bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research in UK Business Schools or management research in the UK?
Authors: Wensley Robin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper takes an overview of the history of both the funding and the assessment of research within Business Schools in the wider context of social science research which examines the practice of management.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical archives and current statistical data are both considered in the context of various writings on the nature of management and business school research.

Findings

Many of the issues are deep seated but overall it is particularly important to emphasise the importance of “translation” in both engagement and interaction and also better links through intermediaries.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the on‐going debate about the relevance of management research as well as the role of business school.
Competencies as a behavioral approach to emotional intelligence
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Development of competencies needed to be effective managers and leaders requires research and theory that can drive future scholarship and application. This introductory essay to this special issue of JMD seeks to focus on competencies in organizations in Europe and a broader conceptualization of emotional intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

Competencies are defined and an overview is provided for the papers that will follow with original research on competencies, their link to performance in various occupations, and their development.

Findings

Emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies predict effectiveness in professional, management and leadership roles in many sectors of society. It addition, these competencies can be developed in adults.

Research limitations/implications

As an introductory essay, the paper lays the foundation for the following papers in this issue.

Practical implications

Competencies needed in order to be effective can be developed.

Originality/value

Despite widespread application, there are few published studies of the empirical link between competencies and performance. There are even fewer published studies showing that they can be developed. The special issue will add to both literatures. There is widespread confusion as to the definition of emotional intelligence; the paper offers some clarification.
The impact of social and emotional competencies on effectiveness of Spanish executives
Authors: Guillén Ramo Laura , Saris Willem E. , Boyatzis Richard E.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to address the predictive validity of the behavioral approach of EI by Boyatzis and Goleman. There are two research questions guiding this study: emotional and social competencies are positively and significantly related with job performance; and emotional and social competencies will be more successful in predicting performance than universal personality dimensions, like the Big Five personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the data of three medium‐sized Spanish organizations (n=223) that were involved in a competency management project based on emotional and social competencies. SPSS and structural modeling techniques available in the SEM program LISREL 8.51 software are used to enter the empirical analyses of the paper.

Findings

Results show that emotional competencies and personality traits are valuable predictors of job performance as measured by the nominations procedure in the study. In addition, competencies seem to be more powerful predictors of performance than global personality traits.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is small.

Practical implications

The paper will provide reflective practitioners with useful conceptual and developmental handles for emotional competencies within organizations.

Originality/value

The paper helps to build a body of research that contributes to overcoming the paucity of evidence for the predictive validity of EI measures claimed by many authors.
A study into leadership and management competencies predicting superior performance in the British Royal Navy
Authors: Young Mike , Dulewicz Victor
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to present a summary of a study to identify the competencies of effective leadership and management in the British Royal Navy (RN).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 261 Officers and Ratings. Performance was determined through the organisation's own extensive appraisal process, whilst personality and competency data were gathered through the use of the well‐established occupational personality questionnaire (OPQ) and the then relatively new leadership dimensions questionnaire (LDQ).

Findings

The results provide support for an integrated approach to leadership and management selection and development by identifying four “supra‐competency” clusters associated with high performance in both activities. They also provide an illuminating insight into the important academic debate over the differences between the constructs of leadership and management. Additional findings highlight the importance of motivation as a competency, and deliver the first empirical support for a relationship between congruent/public and emotional/private self‐awareness and performance.

Practical implications

The findings have been endorsed by the RN and are being actively implemented as the basis for all leadership and management selection, training and development.

Originality/value

This is a rare example of a study of leadership and management validated against formal performance appraisal data. The fact that conclusions are drawn from an appraisal system which conforms with best practice and from a highly representative sample, with a 97 per cent response rate, reinforces their value.
The effects of management education on careers and compensation
Authors: Camuffo Arnaldo , Gerli Fabrizio , Borgo Silvia , Somià Tatiana
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the amount and the nature of learning accrued during an MBA – measured in terms of competency development – impact on career advancement and compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying nonparametric statistical analysis on data from behavioral event interviews and survey questionnaires to a sample of 44 Italian MBA graduates, the study investigates: the type and extent of competency development during the MBA programme and the relationship between this competency development and post‐MBA career and compensation.

