bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of bioactive aglycone isoflavones in soybean and soybean products
Authors: Rong Chen Tong , King Wei Que
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate isoflavone aglycone concentrations in commercial soybean and soybean products in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Isoflavone concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography method. The samples included soybeans, non‐fermented (tofu, soymilk, soybean meal) and fermented (natto, miso and sufu) soybean products.

Findings

The total isoflavone concentration in soybean and soybean products was approximately 109‐508 mg/100 g. Isoflavone aglycones had the concentration of 2‐19 per cent of total isoflavones in soybeans and non‐fermented soybean products. There was a broad diversity of isoflavone aglycones at 4‐94 per cent of total isoflavones in fermented soybeans.

Originality/value

The study provides new information about distribution of bioactive isoflavone aglycones in soybean and soybean products. Isoflavone glucosides were the major components in all soybean and non‐fermented products, while isoflavone aglycones were abundant in sufu and partially in miso of soybean fermented products. The information should be used to establish that positive consumption of bioactive aglycones isoflavones may be more efficient for improving the physiological functions for human health.
Heartburn: influence of diet and lifestyle
Authors: Oliver Katie L. , Jill Davies G.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Research has shown that there are important aspects of diet and lifestyle that need to be evaluated when considering the onset of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux, with specific reference to heartburn. This paper aims to review the evidence from these studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of studies on diet, lifestyle and gastro‐oesophageal reflux was undertaken.

Findings

The literature shows that there are a number of diet and lifestyle factors, which may trigger the onset of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the diet and lifestyle factors, which have been considered to trigger gastro‐oesophageal reflux, need to be assessed further to establish their individual and combined influence in the onset of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms and the progression to more serious oesophageal disorders.
Effect of varying levels of salt (sodium chloride) on the performance characteristics of snails (Archachatina marginata)
Authors: Omole A.J. , Ogbosuka G.E. , Oredehin A.O. , Osayomi J.O.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Some snail farmers in Nigeria believe that inclusion of table salt (Nacl) in the diet of snails will have an adverse effect and result in mortality. Hence, this study aims to assess the effect of inclusion of common salt (Nacl) in the diet of the growing snail.

Design/methodology/approach

Four dietary treatments of the same energy and protein values; Sa, Sb, Sc and Sd were formulated to contain 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 per cent Nacl, respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 growing snails per replicate in a completely randomized design. The snails were reared in a cage of 12 compartments. Feed intake and weight gain were measured on a daily and weekly basis with the use of a sensitive weight scale. Shell length and width were measured by vernier caliper. An observation of mortality was made. The study lasted for six months.

Findings

The results show that feed intake and weight gain were better in the diet containing 0.2 per cent salt than the control with 0 per cent salt inclusion. The feed was better utilized in all the treatments than in the control diet. The digestibility was also better in all the treatments than the 0 per cent salt inclusion. It was observed that no mortality was recorded in any of the treatments.

Originality/value

The results establish that inclusion of salt up to 0.3 per cent in the diet of growing snails did not have an adverse effect on feed intake, weight gain and survivability as against the belief of some farmers that salt should not be included in the diet of snails.
Performance characteristics of weaned rabbit fed plantain peel as replacement for maize
Authors: Omole A.J. , Ajasin F.O. , Oluokun J.A. , Obi O.O.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

In the livestock industry in Nigeria, maize is a major source of energy and it is expensive because of competition between man and animal. Dry plantain peel of minimal cost was used to replace the maize fraction of the diet of rabbit in order to reduce cost. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance characteristics of rabbit fed plantain peel.

Design/methodology/approach

The feeding trial had five treatments, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in which the maize fraction in the diet was replaced at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent, respectively. Completely randomized designs were used and each treatment was replicated thrice with three rabbits per replicate. The parameters taken were feed intake and weight gain on a daily and weekly basis. Feed conversion ratio, total feed cost and cost per weight gain were calculated.

Findings

The results show that there was no significant difference in the weight gain between the control diet (T1) and T3 (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was relatively similar in T1 and T4. The cost per weight gain reduced from N53.57 in the control diet to N33.39 in T3 (75 per cent replacement).

