bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alfred Marshall versus the historical school?
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to counter the view that Marshall was an opponent of the historical school. This false account has survived and prospered because it has fitted into more general conceptions of intellectual history, held by both orthodox and heterodox economists.

Design/methodology/approach

Marshall's affinity with the historical school is established by examining his writings and his relationship with historical school sympathisers in the UK.

Findings

It is established that Marshall regarded his work as building on historical school insights, and he repeatedly referred positively to the ideas of the German historical school. It is argued in this paper that Marshall's opposition to the historical school was confined to its anti‐theoretical wing, principally Cunningham. In other important respects Marshall's position was compatible with German and British historicism.

Originality/value

In preceding literature, Marshall's affinities with the historical school have been denied, unacknowledged, or unexplored.
Contribution, attribution and the assignment of intellectual property rights in economics
Authors: Mixon Franklin G. , Sawyer W. Charles
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Within the area of economics, the value attached to highly‐ranked journal publications, such as the American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy and Quarterly Journal of Economics, in tenure, promotion, and merit pay processes is often several times greater than that of second‐tier publications, such as Economic Inquiry and the Southern Economic Journal. As a result, one would expect that author(s) will put forth relatively more production “effort” in order to gain acceptance in a top‐tier journal. The additional production effort may come in the form of making the manuscript available to a larger number of outside readers, perhaps via seminars and conferences. This study aims to examine whether the economics research production process differs between top‐ and second‐tier journal outlets.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from feature articles published in two top‐tier and two second‐tier economics journals for the period 1995‐1999, inclusive. Means difference tests on various “production statistics” across journals are conducted/presented.

Findings

Tests presented in this study indicate that the fraction of the “scientific team” whose contributions are recognized in the acknowledgment footnote of research articles appearing in top‐tier economics journal outlets is, on average, greater than that of articles appearing in second‐tier economics journal outlets.

Originality/value

By examining within‐discipline aspects of intellectual property rights assignment in economics, our study extends the work of Laband (2002), which examined interdisciplinary differences (i.e. agricultural economics versus economics) in the assignment of intellectual property rights.
The endogeneity of optimum currency area criteria – lessons from history for European monetary union
Authors: Mann‐Quirici François
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Assesses whether the current pattern of relative wage rigidity and labour inertia in Europe is a problematic factor in the successful functioning of the European monetary union as viewed by many observers given the absence of interregional fiscal transfer payments.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses econometric methods to test whether the onset of monetary integration in the US and the gold standard in selected countries has increased the pro‐cyclical behaviour of real wages.

Findings

Finds suggestive empirical evidence that indeed a Lucas Critique argument applies such that credibly fixed exchange rate regimes might induce wages to carry the burden of macroeconomic adjustment in lieu of independent monetary policy and/or fiscal transfers.

Originality/value

Makes a novel contribution to the literature by attempting to test for the existence of endogenous adjustment mechanisms based on historical monetary unions analogous to EMU.
Determinants of regional growth disparity in China's transitional economy
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hsun , Wu Hsiu‐Ling
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study undertakes empirical analysis of the factors that have influenced economic growth in China's provinces during the process of institutional transformation, and to examine whether the disparities in economic growth between provinces have been expanding or diminishing.

Design/methodology/approach

Pooled cross‐section (provinces) and time‐series data are employed, with the error components method also being used for the empirical testing.

Findings

Empirical test results using the error components model have shown that during the period from 1988 to 1998, there was a tendency towards divergence of the economic growth rates achieved by China's provinces, with the variables relating to the employed population, changes in property rights and foreign direct investment (FDI), all having a positive impact on economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

With China's huge size and the idiosyncrasies of its constituents, it is difficult to quantify the data collected when measuring the geographical, social, institutional and economic ingredients of the provinces.

Practical implications

Whether or not the process of institutional transformation in China succeeds in building a truly efficient system will depend on innovation, a process within which the accumulation and transmission of knowledge plays a very important role.

Originality/value

The establishment of the empirical model in this study is based on convergence testing using the endogenous growth model, and takes into consideration the impact which China's institutional transformation has had on economic growth in individual provinces.
Wage pacts and economic growth
Authors: Zagler Martin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically investigate the impact of wage pacts on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an innovation driven endogenous growth model, where firms and unions bargain over wages.