Findings

The findings support the hypothesis that the degree of competency development during the MBA programme enhances career advancement, and that some competencies, like planning, result orientation, networking, organizational awareness, system thinking and use of technology, do so particularly, which is consistent with literature on career competencies. No relationship is found, instead, between competency development during the MBA and compensation.

Originality/value

Most of the outstanding research supports the hypothesis that the MBA enhances career advancement, but the evidence about how the skills and competencies associated with an MBA study impact on career outcomes is polarized and remains somewhat sketchy. Several scholars have examined the career outcomes for MBA graduates, but no specific study has addressed the issue of assessing whether and to what extent the competencies developed during the MBA programme impact on career outcomes. The study investigates this issue and tries to explore the relationship between competencies development and career advancement.
Approaches to qualitative fire safety risk assessment in hotel facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate approaches pertaining to qualitative fire risk assessment of existing hotel facilities, for the purpose of identifying and eliminating fire hazards, and meeting requirements of the current legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper carries out several research activities, including: identifying the set of factors that render hotel facilities a high‐risk type of facilities in fires; investigating potential high‐risk areas to fires in hotels; exploring the role of hotel managers towards operating safe hotel facilities; discussing the concept of fire risk management, and the role of fire safety inspections as a risk mitigation strategy to ensure the adherence of existing hotels to fire safety legislation; and describing a methodical approach that fire safety inspectors can follow while conducting fire safety inspections. The paper also presents the development of a qualitative fire risk assessment tool, whereby existing hotel facilities can be assessed.

Findings

The paper establishes that hotel facilities are a high‐risk type of facilities in fire emergencies due to the combination of several risk factors. The fire risk assessment tool provides 76 items to assess, in seven main divisions, including exits, fire protection systems, electrical, fire doors, hazardous materials, housekeeping and miscellaneous.

Originality/value

This paper provides for a better comprehension of the roles of hotel managers towards operating safe hotel facilities. The paper emphasizes adherence of existing hotels to fire safety legislation to ensure the minimum level of safety for guests in all hotel properties. It serves to enhance the understanding of the potential dangers present in hotel facilities. It is of practical value to hoteliers responsible for the day‐to‐day operation of hotel facilities and for surveyors inspecting such properties.
The built environment interdiscipline
Authors: Chynoweth Paul
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The built environment subject area is now well‐established as a recognised field of study. However, because of its vocational orientation it is usually defined in terms of a particular range of professional activities and aptitudes. In consequence the theoretical nature of its academic knowledge base is poorly developed. This has consequences for research and teaching practice within the field which are explored in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Using established literature on the historical approaches to knowledge categorisation a theoretical model is proposed.

Findings

The proposed model defines the built environment as an applied, but theoretically coherent, interdiscipline with a common epistemological axiomatic.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new model of the built environment knowledge base for further discussion within the field. The practical benefits of the model are also illustrated by examples in the context of curriculum design, research strategy and the research‐teaching nexus.
The benefits and obstacles of mobile technology in FM service procurement
Authors: Tolman Anne , Matinmikko Tapio , Möttönen Veli , Tulla Kauko , Vähä Pentti
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the currently experienced benefits and obstacles for enhancing facilties management (FM) with the currently available technological enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an integration of several studies conducted to identify the current benefits and obstacles of mobile technology as perceived by the Finnish FM professionals. The main intentions of the study were: to describe the current technological enablers for the utilisation of mobile technology at FM settings; and to interview the FM professionals on their perceived benefits and obstacles of the utilisation of the currently available technology.

Findings

The change of practice to support the exploitation of mobile technology is emergent. The findings of the empirical part include the currently feasible mobile solutions and their perceived limitations. The experiences benefits are discussed and critical success factors are nominated. The perceived benefits are mostly related to improved resource efficiency and quality control. The essential success factors and remaining obstacles are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical part is limited to Finnish settings, but the observations are likely valid in several other developed countries as well.