Originality/value

In the livestock industry, maize is expensive because it serves as food for both man and animal. The results indicate that the feed cost of rabbit could be reduced by replacing the maize fraction of the diet with 75 per cent dry plantain peel.
Effect of soaking and cooking on nutritional quality and safety of legumes
Authors: Huma Nuzhat , Anjum Muhammad , Sehar Samreen , Issa Khan Muhammad , Hussain Shahzad
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Legumes are widely grown and are consumed as a source of plant protein throughout the world. They rank second after cereals with respect to their consumption order. Legumes have anti‐nutritional factors which make their uses limited. This study aims to check the effect of soaking and cooking on the anti‐nutrient contents and nutritional quality of the legumes.

Design/methodology/approach

Five legumes (white kidney bean, red kidney bean, lentil, chickpea, and white gram) frequently used by the masses were selected for soaking and cooking trials. Legumes were tested for their weight, volume, density, swelling capacity and water absorption capacity before soaking and cooking. Legumes were soaked in simple water, 2 per cent sodium chloride solution, acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate and cooked in a beaker with 1 : 5 seed water ratio to uniform soft mass. After soaking and cooking, legumes were tested for anti‐nutrients (phytic acid and tannin) and their nutritional quality.

Findings

The statistical analysis of the study results revealed that dark colour legume (red kidney bens) has a high level of phytic acid and tannin compared with light colour (white kidney beans and white grams). Soaking and cooking of legumes result in significant reduction in phytic acid and tannin contents. Maximum reduction of phytic acid (78.055) and tannin (65.81 per cent) was found for sodium bicarbonate soaking followed by cooking. These treatments also result in a slight reduction in nutrients such as protein, minerals and total sugars.

Practical implications

Soaking and cooking of legumes reduce their anti‐nutrients; phytic acid and tannin significantly. These treatments may be used domestically as well as commercially to increase the nutrients' availability from legumes to meet the problem of protein and minerals deficiencies.

Originality/value

Along with water different soaking solutions which are easily available in the market were used to test out their effect on the nutritional quality and safety. These may be used by the common people to raise their nutritional status.
Factors influencing employee learning in small businesses
Authors: Coetzer Alan , Perry Martin
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify key factors influencing employee learning from the perspective of owners/managers.

Design/methodology/research

Data were gathered from owners/managers in a total of 27 small manufacturing and services firms through interviews and analysed using content analytic procedures.

Findings

The research found that the key factors influencing employee learning could be categorised into four main themes: factors in the external business environment; factors in the work environment; learning potential of the job itself; and learning orientations of employees.

Research limitations/implications

Categorisation of the factors produces a preliminary framework that might guide future research. The factors identified in this study need to be supplemented by factors identified through further research to develop a comprehensive framework.

Practical implications

The findings could assist in raising owners'/managers' awareness of the key factors influencing employee learning. Categorisation of the factors could help owners/managers cope with the many factors.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to bring some coherence to the study of employee knowledge and skill acquisition in small firms through identifying and categorising key factors influencing employee learning.
Developing a collaborative learning environment through technology enhanced education (TE3) support
Authors: Harris Robert J.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a knowledge transfer project, part funded through TE3, designed to encourage innovation and improve the capability of SMEs in the West Midlands region of the UK. Knowledge is critical to developing competency within small businesses and managers that understand how their customers behave and translate that insight into innovative products/services are more likely to succeed.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an action research methodology, the paper aims to describe the TE3 funding process and address the effectiveness of a project designed to overcome some of the contextual issues relating to the development of SME capability through technology supported learning. It describes the development of a knowledge transfer framework (The Collaborative Learning Environment) designed to specifically target the needs of SMEs.

Findings

Firms that efficiently tap into all relevant sources of knowledge are likely to thrive, whilst those that cannot may struggle. However, an obstacle to SME development is often an inability to access technical and business knowledge. The Technology Enhanced Enterprise Education (TE3) initiative was found to provide a solution to this problem by funding the development of technology supported learning solutions delivered through a collaborative network of UK Higher Education Institutions

Originality/value

The paper outlines a proposal for a collaborative learning environment. This model will provide value to designers of virtual learning environments and funded support providers.
Training needs for women‐owned SMEs in England
Authors: Azam Roomi Muhammad , Harrison Pegram
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training among growth‐oriented women‐owned SMEs in the East of England.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were collected through 108 on‐line questionnaires, and the means analysed using SPSS. Qualitative data collected in response to open‐ended questions were inductively analysed and interpreted.