Findings

Finds that the degree of centralization of the bargaining structure plays a crucial rule for economic performance. Central bargaining, which incorporates the leapfrogging externality incorporated in firm‐level bargaining, will yield lower rates of unemployment for a given rate of economic growth. The increase in labor resources will in turn also yield faster growth rates in a corporatist economy. Indeed, when unions focus on issues other than short term wage increases, they may even outperform the non‐unionized economy, as they can internalize the knowledge externality through long‐term wage moderation pacts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is theoretical with some anecdotal evidence, and lacks thorough empirical testing.

Practical implications

There are strong implications for economic policy, suggesting the promotion of wage pacts. Before implementation, prior empirical conformation of the results is required.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that demonstrates under which conditions unions can promote economic growth and reduce unemployment through long‐term wage pacts.
Performance measurement in tax offices with a stochastic frontier model
Authors: Pestana Barros Carlos
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to call the attention of public entities for the econometric frontier models which allows benchmarking the tax offices accurately. In the context of the European Maastricht, the European countries face public receipts shortage and to focus in the management of the tax agencies in order to maximize receipts. The procedure adopted in this paper allows benchmarking the tax agencies accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the stochastic frontier model to benchmark the tax offices. This model is presently very popular in benchmarking exercises, based on its statistical framework.

Findings

The paper finds that the tax offices analysed vary along the sample and along the period.

Research limitations/implications

The homogeneity of the tax offices and the short data set are the main limitations of the paper. Relative to the first, since they are managed by the same entity and perform the same task we can claim that they are similar, relative to the second critic, we cannot overcome it because of the secrecy related to this units.

Practical implication

The efficiency rankings are due to the way the tax offices handle costs and outputs. The way they handle the combination of output and inputs is explained in the literature by the principal‐agent relationship, by collective‐action problem, due to asymmetric information between different tax offices andX‐inefficiency. The public policy has to address these problems in order to upgrade the efficiency of the tax offices.

Originality/value

This is the first paper adopting the stochastic frontier model in tax offices.
An exploration of earnings whispers forecasts as predictors of stock returns
Authors: Abraham Rebecca
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To test the Miller Price Optimism Model using a new proxy for heterogenous expectations and to examine if high differential stocks behave like glamour stocks and low differential stocks behave like value stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

Whisper/analyst forecast differentials were measured for a sample of stocks, combined into portfolios and held for one month. If the Miller model was supported, high differential stocks were expected to have lower portfolio returns than low differential stocks due to the greater divergence between optimistic whisper forecasts and rational analysts consensus forecasts.

Findings

High differential quintiles had significantly lower future returns than low differential quintiles supporting the Miller model. High differential stocks resembled glamour stocks while low differential stocks behaved like value stocks.

Research limitations/implications

These results pertain to the ultra‐short time horizon of two months prior to the earnings announcement. Future research should replicate this study for a longer 3‐12 month time horizon.

Practical implications

Ultra short‐term investors should hold glamour stocks and long term investors should hold value stocks. Rising volatility suggests that investors should define the time horizon for holding assets.

Originality/value

It is one of only two studies that directly uses earnings forecasts as a proxy for heterogenous expectations. It adds to the sparse literature on whisper forecasts. It may be used by academicians studying price optimism effects and institutional investors following stock returns during earnings announcements.
A note on global taxes and aid for development
Authors: Zee Howell H.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the possible crowding‐out of regular development aid by global taxes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper models cross‐country interactions in aid giving using a simple Cournot‐Nash framework.

Findings

The paper argues that global taxes could lead to an increase in aid‐cum‐tax revenue if such taxes produce a globally net positive income effect. Whether this condition can be satisfied is very much an open empirical issue. An alternative to global taxes is cooperative aid‐giving among donors, which this paper shows will always result in more global aid.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the need for a shift of policy focus from designing global taxes to designing viable mechanisms for effective aid coordination, for which multilateral institutions could play a crucial role.
The role of the interprovincial transfers in the β‐convergence process
Authors: Rodríguez Gabriel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Based on the approach of Timljonavich and Vogelsang, the purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence of the role of the federal transfers on the β‐convergence process in Canadian provinces.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses information on annual personal income for the period 1926‐1999 to present empirical evidence about the notion of β‐convergence for the ten Canadian provinces.

