late 2000s. Data were collected through observations of meetings involving the TMT from 2009 to 2011 and through semi‐structured interviews with TMT managers.

Findings

Two empirical themes – “accelerating” and “braking” – illustrate actions taken by the TMT during the crisis. Accelerating involves activities aimed at accelerating the company out of the downturn, whereas braking involves activities aimed at reducing costs. The findings suggest that the TMT exhibited the ability to handle processes of exploration and exploitation during the crisis and that learning occurred at the individual, group, and organisational levels.

Practical implications

A practical implication of this study is the importance for TMTs to work simultaneously with processes of exploration and exploitation when fighting to survive an economic crisis and to designate time for learning processes in daily work.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the field by empirically showing the processes of organisational learning in practice and by highlighting the relevance of organisational learning research to understanding the performance and work of top management teams in organisations.
The rise of digital curation and cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Ray Joyce
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The terms “digital curation” and “cyberinfrastructure” have been coined in the last decade to describe distinct but related concepts of how data can be managed, preserved, manipulated and made available for long‐term use. This paper aims to examine these.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the origins of both terms and the communities that have been engaged with each of them, traces the development of the present digital environment in the USA and considers what this may mean for the future.

Findings

The paper reveals that each term has important attributes that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the digital knowledge universe.

Originality/value

The paper reveals information about the development of digital preservation.
From static to dynamic
Authors: McMullen Anthony , Gray Barry
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a successful implementation of a current awareness service designed to inform teaching faculty and liaison librarians as to the status of library materials they have ordered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the methods employed by the authors, which simplify maintenance of lists of new titles by providing a single, consistent access point to new resources. The dynamic pages are compiled by using the OPAC as a platform: connecting with a Z39.50 protocol, passing keywords and phrases along via the URL query string, parsing the data with PHP, and rendering the data on the web with a combination of PHP and JavaScript.

Findings

The OPAC‐as‐platform method of rendering the departmental acquisitions pages has solved every problem that had existed up to this point. With very minor changes to cataloguing workflow, the technical services department now has a low‐maintenance system in place for notifying teaching faculty and liaison librarians of new arrivals.

Originality/value

The project demonstrates cooperation between public services, systems, IT, and technical services to enhance library services to users. It also demonstrates the value of and potential for cataloguing as a means to deliver innovative services.
Strategies for Service Quality
Authors: Fojt Martin
Published: November 2012

To underestimate service quality is like saying goodbye to some of your hard‐earned profits. Even after revamping and upgrading products, many
organizations continue to experience decline because they forget that people want to feel good. The feel‐good factor is espoused by politicians throughout the world to nurture votes. The fact that people want to feel good is often overlooked and ignores Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. How many times have you bought a product only to find there is a fault and the product needs replacing? This is normally something which is very irritating, but not ulcer‐inducing enough to get worked up about until, that is, the customer service department treats you as though it is your fault.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: November 2012

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the International Journal of Public Sector Management is split into six sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Culture, Strategy and Organizational Structure; Leadership, Management Styles and Decision Making; Personnel and HR Management; Training and Development; Information Technology; Marketing and Customer Service Strategy.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Fojt Martin
Published: November 2012

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the International Journal of Public Sector Management is split into six sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Culture, Strategy and Organizational Structure; Leadership, Management Styles and Decision Making; Personnel and HR Management; Training and Development; Information Technology; Marketing and Customer Service Strategy.
Designing an effective EDRMS based on Alter's Service Work System model
Authors: Goldschmidt Peter , Joseph Pauline , Debowski Shelda
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop a framework for electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS) as a Service Work System. This enhanced overview of EDRMS support strategies suggests that the increasing shift in recordkeeping responsibilities to users requires greater consideration of the core activities that should be supported by RM professionals. The paper seeks to examine the concept of records management (RM) service delivery using this model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors offer a complementary approach for EDRMS analysis, design and implementation augmenting the human computer interaction (HCI) approach. They show how ideas related to services can be incorporated into the existing RM domain and can enrich current approaches within this field.