Findings

Only one fourth of respondents received growth‐oriented training in the previous two years, with an average duration of 3‐5 days per year. Programmes most in demand concerned innovation and opportunity recognition, business evaluation and growth considerations, developing strategic customers and customers care, customer relationship management, as well as selling, networking and negotiation skills. High demand for these programmes corresponds to others results identifying contributory factors to higher enterprise performance and growth: product/service quality, new product/service development, appropriate marketing, effective use of websites, selling skills and informal networking.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the project is limited to service sectors and sole proprietorships. Geographic scope is limited to the East of England. These limits nonetheless provide a reasonable base and rationale for the scope of the study.

Practical implications

With a better understanding of the capacity building requirements of women entrepreneurs in growth businesses, appropriately designed training programmes can be developed to help women achieve higher levels of entrepreneurial success.

Originality/value

The study offers original primary research into the contributory growth factors for women‐owned enterprises in a representative area of Britain, identifies key issues, maps survival and success factors, and assesses women entrepreneurs' training needs and preferences.
Embedding enterprise education into the curriculum at a research‐led university
Authors: Smith Kelly
Published: November 2008

Purpose

E3, standing for Embedding Enterprise Education, started in August 2006 as a HEIF3 funded initiative to promote the learning and teaching of enterprise or entrepreneurship across all subject areas of the University of Birmingham. This paper aims to explore how the initiative was marketed to academic Schools at a time when the RAE was taking high priority, discuss the levels of engagement across campus, and provide examples of E3 funded projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the 19 academic Schools of the University of Birmingham were encouraged to apply for an award of up to £10,000 to help with the development of subject‐specific enterprise education opportunities, linked to accredited modules of study for delivery in 2007‐2008. E3 was marketed and presented to Schools and individual staff in a variety of ways depending on their needs and local priorities.

Findings

Discussions with Schools has suggested that enterprise education can be integrated into the curriculum without enterprise‐related learning outcomes having to replace subject‐specific outcomes. To date, 6 E3 projects have been fully approved and several more applications are in progress. All 19 Schools have engaged with E3 at some level and are more aware of the benefits that enterprise education can bring to their students. Schools have identified different priorities including issues around: entrepreneurship; social enterprise; self‐employment and consultancy; or, perhaps not surprisingly for a research‐led institution, using enterprise‐related knowledge and skills to help identify, apply for, and manage research funds.

Practical implications

E3 has shown that enterprise education has relevance to and can be embedding within many subject areas in Higher Education. Not all Schools were able to engage with E3 in its original format and the initiative has been altered and extended to help more Corporate Units, Schools, and Colleges engage in 2007‐2009.

Originality/value

E3 is providing insights into if and how enterprise and entrepreneurship can be promoted to subjects and staff that may not previously been persuaded of its benefits, and for who research is often the top work priority.
Learning the hard way? Issues in the adoption of new technology in small technology oriented firms
Authors: Chibelushi Caroline
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore, though a survey and two short case studies, the issues smaller firms face with the adoption of new technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of the pressures to adopt new technologies and the existence of specialist technology skills was conducted of small ICT oriented firms in the West Midlands region of the UK. This provides background context for short case studies of two firms and the issues they faced with the adoption of new technologies.

Findings

Pressure to adopt new technologies largely emanated from within the small firms surveyed. Those firms with IT educated owner‐manager were perhaps better able to evaluate and respond to that pressure. This is further illustrated in the case studies which show what can happen where an owner‐manager is or is not willing to listen, learn and provide appropriate resources to ensure the smooth adoption and implementation of new technologies.

Research limitations/implications

While a range of factors and their effect on the adoption of new technologies have been considered, this is often not in the context of smaller firms where owners/owner‐managers can play a critical decisional role. This study shows the effect of the way in which owners/owner‐managers behaviour can affect the adoption of new technologies.