Findings

The principal conclusion is that the inter‐provincial transfers were not determinant or decisive to the attainment of deterministic convergence in the Canadian provinces.

Originality/value

While the issue of convergence has been analyzed especially using cross‐sectional data or panel data, this paper uses a time‐series methodology with statistics recently proposed by Vogelsang and Bunzel, which are robust to the presence of I(0) or I(1) disturbances.
Degree of environmental stringency and the impact on trade patterns
Authors: Cagatay Selim , Mihci Hakan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To construct an index (index of environmental sensitivity performance) to be used in a cross‐country trade model in order to analyze the effect of various degrees of environmental stringency on the trade patterns, and especially on the export performance of the countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The gravity model of trade is used in order to find the effects of environmental stringency on the variation in trade flows.

Findings

The study shows that environmental stringency has an important impact on the export of the countries. The impact of the degree of environmental stringency on the exports is significantly negative suggesting an inverse relationship between export values and relative environmental sensitivity performance of the nations.

Originality/value

This study supports the argument that the environmental stringency level differential between developing and developed nations is a crucial criteria in terms of explaining shifts in the trade patterns and international specialization of the countries.
Monetary policy and endogenous time preference
Authors: Kam Eric , Mohsin Mohammed
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive the real implications of inflation targeting using optimizing models characterized by endogenous time preference.

Design/methodology/approach

To ensure consistent consumption and savings behavior, the rate of time preference is modeled as an increasing function of real wealth.

Findings

The results are not uniform and depend on the methods for modeling money in the general equilibrium framework; money in the utility function (MIU) and cash‐in‐advance constraints (CIA). With MIU, time preference wealth effects link the monetary and real sectors by endogenizing real interest rate. Monetary growth raises steady state capital and consumption by the Tobin effect. However, if money is introduced through CIA constraints, inflation policies are sensitive to the structure of the constraint itself. If the constraint applies to consumption and capital purchases, monetary growth lowers the steady state demand for both commodities and reverses the Tobin effect. If the constraint applies only to consumption goods, the same monetary policy is superneutral. This time preference specification has important advantages. It is consistent with the literature that integrates reinforcing wealth effects into aggregative models using ad‐hoc consumption or savings functions. Allowing the rate of time preference to depend positively on real wealth implies that optimizing behavior, not ad‐hoc specification yields wealth effects that endogenize the real interest rate and generate a Tobin effect. This time preference specification provides optimizing foundations for modeling savings as a decreasing function of real wealth, which is empirically verifiable and consistent with empirical predictions of consumption as an increasing function of real wealth.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the different effects that monetary policy maintains on steady state capital, consumption and real balance holdings in economies characterized by an endogenous rate of time preference.
Slotting allowances and retailer market power
Authors: Wang Hao
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper attempts to understand the relationship between retailer market power and the slotting allowances demanded by large retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

A bilateral oligopoly model is used to study slotting allowances in retailing industries. The upstream market is a symmetric duopoly. In the downstream, a large retailer competes with many small retailers. Only the large retailer is capable of requiring slotting fees.

Findings

The model suggests that the large retailer uses slotting fees to capitalize its market power. By requiring the fees from manufacturers, the large retailer raises the wholesale prices faced by competing small retailers, and therefore, lowers their profit margins and market shares.

Research limitations/implications

More empirical evidences are desirable to support the theory. Regarding the modeling, it might be interesting to explicitly model the bargaining between the large retailer and manufacturers.

Practical implications

Requiring slotting allowances is an exclusionary strategy of large retailers. Abuse of slotting allowances might have antitrust concern.

Originality/value

This paper presents probably the first analytic model that considers slotting allowances in an asymmetric bilateral oligopoly. This approach is interesting because slotting allowances are most likely to make difference when manufacturers are oligopolistic and retailers are heterogeneous in sizes.
Case study: selective laser sintering of the USUSat II small satellite structure
Authors: Quincieu Joel , Robinson Chris , Stucker Brent , Mosher Todd
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper illustrates an effective application of rapid prototyping (RP) to produce a high definition polymer model of a satellite structure prior to final machining of the aluminum panels. The benefits when using this type of model in the design and assembly stages of satellite fabrication make clear that RP can and should play an important role in the design and fabrication of small satellite structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Selective laser sintering was utilized to produce a full‐scale model of a novel modular small satellite structure. This model was then used as a tool for quality control, fit check, assembly process verification, mock‐up, and as a model for manufacturing tooling design.