Practical implications

The change of FM practice to benefit from the exploitation of mobile technology is emergent.

Originality/value

The paper gives experience‐based suggestions for both demand and supply sides of the service procurement to gain the feasible benefits and avoid the currently hindering obstacles, as the paper provides insight of the current and future tools for the mobile aspects of FM. The findings are relevant for the service providers and operators as well.
Marketing orientation and arts organisations: the case for business sponsorship
Authors: Thomas Sarah R. , Pervan Simon J. , Nuttall Peter J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of a greater marketing orientation among arts organisations and its impact on funding through sponsorship.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a qualitative methodology, the study employs case studies for the purpose of formulating tentative and emergent knowledge.

Findings

The case study observations reveal the adoption of a marketing orientation across the sample and most significantly for the purposes of securing and consolidating sponsorship relationships. But contrary to popular academic theory this is managed without significant threat to artistic integrity or adaptation of theatrical productions.

Research limitations/implications

Data were derived from a purposive but limited sample. The advantages of a qualitative method in producing rich data is well established, however a longitudinal study would facilitate the understanding of the temporal shifts in arts sponsorships and counter the limits of the cross‐sectional nature of the study.

Practical implications

The study reveals a managerial capacity for arts organisations to attract sponsorship through customer orientation without the need to compromise its artistic and social goals.

Originality/value

A central concern to the increasing significance of business and private funding for the survival of arts organisations is the impact this has on the producers ability to remain faithful to the artistic integrity of their productions. This longstanding academic debate now has predominance in arts marketing management and the issues addressed in this paper serve to address this shift in emphasis.
RFID adoption: framework and survey in large Brazilian companies
Authors: Caldeira Pedroso Marcelo , Zwicker Ronaldo , Alexandre de Souza Cesar
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology adoption considering company size and five dimensions of analysis: RFID applications, expected benefits business drivers or motivations barriers and inhibitors, and organizational factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework for RFID adoption derived from literature and the practical experience on the subject is developed. This framework provides a conceptual basis for analyzing a survey conducted with 114 companies in Brazil.

Findings

Many companies have been developing RFID initiatives in order to identify potential applications and map benefits associated with their implementation. The survey highlights the importance business drivers in the RFID implementation stage, and that companies implement RFID focusing on a few specific applications. However, there is a weak association between expected benefits and business challenges with the current level of RFID technology adoption in Brazil.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not exhaustive, since RFID adoption in Brazil is at early stages during the survey timeline.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the paper is that it yields a framework for analyzing RFID technology adoption. The authors use this framework to analyze RFID adoption in Brazil, which proved to be a useful one for identifying key issues for technology adoption. The paper is useful to any researchers or practitioners who are focused on technology adoption, in particular, RFID technology.
Utilizing front‐end‐of‐innovation concepts in software development
Authors: Hannola Lea , Kortelainen Samuli , Kärkkäinen Hannu , Tuominen Markku
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The traditional front‐end‐of‐innovation (FEI) research and requirements engineering (RE) in software development have realized the opportunities for overall innovation process improvements by focusing on improving the front‐end activities. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the managerial perceptions on the similarities and differences in the FEI concepts between software industry and the traditional industrial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach of this paper can be categorized as a case study. Causal cognitive maps are used as graphic tools for collecting and analyzing the perceptions of selected experts about the concepts of FEI, and for recognizing the perceived interrelationships between these concepts.

Findings

The paper presents the similarities and differences in the FEI concepts between the two industries. The most similarly assessed concept is that the quality of a product or software development project can be most often influenced by successful execution of detailed customer needs analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of a purely academic interview group representing the traditional industrial sector has some limitations.

Practical implications

This paper provides viewpoints to managers and project team members on the most important factors in their front‐end activities influencing the success of product or software development projects.