Findings

The changing context from records management suggests a need to shift the RM orientation from a systems domain approach to a Service Work System model. A reorientation of records management emphasises stronger consideration of user needs and stakeholder expectations. The education of records management professionals to accommodate RM users' requirements will also encourage a stronger concern for the development of EDRMS that are “fit for purpose”.

Practical implications

Records management theory and practice would benefit from a shift in orientation from a systems driven Work Systems Model to a Service Work Systems Model. The shift to a Service Work Systems Model will necessitate a stronger consideration of user needs and stakeholder expectations and increased focus and approach to learning and education of records management professionals and users.

Social implications

The concept of Service Work Systems to the development of electronic document and records management systems is introduced.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concept of Service Work Systems to the development of electronic document and records management systems for RIM professionals.
The classification and importance of E‐S‐Qual quality attributes: an evaluation of online shoppers
Authors: Duman Kurt Sumeyra , Atrek Banu
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to classify and assess the importance levels of the quality attributes of E‐S‐QUAL measurement scale, aiming to focus on the most important attributes to improve.

Design/methodology/approach

E‐S‐QUAL measurement scale is classified according to Kano's model and the relative importance levels of the E‐S‐QUAL quality attributes are revealed via analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The data of the study were gathered through a questionnaire, which consisted of four parts and was applied to 202 online shoppers in Izmir/Turkey.

Findings

Almost all of the quality attributes are placed under one‐dimensional category. Privacy dimension is found to be a high value‐added attribute, whereas the least important attributes are found to be within the efficiency dimension. None of the quality attributes of E‐S‐QUAL are regarded as attractive attributes.

Practical implications

This study is expected to attract the attention of practitioners on the most important quality attributes that affect customer satisfaction, which will help them reduce the time‐consuming and heavy efforts on improving the e‐service quality attributes that would not matter to the customers. The authors hold that the proposed evaluation of e‐service quality measurement scales, in general, provides an effective and operational procedure to assess customer perception toward the quality of online service; so that firms can achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction through increasing the level of quality of their online services

Originality/value

This study is expected to contribute to the literature, as being the primary study focusing on the classification of E‐S‐QUAL quality attributes through Kano's Model by determining the relative importance levels via AHP.
Accounting students' perceptions of a Learning Management System
Authors: Basioudis Ilias G. , de Lange Paul , Suwardy Themin , Wells Paul
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate student perceptions of the design features included in an “off the shelf” Learning Management System (LMS) in teaching undergraduate accounting students.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire responses from 846 accounting students studying in the UK, Australia and New Zealand provide international data to develop a model to explain student perception of the LMS.

Findings

The final model shows student satisfaction with the use of a LMS is positively associated with three variables: usefulness of lecture notes, bulletin boards and discussion forums, and other LMS tools. Further, the comparison of cultural differences of the three countries shows all students treat the provision of notes as a desirable attribute on a LMS. Findings also suggest that although students find the provision of materials over the LMS does not enhance student engagement in class, overall a comparison of the three countries shows all students treat the provision of notes as a desirable attribute of a LMS.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should collect ethnicity data to enable an analysis of cultural influence on student perceptions of the LMS.

Practical implications

As increased motivation to learn is found to contribute to improved achievement of learning outcomes, the study's findings have implications for faculty contemplating the adoption of a LMS in their courses. The findings specifically confirm that usefulness of lecture notes, use of bulletin/discussion boards, and other LMS tools are positively endorsed by students and hence increase their motivation to learn.

Originality/value

The current paper adds to the literature as the motivation to use and engage with LMSs by accounting students is not well understood.
A team‐teaching based approach to engage students
Authors: Bond David , Czernkowski Robert , Wells Peter
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of renewal undertaken in a large undergraduate financial reporting subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in the subject is one in which student engagement is critical. Selected quantitative and qualitative data from university course and student feedback surveys were used to assess the effectiveness of the renewal process.

Findings

The renewal process led to increased student engagement, and influenced student learning by demonstrating the relevance of financial reporting regulation. Feedback was also positive in relation to the level of resources, especially technological, provided in the subject.