Practical implications

The study indicates that although ICT‐oriented firms could be expected to understand the importance of new technologies this is not necessarily the case.

Originality/value

This is a study of the issues associated with adopting new technologies in ICT‐oriented small firms, where barriers such as capacity and readiness would be thought not to exist.
Financial education in small ethnic minority businesses in the UK
Authors: Hussain Javed , Matlay Harry , Scott Jonathan M.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out to evaluate the financial education needs of ethnic minority SMEs in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal survey was used to investigate the financial needs of owner/managers in 64 ethnic minority SMEs and a control sample of 23 non‐ethnic SMEs.

Findings

The results show that owner/managers of micro‐businesses have lower educational achievements as well as higher financial education needs than their counterparts in small and medium‐sized firms. In contrast, owner/managers in small and medium‐sized businesses have relatively higher educational achievements and a better appreciation of the role of financial education. Similar trends were observed in non‐ethnic SMEs in the control sample.

Originality/value

This article makes an empirically rigorous contribution to a relatively under researched aspect of SME research. The authors recommend that government agencies collaborate with leaders of ethnic minority communities to raise awareness of the benefits of education in general and financial education in particular.
Riding out the storm: graduates, enterprise and careers in turbulent economic times
Authors: Rae David
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible implications for graduate employability of the economic changes which are affecting the UK in the wake of the “credit crunch”. It explores the changing economic context and its implications both for HEIs and for graduates starting their careers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses current surveys and analysis of the graduate employment market, the labour market and the economy in general to identify and comment on possible trends and scenarios.

Findings

There appear to be variations between general media coverage of “the state of the UK economy”, which tend to emphasise bad news and survey data, which suggest that the outlook for graduate career prospects and employability remains reasonably strong. The article comments on the increasing connections between enterprise and employability which are being made by universities and summarises current developments in graduate employability and enterprising learning in order to assess how well‐prepared graduates are for the emerging economic environment, and the associated implications for HEIs and educators.

Practical implications

The article has practical implications for enterprise educators and careers and employability professionals within universities as well as for students. It recommends that graduates need a higher level of economic literacy in order to make informed career changes in the changing economic context. A proposal for further research to explore the topic is suggested.

Originality/value

The article is intentionally speculative and aims to inform the discussion on the changing nature of graduate employability and enterprise in the context of rapid economic changes.
Exploring SME market orientation: an organisational learning perspective
Authors: Bradshaw Robert , Maycock Carina , Öztel Hülya
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and enhance organisational capability through learning within a small firm context. This paper forms part of a KTP project. The paper considers here traditional quantitative approaches (where data was gathered largely through questionnaires received from a single source within the firm) approaches for measuring market orientation against a mixed methods, organisation wide perspective. For achieving this task the role of mental models are considered and the perceptions and beliefs of individuals are translated with actual actions for gaining a more accurate picture of market orientation within the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a mixed methods approach a range of organisational data has been utilised to develop an understanding for not only the firms market orientation position, but also a much greater understanding of the composition of market orientation throughout the firm. Identifying differences in market orientation between departments as well as for the different levels within the firm.

Findings

The work provides a framework for better understanding disparities between past studies on market orientation. With many of these past studies being based on single source measures, key person accounts, and snap shot measures at a point in time, they provide valuable insights, but often narrow insights of the firm's position. Through an organisational wide, and longitudinal analysis a more complete understanding can be created.

Originality/value

The work brings together literature from organisational learning, market orientation and research methodology, to provide new insights on an established area of research, offering useful insight for clarifying past discrepancies.
Enhancing the user experience
Authors: Sidorko Peter Edward , Woo Esther
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight a series of initiatives generated from, and managed within, a major university library and aimed at improving a customer service focus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper documents a series of approaches, including a customized staff training package, that were intended to enhance users' experience with staff. Over a period of six years the responses to a biannual user survey were tracked in order to identify improvements, or otherwise, in users' perceptions of staff performance in terms of their customer service.

Findings

The survey results seem to indicate that improvements in users' perceptions of staff performance have improved with time and have done so most dramatically following a series of self‐initiated workshops conducted by library staff.