Originality/value

The intersection between FEI and RE and its handling by causal cognitive mapping is a novel territory in academic research. In addition, this paper opens up a new strand for academic discussion by connecting these two domains previously unconnected in literature.
Surfacing ERP exploitation risks through a risk ontology
Authors: Chao Peng Guo , Baptista Nunes Miguel
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a risk identification checklist for facilitating user companies to surface, organise and manage potential risks associated with the post‐adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A desktop study, based on the process of a critical literature review, is conducted by the researchers. The critical review focuses on information systems and business research papers, books, case studies and theoretical articles, etc.

Findings

By systematically and critically analysing and synthesising the literature review, the researchers identify and propose a total of 40 ERP post‐implementation risks related to diverse operational, analytical, organisation‐wide and technical aspects. A risk ontology is subsequently established to highlight these ERP risks, as well as to present their potential causal relationships.

Research limitations/implications

For researchers, the established ERP risk ontology represents a starting point for further research, and provides early insights into a research field that will become increasingly important as more and more companies progress from implementation to exploitation of ERPs.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the risk ontology is an important tool and checklist to support risk identification, prevention, management and control, as well as to facilitate strategic planning and decision making.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of studies focusing on ERP post‐implementation in contrast with an over abundance of studies focusing on system implementation and project management aspects. This paper aims to fill this significant research gap by presenting a risk ontology of ERP post‐adoption. It represents a first attempt in producing a comprehensive model in its area. No other such models can be found from the literature review.
TQM and customer satisfaction in Malaysia's service sector
Authors: Sit Wen‐Yi , Ooi Keng‐Boon , Lin Binshan , Yee‐Loong Chong Alain
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and customer satisfaction (CS) as perceived by managers' perspectives in Malaysia's service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected from 140 managers of Malaysia's service firms. The structural analysis is conducted to test the hypotheses in this paper.

Findings

Results reveal that leadership, customer focus, information and analysis, and human resource focus are found to have significant and positive association with CS as perceived by Malaysian service sector's managers.

Research limitations/implications

There are a few limitations for this paper. First, the time sequence of the relationships between the variables could not be determined since cross‐sectional data are used. Second, this paper is confined only to service industry. Lastly, the paper is only focused on managers instead of study employees at different hierarchical levels.

Practical implications

This paper serves as a valuable guideline for top management to review their TQM programs and conduct assessments on a regular basis in order to facilitate CS within their organizations.

Originality/value

This paper shows the importance of TQM in contributing to CS within the service context which is not studied in many past researches. This paper only looks at TQM practices from the Malaysian service industries. As Malaysia is a developing country which is moving towards the service sector, this paper will help many organizations that are in other fast growing developing nations which are moving towards the service industry.
Building winning relationships in business process outsourcing services
Authors: Shah Bharadwaj Sangeeta , Saxena K.B.C.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss business processes as building blocks of organizational capabilities and outsourcing of business processes as a viable management approach in building winning relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a conceptual model to successfully implement “global sourcing” of organizational capabilities for the service provider and validates this framework using questionnaire survey methodology.

Findings

The paper identifies business process management and relationship management value propositions as the key dimensions for business process outsourcing (BPO) success. However, these value propositions fall short of building winning relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on questionnaire survey of Indian BPO service providers. A survey of BPO clients may further strengthen the proposed framework and make the findings more conclusive.

Practical implications

The proposed framework helps both the BPO client and the service‐provider organizations in understanding the critical role of relationship management in realizing the intended BPO service outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the importance of capability service provision by the service provider as value proposition.
RFID implementation strategy: perceived risks and organizational fits
Authors: Hun Lim Se , Koh Chang E.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organizations perceive the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) on business performance in relation to the perceived technology‐organization fit and the perceived risk of the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is conducted with professionals involved in RFID implementation initiatives in their organizations. The survey results in usable responses from 350 firms. The survey instrument consists of questions for demographics, organizational fit factors, risk factors, and expected performance measures.