Originality/value

Engaging with students is a critical task in any subject, but especially in a technical accounting subject, as students may not necessarily see the value in the content. This article reveals possibilities for academics to engage with their students and for their students to engage with the subject material.
Are there barriers to independent non‐executive directors' effectiveness in performing their roles?
Authors: Azlan Annuar Hairul
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether non‐executive directors (NEDs) in Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs) may be facing certain barriers in the performance of their roles.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach, consisting of a series of interviews with board members, was chosen. The sampling frame was made as large as possible and for the purpose of this study, consisted of board members who sit on the main board of Malaysian‐owned PLCs.

Findings

The interviews revealed that a majority of the interviewees perceived that the barriers were either non‐existent or at least manageable. There were indications however that NEDs in small firms might face some of the problems suggested. The culture effect may also mediate their effectiveness in performing their roles. When there are barriers present, the most difficult problem faced by the NEDs concern time available to spend with the company.

Research limitations/implications

This research utilized interviews. Generalizations may be an issue when interviews are used as the method of inquiry. Also, the sample is not random, as access to many directors depended on recommendations. In addition, respondents were consciously selected in order to obtain various board positions that include independent and non‐independent directors.

Practical implications

Findings from this research suggest that investors should not be overly concerned with their investments in Malaysian PLCs, as the NEDs are able to strongly discharge their responsibilities in overseeing executives' conduct and protecting investors' interest. The NEDs did not appear to face problems and hostilities from their host companies and it would be an added benefit to everyone concerned if they were able to more properly manage their time.

Originality/value

There is a lack of work on studying barriers to NEDs' effectiveness in developing countries, as previous work and literature reviews have been predominantly based upon the experience of Western economies.
The payoff of corporate portal usage in an academic institution
Authors: Al‐Busaidi Kamla Ali
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the payoffs of a corporate portal in an academic institution in Oman and its impacts on business processes and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included 100 employees, mostly instructors, in an academic institution. The questionnaire included indicators related to the portal usage, employees’ benefits (learning, adaptability and job satisfaction) and business processes’ benefits (effectiveness, efficiency and innovativeness) constructs. Data were analyzed by PLS‐Graph 3.0, a variance‐based structural equation modeling software.

Findings

Results revealed that corporate portal has significant returns on employees’ learning, adaptability and job satisfaction, and business processes’ effectiveness, efficiency and innovation. All six hypotheses in this study were supported.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence for practitioners and researchers on the benefits of a corporate portal in an academic institution in Oman.
Macroeconomic factors influencing UK household loan losses
Authors: Dinh Minh T.H. , Mullineux Andrew W. , Muriu Peter
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of macroeconomic factors on secured and unsecured household loans from UK banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach uses Vector auto‐regression models to test the relationship between macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, house prices, unemployment rates, disposable income and bank write‐offs to discern the main factors which could impact on banks' losses.

Findings

This paper identifies several macroeconomic factors that influence loan losses. The influence however depends on the type of arrears. Changes in house prices, interest rates and unemployment rates have a significant impact on secured loans. There is however, minimal impact on unsecured loans. Unemployment stands out as the major factor that influences both mortgage and credit card arrears. The estimated results show that the main factors impacting on credit cards are disposable income and unemployment rates, while changes in interest rates have no impact on credit card write‐offs.

Originality/value

This paper's value lies in providing methods by which commercial banks could manage household loans better by reducing the effects of macroeconomic factors.
The anomalies of evidence‐based medicine in psychiatry: time to rethink the basis of mental health practice
Authors: Thomas Philip , Bracken Pat , Timimi Sami
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is a technical and scientific paradigm in clinical practice that has delivered major improvements in the outcome of care in medicine and surgery. However, its value in psychiatry is much less clear. The purpose of the paper is thus to examine its value by subjecting empirical evidence from EBM to a conceptual analysis using the philosophy of Thomas Kuhn.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine evidence drawn from meta‐analyses of RCTs investigating the efficacy of specific treatments for depression in the form of antidepressant drugs and CBT. This shows that the non‐specific aspects of treatment, the placebo effect and the quality of the therapeutic alliance as seen by the patient, are more important in determining outcome than the specific elements (active drug, specific therapeutic elements of CBT).