Research limitations/implications

While it is difficult to directly correlate the successful outcomes with the initiatives, including the staff‐conducted workshops, it will be necessary to continue to track users' perceptions of staff to ascertain whether the trend is sustainable or an aberration.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique perspective of applying a range of approaches aimed at improving the user experience with staff in a major Asian university library. The success of these approaches is linked to the outcomes of the library's biannual user survey.
Innovation and change
Authors: Durrani Shiraz , Smallwood Elizabeth
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The rapidly changing nature of local government service demands new skills, but there is often a gap between the new skills needed by library authorities and the skills that “traditional” librarianship education delivers. The purpose of this paper is to show how QLP‐Y can bridge this gap and to consider the approach of the Quality Leaders Project – Youth (QLP‐Y, 2003) and its contribution to staff development within the public library sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Setting the project in the context of a changing global situation, the paper considers briefly the effect of this situation on local government service before moving on to consider the learning opportunities afforded by involvement in QLP‐Y. Finally, it considers the importance of sustained innovation in public service and the role of universities within this.

Findings

The paper highlights the need for a different content in librarianship courses and the need for a training approach that combines work‐based learning with an academic focus. It shows how the “management development through service development” approach of QLP‐Y can lead to significant achievements in the development of both staff and service and how QLP‐Y can develop in staff key management skills alongside an understanding of the wider policy context and the ability to shape one's work within it.

Originality/value

Using the latest QLP‐Y material, the paper examines how the project has helped implement new ways of working in line with changing policy requirements and will thus be of interest to the academic community, decision makers and managers in local authorities.
Librarians' skills and qualifications in a modern informational environment
Authors: Gerolimos Michalis , Konsta Rania
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The aim of the research is to investigate the qualifications and the skills of the librarian's profession as they are impressed through the job ads.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 200 job advertisements were studied from the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA in 2006 and 2007. The data were derived from known web sites.

Findings

Overall, 38 skills and qualifications were identified through the job ads. Their percentage of appearance was recorded and this constitutes the basic element for the final findings of this research.

Research limitations/implications

The research restricted in ads emanated from developed countries' web sites. This methodology records the ideal model of a librarian.

Originality/value

The research, like others, confirms the meaning of the traditional library science in the modern informational environment.
Contribution of an information literacy programme to the education process
Authors: Malliari Aphrodite , Nitsos Ilias
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of, and the need for, information literacy and information literacy programmes in the undergraduate education process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the case of a Greek educational institute, via related research, and describes the information literacy programme of the Alexander Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki (ATEITh). The paper is based on a study at the Institution with the education staff and also the undergraduate students – patrons of the library. In both cases data were gathered using the method of questionnaires.

Findings

The results of the study reveal the usefulness of information literacy programmes, and the need for the creation of an online information literacy tutorial in the ATEITh. The majority of the respondents in both studies believe that information literacy programmes could be exploited as a means of instruction and should be integrated in the departments' curricula.

Practical implications

The paper points up the contribution of the online information literacy programme in the teaching of courses dealing partially with information literacy that exist in the curricula of some departments and the motive for the integration of an autonomous credit information literacy course in every curriculum.

Originality/value

The Library of the ATEITh is the first Greek academic library that through a survey has highlighted the need for developing and evaluating information literacy programmes as a means of reinforcing information literacy in the Greek academic community and at the same time it is the first Greek academic library to have developed its own information literacy programme.
A study of success factors of resource sharing in Iranian academic libraries
Authors: Alidousti Sirous , Nazari Maryam , Abooyee Ardakan Mohammad
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a study on success factors of resource sharing (RS) and cooperation in Iranian Academic Libraries (IAL), from the point‐of‐view of librarians who have direct experience of such activities. It investigates and compares the librarians' experiences of, and opinions on, the importance of the success factors in the current and desirable situations in the IALs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, 58 success factors of RS were identified from the previous studies. Using Likert scale technique, the importance of the factors in the current and desired situations of the RS programs were explored and ranked, based on the experiences and opinions of a sample of “key informants” who had direct experience of RS activities in the context of IALs. Then the consistency and/or inconsistency between the current and desired situations of the success factors were identified, using gap analysis method.