Findings

This case study illustrates that the use of RP to create a model early in the design cycle is beneficial from a cost and time perspective even when applied to a product which will be produced in a quantity of one. In addition, the merits of RP mesh well with modular designs and for applications where assembly and test tooling is required to validate the quality of a product.

Practical implications

This paper illustrates an effective use of RP in the satellite fabrication industry. The benefits described are generally applicable to other complex systems which need design validation early in the design cycle.

Originality/value

There are few examples of the effective application of RP to produce models, but not the final product, of a complex structure in the satellite and other industries where small lot production occurs.
New high speed imaging CMM system aids car production
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe a new vision‐based co‐ordinate measuring machine (CMM) developed in France by ActiCM, which has undergone successful trials with car maker Renault.

Design/methodology/approach

The vision‐based CMM uses intelligent vision devices (IVDs) which are mounted on a robot arm. Each IVD has two high‐definition CCD cameras, a visible LED illumination source and a white light projector. Up to eight sensors can work simultaneously on the same part which the IVDs' cameras can image from two different and known positions. These two views are then geometrically manipulated by the device software using photogrammetry to extract 3D data.

Findings

Trials at a Renault car production plant have shown that the system can validate a car's body shape in significantly less time than is possible with conventional CMMs. The time for a 2,000‐element validation has been reduced from around 10 to 2 h, with a dimensional accuracy of 300 μm.

Originality/value

This illustrates that vision‐based CMMs are able to reduce dramatically the time taken to validate a car's body shape whilst maintaining the same accuracy as conventional CMMs.
Medical rapid prototyping applications and methods
Authors: Hieu L.C. , Zlatov N. , Vander Sloten J. , Bohez E. , Khanh L. , Binh P.H. , Oris P. , Toshev Y.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to investigate medical rapid prototyping (medical RP) technology applications and methods based on reverse engineering (RE) and medical imaging data.

Design/methodology/approach

Medical image processing and RE are applied to construct three‐dimensional models of anatomical structures, from which custom‐made (personalized) medical applications are developed.

Findings

The investigated methods were successfully used for design and manufacturing of biomodels, surgical aid tools, implants, medical devices and surgical training models. More than 40 medical RP applications were implemented in Europe and Asia since 1999.

Research limitations/implications

Medical RP is a multi‐discipline area. It involves in many human resources and requires high skills and know‐how in both engineering and medicine. In addition, medical RP applications are expensive, especially for low‐income countries. These practically limit its benefits and applications in hospitals.

Practical implications

In order to transfer medical RP into hospitals successfully, a good link and close collaboration between medical and engineering sites should be established. Moreover, new medical applications should be developed in the way that does not change the traditional approaches that medical doctors (MD) were trained, but provides solutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment quality.

Originality/value

The presented state‐of‐the‐art medical RP is applied for diagnosis and treatment in the following medical areas: cranio‐maxillofacial and dental surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, orthosis and tissue engineering. The paper is useful for MD (radiologists and surgeons), biomedical and RP/CAD/CAM engineers.
Temperature controlled laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) using thermal imaging
Authors: Jean Daniel , Jack Lackey W. , Duty Chad E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the thermal imaging control system used to deposit lines of graphite in a laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) system.

Design/methodology/approach

A thermal imaging‐based control system is applied to the LCVD process to deposit layered carbon lines of uniform height and width. A 100 W CO2 laser focused to a 200 μm diameter spot size is used to provide the heat source for the carbon deposition. A high resolution thermal imaging camera is used to monitor and control the average deposition temperature.

Findings

Carbon lines are grown with heights of 250 μm and widths of 170 μm consisting of 20 layers. Laser spot temperatures are in excess of 2,170°C, and the total pressure used is 1 atm with a 75 percent methane concentration and the remainder hydrogen. The length of the lines is 3.3 mm, and the scan speed is 5 mm/min. The volumetric deposition rate is 0.648 mm3/h.

Research limitations/implications

The temperature process control resulted in uniform geometry at the center of the lines, but it was not as effective at the ends of the lines where the geometry was more complex.