Findings

The results suggest that management of organizational fit factors in connection with perceived risk levels has a significant effect on the perceived impact of RFID on business performance.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling process is not completely scientific and random. As a result, some findings may not be applicable to the general population. Another limitation of the paper is that most research constructs and variables measure perceptions and expectations of respondents rather than objective, factual data.

Practical implications

This paper identifies several organizational factors that the company must assess prior to implementing RFID to ensure that the technology is properly aligned with its business. This paper should also help managers better understand various risk issues associated with RFID.

Originality/value

Few studies have systematically looked into these organizational and risk factors for successful RFID implementation. This empirical study should make a significant contribution for the research and practitioner communities by systematically and empirically investigate organizational and risk factors for adopting RFID and their impact on business performance.
Modeling electronic service acceptance of an e‐securities trading system
Authors: Rotchanakitumnuai Siriluck , Speece Mark
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the technology acceptance model (TAM) in the context of internet securities trading. It examines the antecedents of perceived usefulness and explores the role of trust and attitude of securities investors toward usage. The behavioural intention of investors to use the internet securities trading service is influenced by perceived usefulness, attitude toward usage, and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses survey research to explore the determinants in the e‐securities trading acceptance model.

Findings

The findings show five antecedents have a positive impact on perceived usefulness. These are ease‐of‐use, information quality, accessibility, trust, and flow control of the securities trading process. Respondents identify the highest benefit as the flow control of the securities trading processes via the internet channel.

Practical implications

The results suggest that investors prefer to have the freedom to control the details of the process when trading securities. In addition, trust is important for all levels of the TAM process. Trust has a large impact which is mediated through both perceived usefulness and attitude toward usage. There is a weaker direct impact on intention to use.

Originality/value

This paper includes a more comprehensive measurement of the antecedents of perceived usefulness such as ease‐of‐use, information quality, accessibility, flow control, and trust. It also demonstrates the importance of trust in explaining the psychological attitudes toward the service.
Entrepreneurial attitude and conflict management through business simulations
Authors: Arias‐Aranda Daniel , Bustinza‐Sánchez Oscar
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the influence that participation in a simulation experience based on the automobile industry has on the entrepreneurial attitude (entrepreneurship attitude orientation) through conflict management learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample used in this paper consists of 427 advanced undergraduate students majoring in Business Management and Administration, Economics, Tourism and Research, and Marketing. The data are collected by means of a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Results show that the simulation experience increases positive results for personal control and self‐esteem indicating that the participants applied the knowledge learned in the simulation improving their perception of control and conflict management approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is focused on a business game based on the automobile industry in order to involve the participants into a realistic business management experience.

Practical implications

Results encourage the incorporation of these simulation tools into educational programs related to entrepreneurship. Business simulations improves conflict management within and between groups, especially in the complementary activities and negotiations with real agents, it also fosters motivation and cooperative attitudes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to increase knowledge in conflict management for workgroups maintaining intensive and relentless relationships over a relatively long period of time in which the simulation develops. At a more practical level, experience on conflict management generates acceptance of the conflict as a part of the decisions making process, which improves the entrepreneurial attitude for all participants.
Does total quality management reduce employees' role conflict?
Authors: Teh Pei‐Lee , Yong Chen‐Chen , Arumugam Veeri , Ooi Keng‐Boon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the total quality management (TQM) practices of both manufacturing and service firms in order to determine the relationship between the multidimensionality of TQM practices and role conflict of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires are distributed to 433 employees of 98 different firms from manufacturing and service industries in Malaysia.

Findings

The results support significant negative correlation among all TQM practices (i.e. leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, human resource focus, process management and information analysis) and role conflict. By employing multiple regression analysis, leadership, process management and information analysis are found to have significant and negative relationship with role conflict. Human resource focus is reported to have a significant and positive relationship with role conflict.