Findings

The findings revealed that almost all of the success factors mentioned in previous studies are considered important by the respondents. However, only eight factors received high rankings in the current and desired situations of the RS programs in the IALs.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on factors identified in previous studies. This may ignore certain, especially cultural, factors, which are effective in the context of IALs.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of success factors in development or improvement of any RS activity. The factors would provide both researchers and practitioners with a rich framework to examine the current situation of their RS programs and develop informed strategic plans to improve that. In particular, the findings inform the RS planners and policy makers that particular attention needs to be given to the factors that are identified as very important by the study participants. These factors would alert them to the causes and impacts of such a deficiency in the RS and library cooperation systems.

Originality/value

There is no comprehensive study on the success factors of RS in libraries and, as such, no investigation of the factors in some real‐life contexts of RS activities. Both researchers and practitioners in the field of RS may value the novelty and results of this study.
Writing for the profession: the experience of new professionals
Authors: Bradley Fiona
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore barriers and motivators for new professionals who write and present for the professional literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors from the ALIA New Librarians' Symposium held in December 2006 in Sydney, Australia were surveyed about their experiences of writing and presenting early in their career. The author of this paper was the symposium's programme coordinator.

Findings

The majority of authors were working in Australia, and few were required to write or present as part of their work role. In the absence of this requirement, factors that motivate new professionals to write can be difficult to define. Barriers to writing include time, skills, and responsibilities outside work.

Originality/value

The paper discusses a publishing opportunity aimed at new professionals and other strategies to reduce barriers to writing and presenting.
A study of US library directors' confidence and practice regarding patron confidentiality
Authors: Magi Trina
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to learn how many libraries take specific measures to protect patron confidentiality other than having a written policy, to measure library directors' confidence in their own ability, and that of their workers, to follow confidentiality policies, and to learn what types of support directors need to better protect confidentiality.

Design/methodology/approach

A paper survey was mailed to all 213 directors of public and academic libraries in Vermont; 71 per cent responded. Data were primarily quantitative.

Findings

Few libraries reveal patron information by sending unsealed postcards, but many reveal patron information to third parties over the telephone. Library directors have a high level of confidence in their own ability to follow confidentiality policy and a slightly lower level of confidence in the ability of library workers to do so. Library directors need help in writing policy, getting access to legal counsel, and addressing the confidentiality of patrons who are minors.

Research limitations/implications

Vermont library directors may be different from directors elsewhere. The study asked about two library practices that put patron confidentiality at risk; other practices should be studied, as well.

Practical implications

Library directors can do more to ensure that library practices do not jeopardize patron confidentiality. Library directors need help and support in dealing with practical issues that emerge as they try to follow the ALA code of ethics.

Originality/value

The study begins to fill a gap in the literature by measuring library directors' own assessments of their organizations' ability to cope with enquiries about patrons.
The Irish Research electronic Library initiative: levelling the playing‐field?
Authors: Dunne Siobhán
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The Irish Research electronic Library (IReL) is a nationally funded electronic research library providing online access to full text articles from 1,000s of peer‐reviewed publications in a range of disciplines. The aim of this paper is to examine the opportunities that have arisen for academic libraries at a local level in terms of how they expose resources and promote the initiative. It discusses the challenges that have arisen as libraries enhance, or indeed introduce, value added services to their research community. It examines the results of an in‐depth national survey, which yielded invaluable insights into how Irish researchers were using library services. Finally, it reflects on the challenges libraries face in facilitating and nurturing research behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first quarter of 2007, seven university libraries asked their researchers for feedback on how they use IReL resources and their awareness of the initiative in the form of a national survey. These results and in particular the feedback from DCU researchers are further analysed. Focus groups and visits to research centres also provided more in‐depth analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that a collaborative approach to the negotiation of a single national licence for seven academic libraries, with associated training and a discount for consortium contracts, has been highly successful. However, it has also posed significant challenges for all libraries in terms of ensuring that the resources are fully exploited and that the necessary support structures are in place to facilitate the provision of appropriate services to the growing research community.