Originality/value

Introduces a control technique for uniform line deposition for the LCVD process, which represents a core building block for complex geometries. The establishment of basic control algorithms will enable LCVD to realize the potential for rapid prototyping of metals and ceramics with sub‐millimeter feature sizes.
Direct tool steel injection mould inserts through the Arcam EBM free‐form fabrication process
Authors: Gibbons Gregory J. , Hansell Robert G.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the benefit of design flexibility afforded by the Arcam free‐form fabrication process in the direct manufacture of injection mould inserts with complex cooling channel configurations and the process efficiency and quality gains achieved through using such inserts.

Design/methodology/approach

The manufacturing process of a flood cooled injection mould insert using the Arcam EBM S12 layered manufacturing process is presented. The insert is then evaluated against two other inserts (one un‐cooled and one traditionally baffle cooled (BC)) in the manufacture of test components, with the temperature of the insert and components recorded. The process conditions were adjusted (reduced cooling time) to increase the core and component temperatures to identify the operational limits of the inserts. Thermal imaging was employed to visualize the thermal distribution within the BC and flood cooled (FC) inserts.

Findings

The cooling efficiency of the FC insert was found to be significantly higher than that of the other two inserts, and the homogeneity of the heat distribution of the FC insert was more even than the BC insert. It was possible to manufacture non‐deformed components using the FC insert with zero cooling time (ejection immediately after removal of holding pressure), this was not possible with the BC insert.

Research limitations/implications

Provides a basis for the development of more efficient and thermally homogeneous inserts through the Arcam EBM process.

Practical implications

Provides a technology/process for the manufacture of highly efficient core inserts for injection moulding, offering the industry a competitive advantage through the potential for time and cost savings and higher quality components.

Originality/value

This is the first direct comparison of an Arcam EBM manufactured insert with complex cooling geometries against traditionally cooled inserts, particularly novel is the thermal imaging analysis of the cooling efficiency and distribution.
Welding innovations for thick and thin sheet
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To highlight innovative welding technology exhibited at the Automatica exhibition in Munich.

Design/methodology/approach

Visited major companies participating at Automatica and spoke with them about important new developments.

Findings

New processes for welding thick and thin sheet were exhibited including novel applications for both the automotive industry and the heavy construction machinery sector.

Originality/value

Informs industry about new developments and potential benefits to be achieved.
Inspection systems for electronic circuits from the “Close‐Ups” company
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the different types of equipment available for optical inspection of assembled electronic circuit boards.

Design/methodology/approach

Compares bench magnifiers and microscopes, “eyepieceless” scopes and video microscopes. Presents the Mantis range from Vision Engineering Ltd, and the video inspection products from Close Ups. Compares the cost and performance of various systems.

Findings

“Eyepieceless” and video microscopes allow the operator more head movement and are less tiring than traditional microscopes. Very clear and detailed images are required for solder joint inspection, and the customer should look for equipment with an established track record in this field.

Originality/value

Points out the pitfalls of equipment selection for electronic circuit assemblers.
Virtually formed manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Yaman Ramazan , Eid Moussa Soha
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share the authors' view for an enterprise formation, and a product assembly using communication and information technology in economic manner.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparison of the proposed system with a conventional systems. The study explains the approach with a case study.

Findings

Shows the approach abilities and the minimization cost of the product.

Practical implications

This approach shows communication and information technology effects on the manufacturing and assembly.

Originality/value

The paper has a new look on the enterprise formation, assembly, and manufacturing.
A novel parallel robot for current microassembly applications
Authors: Bruzzone Luca , Molfino Rezia M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to discuss how a Cartesian parallel robot with flexure revolute joints can effectively perform miniaturized assembly tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of the test and validation phase of a Cartesian parallel robot designed for miniaturized assembly are shown. The workspace volume is a cube with 30 mm side and the target accuracy is 1 μm. Each of the three robot legs has a prismatic‐planar architecture, with a cog‐free linear motor and a planar joint realized using ten superelastic flexure revolute joints. Flexure joints are adopted in order to avoid stick‐slip phenomena and reach high positioning accuracy; their patented construction is relatively low‐cost and allows a quick replacement in case of fatigue failure.