Practical implications

This model is ideal for practical usage by managers to evaluate the perceptions of role conflict of employees in TQM‐oriented firms. The findings suggest that firms should look into ways of developing the major roles of leadership and process management as well as improving efficient use of information analysis in order to reduce the detrimental role conflict of employees. This finding may also help administrators and individuals to attain a fine‐grained understanding of different dimensions of TQM in relation to role conflict.

Originality/value

TQM practices appear to be related to role conflict, addressing an apparent noticeable gap in the literature of TQM and the psychological well‐being of employees. This paper also lays the foundation for formation of a theoretically based model which integrates the elements of TQM and role conflict.
Managing supply chains: lessons learned and future challenges
Authors: Law Kris M.Y. , Helo Petri , Kanchana Rapee , Phusavat Kongkiti
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain better understandings on the interrelationships among manufacturers, customers and suppliers within the supply chains of electrical and electronics firms in Thailand. This industry is important to the national economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology includes the survey development and distributions, and the hypotheses on the interrelationships among manufacturers, suppliers and customers. The findings are compared with the practices in Hong Kong and with available supply‐chain management models. The applications of the correlation analysis are prominent for statistical interpretations. The discussions with participating Thai executives are conducted.

Findings

From the manufacturers' viewpoint of Thai executives, managing supply chains requires strong partnerships with customers and suppliers as they are perceived to impact internal operations and subsequently the performance levels. Their viewpoints are generally supported by Hong Kong counterparts and current supply‐chain management models.

Practical implications

The follow‐up discussion with participating executives from Thailand reveals the importance of information and communication technology, and the roles of languages for communication for successful supply‐chain management. These implications are critical for department of industrial work as it needs to prepare policy initiatives to support key industrial clusters, especially the electrical and electronics industry.

Originality/value

The paper confirms key factors impacting supply‐chain managements and underlines the success factors for effectively managing supply chains.
Status of information technology applications in Pakistani libraries
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Singh Diljit
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and determine the levels of information technology (IT) in Pakistani libraries. More specifically, the paper focuses on the status of computers and other commonly used hardware, e‐mail, internet, library software, automated user services, expenditure on IT and online resources available in academic libraries of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected through a questionnaire survey of 288 (sample of 682) academic libraries across Pakistan. A total of 219 (76 per cent) valid responses are used for data analysis and interpretation using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

Findings

The paper finds a low level of IT availability, especially the absence of computers, e‐mail and internet in few libraries. Similarly, the libraries are far behind to achieve excellent IT levels. It is found that libraries need to be fully automated using standard library software/management systems. However, access to online resources through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) is found extensive and comprehensive. The data indicate the need to enhance libraries' IT expenditure.

Practical implications

The findings can be utilized to evaluate the status of different IT tools and applications. The statistical data are very useful and authentic source for planning to improve the libraries' IT infrastructure, library automation and in reducing the gap in levels of IT application in different type of libraries.

Originality/value

This is a first comprehensive study that provides a complete picture along with statistical data regarding IT applications (computers and other common hardware, software, e‐mail, internet, other information access technologies, applications and online resources available) in academic libraries of Pakistan.
Issues and lessons learned in open source software adoption in Pakistani libraries
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Ameen Kanwal
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss key issues related to the adoption of open source software (OSS) in Pakistani libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and principal author's first‐hand experience of Koha (OSS) implementation in Provincial Assembly Libraries of Pakistan under Pakistan Legislative Strengthen Project of United States Agency for International Development provide the information and insight for this paper.

Findings

Adoption of OSS in libraries is just at a beginning stage in Pakistan, and only a few organizations have so far made their first move in this direction. The major identified issues affecting OSS adoption in Pakistani libraries are: social (cultural) disparity, conceptual confusions, digital divide, lack of technological, financial, and human development.

Practical implications

The paper will help decision makers plan OSS applications in their libraries.