Originality/value

The paper will be useful to libraries planning services for fourth‐level researchers and in particular, services that promote access to online resources.
Theory, research, and practice in library management 5: branding
Authors: Walton Graham
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the branding in the marketing and promotion of libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is examined to illustrate the importance of branding for libraries. The wider management literature is explored to establish the definition for branding and why brands are needed. The literature is also used to demonstrate how brands are created and developed. The importance of branding for libraries is examined and illustrated using the observations from various library commentators.

Findings

The fast rate of change facing libraries means that libraries can benefit from having an effective brand. The brand can enable library users to have an informed perspective on the services available to them. There is also a close relationship between quality and branding. For libraries wishing to develop a brand, it is necessary to go through various identifiable stages. One of the main reasons for libraries to have a strong brand is to improve visibility. A major aspect of developing the library brand is identifying the unique niche to fill. Library staff have an important role to play in the creation, development and delivery of the library brand. There are several examples of libraries across the world that have looked to re‐brand to increase their visibility and profile.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of branding theories and investigates the relevance of branding in library services.
Kouzes and Posner's transformational leadership model in practice
Authors: Abu‐Tineh Abdullah M. , Khasawneh Samer A. , Al‐Omari Aieman A.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree to which Kouzes and Posner's Transformational Leadership Model is being practised by Jordanian school principals. Currently, there are both internally and externally increasing pressures on Jordanian schools to enact reform. The empirical literature on leadership has shown that transformational leadership is positively associated with principals' effectiveness in implementing reform agenda. Kouzes and Posner's Transformational Leadership Model provides school principals in Jordon with practical guidance on how to lead, as well as practical suggestions on how to act during reform agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper is quantitative in nature and was conducted using a survey design. Means, standard deviations, t‐test, and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were utilized to analyze gained data.

Findings

The findings indicated that Kouzes and Posner's model is being moderately practised by Jordanian school principals. Female teachers and basic schoolteachers more than male teachers and high school teachers identified their principals as transformational. Finally, there were no significant differences among the three experience level groups of teachers in their perceptions of each dimension of Kouzes and Posner's Model.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that more workshops and training courses in Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Model should be conducted in Jordanian schools. Moreover, it is hoped that this research will encourage new projects sponsored by the Jordanian Ministry of Education such as “Discovery Schools” and “School as a Development Unit” to adopt Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Model in their schools.
New leader assimilation: process and outcomes
Authors: Manderscheid Steven V. , Ardichvili Alexandre
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This study seeks to test the researchers' theory that a leadership development intervention called “leader assimilation” for newly appointed leaders and their subordinates will facilitate feedback‐seeking and a leader‐team dialogue which will accelerate leader/team learning, leader adaptation, and relationship building between the new leaders and their teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Robert Yin's positivistic multiple case study research method was used. Four primary modes of data collection were used in each of the three cases: observation during the five steps of the intervention, documentation review after the intervention, a pre‐ and post‐survey, and individual interviews with the leader and the leader's direct reports approximately seven days after the last phase of the intervention.

Findings

The researchers found support for their theory from a leader and team perspective. The three leaders in the study experienced accelerated learning, adaptation, and they built relationships with their teams. The leaders' teams experienced new learning and they built relationships with their new leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of findings is limited by the number of cases studied and by industry, leader, and team variation across cases.

Practical implications

The study provides supporting evidence for the importance and effectiveness of leader assimilations in helping new leaders learn, adapt quickly, and build relationships with their teams early in their transition.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first to report on the outcomes of an early leadership development intervention to help new leaders transition from one leadership role to another.
A road for achieving an international measure and understanding on leaders' behaviors
Authors: Quesada Gioconda , González Marvin E. , Kent Thomas
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This research aims to report the findings of an exploratory survey administered in the USA, Spain and Costa Rica on leaders' behavior. The purpose of the survey is to understand any differences in transformational leader behavior in three different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a survey instrument applied to USA (113 responses, 35.5 percent response rate), Spain (168 responses, 66 percent response rate) and Costa Rica (100 responses, 40.0 percent response rate). The researchers used different statistical analyses such as structural equation modeling (using AMOS), and ANOVA.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is an international measure of leader behavior. When comparing measurement models of leader behaviors in the three countries, differences were found to be more notorious between Spain and both Costa Rica and the USA. However, the individual geographies, histories and vantage points of the Anglo‐Saxon country (USA) versus the Spanish‐Speaking countries (Costa Rica and Spain) seem to have created some differences in leader behaviors.