Findings

The tests on the prototype are very encouraging: the measured positioning accuracy of the linear motors is ±0.5 μm; on the other hand, the effects of unwanted rotations of flexure joints and hysteresis of the superelastic material are not negligible and must be properly compensated for in order to fully exploit the potential performance of the machine.

Practical implications

The introduction of this robotic architecture can fulfil the needs of a wide range of industrial miniaturized assembly applications, thanks to its accurate positioning in a relatively large workspace. The cost of the machine is low thanks to its extreme modularity.

Originality/value

The combination of Cartesian parallel kinematics, cog‐free linear motors and superelastic flexure revolute joints allows one to obtain very good positioning performance.
Methodology for knowledge enriched requirements specification for assembly system reconfiguration
Authors: Hirani Hitendra , Ratchev Svetan , Lohse Niels , Valtchanov George
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present a methodology for requirements specification for assembly system reconfiguration.

Design/methodology/approach

Industrial needs were analysed through a series of interviews with personnel involved in the design and sales process. This was then compared to reported research in literature and a new method has been derived and demonstrated.

Findings

An improved methodology for requirements specification leading to more efficient design and deployment of reconfigurable assembly systems.

Originality/value

Provides a structured mechanism for performing requirements specification tasks that are currently done on an ad hoc basis.
E‐learning of automated parts feeding
Authors: Chua Patrick
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the development of an e‐learning package in Automated Parts Feeding, by discussing the concept of e‐learning, the development process and presenting the automated parts‐feeding contents covered in the package.

Design/methodology/approach

Macromedia Flash MX has been used as the main development platform. Other authoring tools include ProEngineer Wildfire, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Photoshop. These tools provide the important framework for organising and editing the elements of the e‐learning courseware and ensure maximum effectiveness of the 2D/3D graphics and animation in the courseware.

Findings

The courseware has been fully tested. Evaluation of the software by users indicate that the majority of users are pleased with its effectiveness, quality, design, length of content and style of delivery.

Originality/value

It serves as a supplement teaching package for students, instructors, engineers and technologists who are interested in the specialised field of automated parts feeding.
Restructuring collection development for empowerment and accountability
Authors: Wittenbach Stefanie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article proposes describing the restructuring of collection development at the University of California Riverside University Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the library's experience in changing to fund accounting.

Findings

The author describes the new system that has created more accountability for the materials budget.

Practical implications

As a result of the new system, faculty members are more aware of the budgeted amount for monographic purchases in their own area and whom they can contact with concerns or purchasing requests.

Originality/value

This article provides a model for restructuring collection development that other libraries can adapt.
Book pricing: publisher, vendor, and library perspectives
Authors: Barnes Matt , Clayborne Jon , Szasz Palmer Suzy
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes addressing the need for a dialogue among three different institutional forces – publishers, vendors, and libraries – at play in the world of book publishing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper stems from a panel presentation at the 24th Annual Charleston Conference: Issues in Books and Serials, November 2004. The panelists openly discuss the different practices and needs of their respective organizations.

Findings

Despite an inherent conflict between maximizing savings and value and maximizing profit, all three players can make practical compromises in order to ensure the ongoing viability of monograph publishing.

Originality/value

The article presents a fresh look at how three typically competitive players can work together for the common good of providing books for library patrons, and, will be of value to individuals working in libraries, publishing houses, or vendors.
Beyond Walcott: an annotated bibliography of the literature of St Lucia
Authors: Wood Beverley , Nero Lorraine M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper proposes presenting a bibliography of the literary works of St Lucia, excluding the writings of Derek Walcott.

Design/methodology/approach

Several bibliographies and regional catalogues were consulted to identify the items of poetry, drama and fiction. The data were compiled and annotated. Further analysis was done to ascertain the major themes and publication patterns.

Findings

It was noted that the writers prefer the medium of poetry to express themselves and many of the publications were self‐published works.

Originality/value

The bibliography can be used to expand the Caribbean literary canon and embark on new discussion of Caribbean literature.
Developing library classroom children's collections in English for a Catalunyan private school
Authors: Myers Spencer Roxanne
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to present a case study of librarians developing recommendations for a small collection of children's literature in English to support primary grades' English‐language curriculum for Col°legi SEK Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain and to briefly describe development of intermediary library classroom models to put the collection development process in context.