Originality/value

This is the first paper on the topic in Pakistan and explores the issues involved in OSS adoption in a comprehensive manner. The paper can provide understanding regarding adoption of OSS to professionals in Pakistani and other developing countries with similar environment.
Use and impact of electronic journals in the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Verma Rama
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the use of electronic resources and services provided at the central library of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The paper is focused to know who these electronic information services users are, how often they use the services and the place where the information is accessed. Also, the users are asked to give their preferences between an electronic and print journal format.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire method is used for collecting the data from the users (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, research scholar and faculty), categories‐wise.

Findings

It has been found that usage of e‐journals is increasing; this is due to awareness among the users about the library e‐resources and services. Owing to an easy access available at various places in the institute, users are accessing these resources at hostels and departments more as compared to the library. The users coming to library have decreased.

Originality/value

The present paper will help other institutes understand the need for library electronic resources, and motivate them to update their resources in the larger interest of the students, faculty and research scholars. The paper also indicates how a suitably designed survey can show the awareness and use of types of information services, in this case e‐journals. There is a dearth of such studies in India and the methodology and findings can be applied to other libraries to reveal similar trends as well as comparisons.
Ubiquitous library usability test for the improvement of information access for the blind
Authors: Kwak Seung‐Jin , Bae Kyung‐Jae
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Usability tests to improve information accessibility for the blind have rarely been carried out. Recently, the LG Digital Talking Book (LG DTB) Library has developed a ubiquitous service, which provides the blind with library service anytime, anywhere, using mobile phones with the automated library access procedure. The main purpose of this paper is to draw up a better plan to improve information accessibility for the blind through the usability test of the service being made by the LG DTB Library.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey and in‐depth interviews are conducted among the blind, and usage statistics analysis of the Digital Talking Book Library services and web server log analysis are carried out together for the usability test.

Findings

The blind respondents answer that late updates of new publications, unbalanced subject areas, and lack of educational contents are the most serious problems in reality. The paper also showed that handy‐to‐carry information terminals like mobile phones are very much favored by the blind.

Originality/value

This paper has a unique value in that the real effect and usability of the ubiquitous library service for the blind is investigated for the first time.
Information literacy online tutorials
Authors: Yang Sharon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the findings of a survey of current technologies used in creating information literacy online tutorials in academic libraries. It also aims to inform readers of the technological tools available to develop good online tutorials.

Design/methodology/approach

The author surveys 372 online tutorials on the library web sites of 100 academic libraries in a random sample from Peterson's Guide to Four Year Colleges 2008.

Findings

About one‐third of the surveyed academic libraries have developed their own online tutorials. Most of the tutorials teach search skills for a specific database. The tutorial contents also include general introduction to library resources, research in a subject area, how‐to for an application, and library‐related concepts and procedures. One‐third of the tutorials have been created by tutorial software. The other technological approaches include portable document format (PDF), Hypertext Markup Language, Common Gateway Interface scripts, WebCT, Stream video, and MP3.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size may be too small to be conclusive. There may be correlation between the type and size of an academic institution, its information literacy programs, and the type and number of library online tutorials.

Originality/value

The value of such tutorials, what constitutes a good online tutorial, and pros and cons of each technology are discussed. The information in this paper is useful for anyone who is interested in current practice of online library instruction and options they have in their choice of technological tools for developing web‐based tutorials.
Ontology and semantic rules in document dispatching
Authors: Chi Yu‐Liang , Chen Hsiao‐Chi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the semantic rules in conjunction with ontology can be applied for inferring new facts to dispatch news into corresponding departments.

Design/methodology/approach

Under a specific task domain, the proposed design comprises finding a glossary from electronic resources, gathering organization functions as controlled vocabularies, and linking relationships between the glossary and controlled vocabularies. Web ontology language is employed to represent this knowledge as ontology, and semantic web rule language is utilized to infer implicit facts among instances.

Findings

Document dispatching is highly domain dependent. Human perspectives being adopted as predefined knowledge in understanding document meanings are important. Knowledge‐intensive approaches such as ontology can model and represent expertise as reusable components. Ontology and rules together extend inference capabilities in semantic relationships between instances.