Findings

Using the philosophy of Thomas Kuhn, it is shown that these non‐specific and non‐technical elements are anomalies that indicate that the technological paradigm in the treatment of depression is fundamentally flawed.

Practical implications

Non‐specific elements of mental health care are essential in fostering hope, trust and meaning. They constitute non‐technical factors that are central to the concept of caring, and vital for recovery, and which resonate strongly with the growth of survivor and user‐led systems of support for people who experience distress and madness. As such they pose a major challenge to scientific psychiatry and mental health services based in this. The analysis has major implications for the primacy of the natural sciences in the education and training of those involved in mental health work, and demonstrates the importance of an open debate about the value of the scientific imagination in mental health work.

Social implications

This paper is important because it supports user‐led self‐defined notions and understandings of recovery, and does so using a philosophical conceptual analysis.

Originality/value

This conceptual analysis is highly original. To the authors' knowledge no one has subjected EBM to a detailed conceptual analysis using the ideas of Thomas Kuhn.
Factors affecting knowledge management success: the fit perspective
Authors: Chang Chun‐Ming , Hsu Meng‐Hsiang , Yen Chia‐Hui
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This study extends the viewpoint of “fit as holistic configurations” to explore how to use knowledge management (KM) processes and knowledge management system (KMS) capabilities appropriately according to the tasks characteristics subunits perform in an aerospace manufacturer. In this regard, the aim is to develop four theoretical ideal profiles of KM processes (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization) and KMS capabilities (codification capability and network capability) for organizational subunits based on their task characteristics: focused, process‐oriented tasks; focused, content‐oriented tasks; broad, process‐oriented tasks; and focused, content‐oriented tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was conducted at a knowledge intensive and engineering‐oriented aerospace company. Twelve functional subunits performing a variety of tasks were selected as the samples. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the subunits' task attributes. The authors collected data from 12 subunits, and a total of 212 valid questionnaires were analyzed. PLS‐Graph was used to assess the relationships of the research model.

Findings

The empirical support for the argument that the fit among KM processes, KMS capabilities and task characteristics can improve KM performance. Results reveal that fit significantly affects knowledge satisfaction, knowledge quality and creativity for subunits performing focused, process‐oriented and broad, process‐oriented tasks.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reflect the fact that individuals within organizational subunits should use the four KM processes of appropriate levels to generate new knowledge to accomplish their tasks.

Originality/value

The study uses a multidimensional and multi‐item approach to test the effect of factors on KM performance, and is the first to identify ideal profiles of KM process and KMS capability for different organizational subunits.
Performance improvement in hospitals: leveraging on knowledge asset dynamics through the introduction of an electronic medical record
Authors: Gastaldi Luca , Lettieri Emanuele , Corso Mariano , Masella Cristina
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to further the current debate about how to systematically improve hospital performance by enhancing and balancing knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation capabilities through the development of an electronic medical record (EMR).

Design/methodology/approach

The study has an interpretative, inductive perspective, based on multiple and embedded case studies. Three large size Italian hospitals that have introduced an EMR were considered. Evidence was gathered by triangulating multiple sources of evidence.

Findings

Three emergent strategies of EMR development are identified. Pros and cons of each strategy are stated and a set of propositions to be tested in further research are formulated. These results provide hospital managers and professionals with clearer guidelines about how to improve performance by implementing a tailored strategy to balance knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation through the development of an EMR.

Originality/value

Most of the literature on EMRs is focused on the benefits, the barriers and the enablers of their adoption. Little is understood about how hospital managers and professionals might leverage on the EMR to ambidextrously combine knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation, and thus increase hospital performance. The study addresses this gap and offers original insights to advance both theory and practice.
Broadband impact on small business growth in Kentucky
Authors: Shideler David , Badasyan Narine
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the relationship between broadband availability and firm establishment growth rates by employment size and by industry to assess the impact of broadband on small business growth in Kentucky.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a modified growth model as the theoretical foundation for empirical analysis.