Design/methodology/approach

Visits on‐site to target school and to selected regional schools and public libraries; development of a proposal to target school administrators; refinement of goals for project; selection aids for children's literature titles and resources for recommendation to English language primary teachers; provision of library organization and collection development skills workshop for English language teachers.

Findings

Roles and functions of school libraries in Spain differ in scope from the US model of the integrated school library media center. Most school libraries visited were staffed by teachers who volunteered time. There was little formal instruction in information literacy at the schools and public libraries visited. The US concept of a school library media center, with its integral role to the school's curriculum, literacy, information literacy, and leisure reading support, is not well known in Spain, although this is changing, due largely to an increased awareness of the need for information literacy education in schools.

Research limitations/implications

Brief visits to target school and selected regional schools and libraries. European teaching models differ from current US education strategies. Concepts of integrated roles of school libraries in Spain are beginning to gain momentum; legislative and administrative support is slowly developing. There is great potential in such international collaborations, particularly between library higher education and P‐12 institutions. Adapting the US model of the integrated school library media center and its roles in literacy and information literacy holds great promise for P‐12 schools in Spain and other countries.

Practical implications

International collaborations increase awareness of diverse cultures’ similarities and differences, and lead to global exchanges of ideas and programs. Target school in this case study will have a well‐integrated English language library to support acquisition of English language, literacy, and information literacy. The acquisition of these important literacy skills through a carefully developed library program can only benefit student achievement and foster international collaborations.

Originality/value

Research into the function and possibilities for improvement in school libraries in Spain has been the subject of research among practitioners in Spain since the 1990s, but little of this research is known internationally. The original research and unique and timely implementation of this case study, though small in scope, has wide implications for school libraries internationally.
Expanding a collection to reflect diverse user populations
Authors: Schomberg Jessica , Grace Michelle
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To include multicultural/multilingual materials in academic library collections to reflect the heritage of native‐born, naturalized and international students.

Design/methodology/approach

A collection development project on Somalis and Somalia at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Exemplifies the opportunities and difficulties involved, from requesting funds through impact on the collection.

Findings

Collection now more accurately reflects student and regional population without a major shift away from curriculum needs.

Originality/value

Adding materials based on students' heritage helps create a welcoming atmosphere for all populations while providing materials with which to counter prejudices and to increase the knowledge base and communicative competencies of those unused to multicultural settings.
Service learning: a guide to selected resources
Authors: Allen Barbara F.H.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Service learning has become an important teaching methodology in many American schools, colleges, and universities. Libraries will thus want to add resources to their collections in this subject area to support faculty and student research. This article aims to briefly define the concept of service learning and to describe selected resources in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The annotated bibliography is divided into three sections: organizations and their web sites, Periodicals, and Books.

Findings

Service learning, once an experimental teaching and learning approach, has become well established as a pedagogy. In designing a successful service learning experience, teachers and faculty must identify real community needs, must structure the experience in such a way that students can grow and learn from it and, on completion of the experience, must assess its outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper synthesizes the literature on service learning and provides a guide for librarians who want to add materials in this area to their collection.
The digital divide in Latin America: a case study
Authors: de Munster Irene L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Sets out to discuss the concept of the digital divide and its impact in Latin American libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an overview of the situation in the region.

Findings

The digital divide is a global problem that is amplified in the information age, a time in which groups and individuals in society are being denied access to technology. Provides an example by showing how the library of the Universidad de San Andrés has dealt with this situation.

Originality/value

The importance of cooperation among various institutions is highlighted as a way to overcome the barriers to information access.
Readiness or avoidance: e‐resources and the art historian
Authors: Elam Barbara
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the information‐seeking behaviors of art historians.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of art historians was done to ascertain their use of e‐resources. The paper discusses the impact of electronic resources and digital image databases on the research methodologies of today's art historians.

Findings

Although art historians depend on using the library for research, many have a rather limited awareness of electronic resources and have not fully developed the skills to utilize then to their fullest potential.

Originality/value

This follows up on Deirdre R. Stam's 1984 study of the information‐seeking behaviors of art historians.
Electronic books and the humanities: a survey at the University of Denver
Authors: Levine‐Clark Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To identify levels of awareness and patterns of usage of electronic books by scholars in the humanities.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of the University of Denver community assessed knowledge about and usage of electronic books. The results for humanists are presented here.