Practical implications

Empirical lessons reveal that ontology with semantic rules can be utilized to model human subjective judgement as knowledge bases. An example, including ontology and rules, based on news dispatching is provided.

Originality/value

An organization can classify and deliver documents to corresponding departments based on known facts by following the described procedure.
A comparative evaluation of journal literature access options at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Authors: Bucknall Tim
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of three models for journal literature access.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical paper is based on working practice in an academic library.

Findings

Post‐implementation analysis shows that both pay‐per‐view and big deals offered valuable and highly used additional content, and that both are cost‐effective alternatives to the traditional subscription model. But overall, the big deal proves to be the best model for most journal titles due to its combination of superior cost savings and ease of end‐user access.

Originality/value

By analyzing the results of switching a large number of titles across three access modes in a short period of time, this paper offers insight into the effect of the three access models on end users and library budgets.
Mass digitization and its impact on interlending and document supply
Authors: Willett Perry
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The amount of library material available online is staggering, but still at very early stages in terms of discovery tools. Without a centralized source to search digitized collections from these projects, it is important to understand their goals and distinctions between the services they provide. This paper aims to describe the complex landscape of mass digitization projects and their impact on interlending and document supply.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the history, goals and achievements of the mass digitization projects. It also looks at the sites that aggregate digitized materials from these projects and their interfaces for providing access.

Findings

The number of library collections now digitized has reached numbers unimaginable even just a few years ago. The impact on interlending and document supply will likely be limited in the near term, since much of interlibrary borrowing is for materials published in the past decade, and much of the digitized content from this period is restricted in Google Book Search, the only mass digitization project to undertake digital conversion of copyrighted material. End users will be able to discover materials of interest in new ways, but are likely to need or want to see the print source for recent publications.

Practical implications

Library staff members need to understand these projects and how they differ from one another in order to provide optimal service to their readers.

Originality/value

The paper is a guide to negotiating the landscape of mass digitization, with an overview of the projects and their goals and accomplishments, with analysis of the impact on interlending and document supply.
2D combined finite‐discrete element method to model multi‐fracture of beam structures
Authors: Paavilainen Jani , Tuhkuri Jukka , Polojärvi Arttu
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a 2D combined finite‐discrete element method (FEM‐DEM) to model the multi‐fracture of beam structures and an application of the method to an ice‐structure interaction problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In the method, elastic beams and their fracture are modelled according to FEM by using nonlinear Timoshenko beam elements and cohesive crack model. Additionally, the beam elements are used to tie the discrete elements together. The contact forces between the colliding beams are calculated by using the DEM.

Findings

Three numerical examples are given to verify the method. Further, the method is applied to model the failure process of a floating ice beam against an inclined structure. Based on the comparison of the experiments and the simulation, a good agreement between the results is observed.

Originality/value

In the context of combined FEM‐DEM, the two novel features presented in this paper are: the use of Timoshenko finite element beams with damping to calculate internal forces and to combine the discrete elements; and the bending failure by the cohesive crack approach while simultaneously keeping track of the position of the neutral axis of the beam.
A hierarchical search algorithm for discrete element method of greatly differing particle sizes
Authors: Peters John F. , Kala Raju , Maier Robert S.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

A critical step toward an efficient contact detection algorithm is to localize the contact search to the immediate neighborhood of each particle. In particular, cell‐based algorithms are simple and require O(N) computations but become inefficient when the particles are not roughly the same diameter. The purpose of this paper is to describe a hierarchical search method with the simplicity and efficiency of the neighbor search algorithm but which is insensitive to size gradation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this method, particles are allocated to cells based on their location and size within a nested hierarchical cell space. Contact searches are limited to neighboring particles of equal size within their own hierarchy and occasionally with particles of larger size when no contacts are found within their own hierarchy.

Findings

The method is shown to be effective for the most severe case of highly segregated particle distributions in which a large particle is surrounded by particles of much smaller size.

Originality/value

This paper is of value in concentrating on particular issues in implementing the hierarchical contact detection algorithm in a parallel computing environment using message‐passing interface.