Findings

Broadband availability does increase growth in small and medium‐sized businesses. While broadband does tend to affect specific industries differently, the scope of the affects is limited to only a few industries: broadband encourages growth in small manufacturing firms, but discourages growth in financial services.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of analysis is limited to the period of 2003‐2005, while some of the counties in Kentucky did not have sizable broadband deployment until 2005. Owing to the lack of data availability, the current research does not consider demand‐side factors, though several industries considered are likely to be demand‐driven rather than cost‐driven.

Originality/value

Utilizing unique broadband saturation data for Kentucky counties, this study presents ex‐post analysis of the effect of broadband deployment on local economies.
Web 2.0 and micro‐businesses: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Barnes David , Clear Fintan , Dyerson Romano , Harindranath G. , Harris Lisa , Rae Alan
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to report on an exploratory study into how small businesses use Web 2.0 information and communication technologies (ICT) to work collaboratively with other small businesses. The study had two aims: to investigate the benefits available from the use of Web 2.0 in small business collaborations, and to characterize the different types of such online collaborations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative case study methodology based on semi‐structured interviews with the owner‐managers of 12 UK‐based small companies in the business services sector who are early adopters of Web 2.0 technologies.

Findings

Benefits from the use of Web 2.0 are categorized as lifestyle benefits, internal operational efficiency, enhanced capability, external communications and enhanced service offerings. A 2×2 framework is developed to categorize small business collaborations using the dimensions of the basis for inter‐organizational collaboration (control vs cooperation) and the level of Web 2.0 ICT use (simple vs sophisticated).

Research limitations/implications

A small number of firms of similar size, sector and location were studied, which limits generalizability. Nonetheless, the results offer a pointer to the likely future use of Web 2.0 tools by other small businesses.

Practical implications

The research provides evidence of the attraction and potential of Web 2.0 for collaborations between small businesses.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to report on use of Web 2.0 ICT in collaborative working between small businesses. It will be of interest to those seeking a better understanding of the potential of Web 2.0 in the small business community.
The practical utility of using repertory grids with sexual offenders maintaining their innocence: a case study
Authors: Blagden Nicholas , Winder Belinda , Gregson Mick , Thorne Karen
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to highlight the practical utility of using repertory grids with sexual offenders in denial and to demonstrate through a case study how they can be used to bolster both initial assessment and psychological formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a single case study design and applies a repertory grid methodology, which is underpinned by personal construct psychology, to make sense of the case study. The analysis predominately focuses on the structure of the repertory grid.

Findings

The case study appeared to elicit factors that were of clinical utility and which could be used as tentative hypotheses for problem formulation and also seemed to point to an adequate starting point for intervention.

Research limitations/implications

The use of the case study makes generalisation difficult and future research may benefit from more large‐scale research.

Practical implications

Rather than subscribing to fatalist notions of deniers as untreatable, the paper argues that constructive work can be done with this population and that repertory grids can be one way to initially facilitate this process.

Originality/value

Currently “total deniers” are excluded from treatment and are seen as untreatable. It is argued here that this need not be the case and it is demonstrated how repertory grids can inform initial formulation with such offenders. Repertory grids have not been used with deniers before and this is an original feature of this research.
Integrating treatment for offenders with an intellectual disability and personality disorder
Authors: Taylor Jon , Morrissey Catrin
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the rationale for appropriate treatment for offenders with personality disorder and intellectual disability co‐morbid with intellectual disability (ID), and to describe a specific treatment model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a narrative review of approaches to treatment for offenders with personality disorder and draws on the available research for the treatment of personality disordered offenders without ID as well as the treatment of offenders with ID.

Findings

The relevance and validity of the construct of personality disorder in intellectual disability is reviewed. Evidence from treatment of personality disorder in mainstream populations is summarized. A treatment model, which integrates adapted cognitive behavioural programmes with a social milieu approach, is then described. It is argued that this treatment model addresses the criminogenic, psychological and social needs of those with personality disorder and intellectual disability.

Practical implications

Services being developed for people with both intellectual disability and personality disorder should take account of the literature on treatment of mainstream personality disorder when developing treatment models.

Originality/value

There are few published papers concerning treatment approaches with offenders with intellectual disability and personality disorder. This descriptive paper will be of interest to clinicians working with such populations.