Findings

Scholars in the humanities have a higher level of awareness of e‐books than their colleagues across campus but use e‐books at the same rate. Their patterns of use are different, with humanists using less of the e‐book than do other groups. Humanists still prefer printed books to electronic texts at a higher rate than do other groups and care less about added features, such as searchability, than they do about content.

Originality/value

Humanists conduct research differently than do most other scholars, using the library catalog and browsing as primary means of finding information, and valuing the book more than other resources. No previous research has assessed whether humanists have similarly unique patterns of usage for electronic books.
Off‐site storage: an analysis
Authors: Agee Jim , Naper Sarah
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offrer a reflective look at PASCAL (Preservation and Access Service Center for Colorado Academic Libraries) in the larger context of off‐site storage facilities and practices

Design/methodology/approach

The article includes an analysis based on five key points of cooperative repository projects that were made by Vattulainen. The five points are applied to this case study of PASCAL, a shared collaborative off‐site storage facility.

Findings

Concerns are discussed in the five key areas: Concept of ownership, Provision of buildings, Management of repositories, Relegation decisions and User needs,

Originality/value

This article contributes a case study to the discussion of collaborative off‐site storage, with implications for both the immediate region and for larger networked systems that may exist in the future.
2006 Poetry Publication Showcase: selected titles
Authors: Romanos Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight a selection of poetry titles from the Poets House Showcase of 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides reviews of selected titles from the 2006 Poets House Showcase.

Findings

This review represents a wide‐ranging selection of contemporary poetry collections and anthologies.

Originality/value

This list documents the tremendous range of poetry publishing from commercial, independent and university presses, as well as letterpress chapbooks, art books and CDs.
Leading a competitive company: critical behaviors for competing and winning
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share key findings about how to compete and win from the Leading Performance Improvement and Corporate Transformation Research Program.

Design/methodology/approach

The research program compares the approaches of the most and least successful companies to identify critical success factors for competing and winning.

Findings

Most of the critical success factors are behavioral. The attitudes, approaches, perspectives and priorities of those who succeed ensure they win the battle to change, break free of past constraints, re‐invent and grow.

Practical implications

By presenting winning behaviors the article allows those in struggling companies to identify behaviors and approaches that might increase their prospects of success.

Originality/value

Gives guidance in terms of what to do to become a winner.
Creating strategic taglines
Authors: Freeman Kimberley
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share key thoughts about creating the perfect tagline.

Design/methodology/approach

Gives a brief synopsis of taglines using examples.

Findings

Taglines (also known as slogans, catchphrases and positioning lines) are the first step and an integral part of brand building. Their value builds for years, and over time, a good tagline can be your best and least expensive form of advertising. If your company name, logo and tagline are all working together as they should, they become an advertisement in and of themselves.

Practical implications

Advises how to create the perfect tagline. Provides useful insights from other companies and industries.

Originality/value

Gives guidance in terms of what to do to create a tagline, using some case studies.
Authentic corporations?
Authors: Crofts Neil
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To share key findings about creating and running the “perfect business”

Design/methodology/approach

Gives a brief synopsis of authentic business.

Findings

Authentic businesses are those which generate their profits through the pursuit of a profound and positive purpose. They flourish where conventional rivals flounder. Why is this? What enables these businesses to make a profit where others cannot; to grow where others shrink, to fly were others fall? And how might this apply to other businesses and corporations? Having worked with authentic businesses for three years and written about them in his new book – Authentic Business, how to create and run your perfect business, Neil Crofts thinks he knows the answers.

Practical implications

Advises how to create the perfect business and maintain its success. Useful insights from other companies and industries.

Originality/value

Gives guidance in terms of what to do to ensure your business flourishes, using some case studies.
Organizational development: the new buzz word
Authors: Rowland Hilary
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Organization Development (OD) is one of the newer HR buzzwords, driven by a variety of business needs such as leadership development, change management, internal communication and business process re‐engineering. Text book definitions of OD make it sound as if it should be a lot more systematic and methodical than it is in practice. While OD writers such as Warner Burke, Richard Beckhard and Ed Schein define specific phases of organization development, the reality within an organization is different, with the HR or OD practitioner having to work more opportunistically.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.