Originality/value

The research provides insights into the growing body of knowledge on leader behavior. It first shows an international measure of leader behavior and then compares the three countries.
One nation, three cultures: exploring dimensions that relate to leadership in Malaysia
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Meyer Denny
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Malaysia is a multicultural country with a distinct mix of three major races; Chinese Indians, and Malays. This paper sets out to explore the contribution of the three main ethnic groups to leadership in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Summated scales for the importance of Excellent Leader (EL), Personal Qualities (PQ), Managerial Behaviours (MB), Organisational Demands (OD) and Environmental Influences (EI) were developed using most of the items categorised by Selvarajahet al.and several other items rated highly in the study. A structural model was constructed to explain the relationship in excellence in leadership.

Findings

From the three ethnic groups, 512 managers participated in the research. The findings suggest that Malaysian managers maintain distinctive leadership behaviour along ethnic lines and a Malaysian leadership identity is still in its infant stage.

Practical implications

Malaysia is a country with three distinct ethnic population groups and is yet to forge a single Malaysian identity. The findings are important for managers on foreign assignment in Malaysia and for others who engage with Malaysia.

Originality/value

Most literature discusses Malaysian culture from a national perspective. The paper contextualises leadership of an Asian Tiger economy, which has since independence in 1957 politically developed the nation within three Asian national cultural frameworks.
How does regulatory focus affect uncertainty towards organizational change?
Authors: Tseng Hsing‐Chau , Kang Long‐Min
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a research model on Taiwan's National Police Administration setting, extending the theory of planned behavior, reasoned action, and expectancy‐valence, and developing the more neglected aspects of the goal‐setting theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were Taiwan's National Police Administration employing 500 full‐time employees. Structural Equation Modeling was used to explore the relationship among regulatory focus, uncertainty towards organizational change, and organizational commitment.

Findings

The results were that promotion focus or prevention focus had a significantly positive influence on uncertainty towards organizational change, and only promotion focus had a significantly positive influence on organizational commitment. In addition, uncertainty towards organizational change had a significantly negative influence on organizational commitment. The results supported the significant role of uncertainty towards organizational change as a mediator in the relationship between promotion focus (or prevention focus) and organizational commitment.

Originality/value

The results of the research help fill important research gaps (lack of empirical research and generalization) in the regulatory focus theory literature, clarifying the special role of regulatory focus in a traditional police organization's change processing, and its implications for police officers utilizing a non‐US setting to allow a cross‐cultural examination of regulatory focus theory.
Swarm intelligence and robotics
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of recent developments in the application of swarm intelligence to robotics.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper initially considers swarm intelligence and then discusses its application to robotics through reference to a number of recent research programmes.

Findings

Based on the principles of swarm intelligence, which is derived from the swarming behaviour of biological entities, swarm robotics research is widespread but still at an early stage. Much aims to gain an understanding of biological swarming and apply it to autonomous, mobile multi‐robot systems. European activities are particularly strong and several large, collaborative projects are underway. Research in the USA has a military bias and much is funded by defence agencies.

Originality/value

The paper provides an up‐to‐date insight into swarm robot research and development.
Artificial intelligence and robotic hand‐eye coordination
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This paper's aim is to assess the practical advances resulting from progress in artificial intelligence affecting vision‐equipped robots.

Design/methodology/approach

A short history of artificial intelligence applied to robotic hand‐eye coordination is followed by a description of some of the milestones in pattern recognition, interfacing, operating systems and programming paradigms. Finally, a range of current‐day practical applications is given, from industrial to student project.

Findings

The paper finds that advances in the speed and robustness of pattern recognition algorithms have been very important in the development of robots that adapt to randomly positioned workpieces. Event‐triggered object oriented programming, wide address buses, smart cameras, ethernet and other standard cables and communications formats, and the ever‐increasing power of computers are also of great practical importance.

Originality/value

The paper contrasts the current state of robotic vision with that 20 years ago.