bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder engagement, social auditing and corporate sustainability
Authors: Gao Simon S. , Zhang Jane J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To identify the applicability of social auditing as an approach of engaging stakeholders in assessing and reporting on corporate sustainability and its performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the framework of AA1000 and the social auditing studies, this paper links stakeholder engagement, social auditing and corporate sustainability with a view to applying dialogue‐based social auditing to address corporate sustainability.

Findings

This paper identifies a “match” between corporate sustainability and social auditing, as both aim at improving the social, environmental and economic performance of an organisation, considering the well‐being of a wider range of stakeholders and requiring the engagement of stakeholders in the process. This paper suggests that social auditing through engaging stakeholders via dialogue could be applied to build trusts, identify commitment and promote co‐operation amongst stakeholders and corporations.

Research limitations/implications

This research requires further empirical research into the practicality of social auditing in addressing corporate sustainability and the determination of the limitations of dialogue‐based social auditing.

Practical implications

Social auditing has been identified as a useful mechanism of balancing differing interests among stakeholders and corporations in a democratic business society. The application of social auditing in developing and achieving corporate sustainability has apparently practical implications.

Originality/value

This paper examines the applicability of dialogue‐based social auditing in helping business to move towards sustainability. Social auditing as a process of assessing and reporting on corporate social and environmental performance through engaging stakeholders via dialogue could be applied to build trusts, identify commitment and promote cooperation amongst stakeholders and corporations.
Sustainability: aligning corporate governance, strategy and operations with the planet
Authors: Cartwright Wayne , Craig John L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To demonstrate that mainstream current ethical stances of corporate governance and associated strategic and operational management are contributors to global unsustainability, and to discuss issues and approaches for bringing governance and management into alignment with sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative model of a business is used to predict outcomes for financial wealth creation and environmental sustainability under mainstream ethical stances for corporate governance.

Findings

Analysis of the model concludes that, given these stances, enhanced management practice and/or technological innovation is unlikely to take such businesses above the threshold of sustainability. This leads to proposal of a model that demonstrates seven alternative pathways to achieving alignment of governance and management with planetary sustainability. One pathway retains current mainstream ethical stances, that must be constrained by government interventions. The other six pathways show alternative influences that cause corporates to shift their ethical stances autonomously and hence to change governance and management strategies and action.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reaches theoretical conclusions that could be further developed as research propositions for empirical testing and raises issues that can be considered directly by corporate directors and managers.

Originality/value

The paper introduces models and analysis that have not appeared elsewhere in the literature.
An activity based management methodology for evaluating business processes for environmental sustainability
Authors: Sarkis Joseph , Meade Laura , Presley Adrien
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to introduce a conceptual methodology to support decisions about environmental systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology incorporates activity‐based costing and management, the analytic hierarchy process, and business process modeling using the IDEF0 method.

Findings

An illustrative example that applies the methodology to a semiconductor manufacturing facility is presented in the paper. The company used the results to analyze a process improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The complexities and nuances of the approach will require facilitation and support. Making the technique more transparent and available to management is a barrier to its diffusion and application.

Practical implications

Potential managerial application and implications include areas such as product cost management, business process design and technology selection.

Originality/value

Application of the methodology encourages management to more fully assess the environmental implications of their decision in evaluating alternative technological processes while also allowing for the inclusion of other organizational decision dimensions.
An integrated approach for risk‐based life cycle assessment and multi‐criteria decision‐making
Authors: Sadiq Rehan , Khan Faisal I.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes an integrated methodology for process design to guide decision making under uncertainty by combining life cycle assessment (LCA) with multi‐criteria decision‐making tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Cleaner and greener technologies for process and product selection and design have gained popularity in recent years. The LCA is a systematic approach that enables selection of cleaner and greener products and processes. Recently, significant progress has been made for the use of LCA for product/process evaluation and selection. However, its use in process design and environmental decision making has not been fully exploited. The proposed methodology GreenPro‐I is a systematic approach to estimate environmental risks/impacts associated with life cycle of products, processes and services. It evaluates environmental burdens by quantifying energy and materials used and waste released into the environment. It identifies and evaluates opportunities, which affect environmental improvements. The assessment includes the extraction/excavation and processing of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation and distribution, use, recycle, and final disposal.

Findings

GreenPro‐I overcomes many of the problems faced in the conventional approaches and establishes a link between the environmental risks/impacts, cost, and technical feasibility of processes.

Originality/value

GreenPro‐I provides a comprehensive decision‐making tool for designers, regulatory agencies, business organizations and other stakeholders.
STEPS: a knowledge management maturity roadmap for corporate sustainability
Authors: Robinson H.S. , Anumba C.J. , Carrillo P.M. , Al‐Ghassani A.M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to focus on the role of knowledge management in promoting corporate sustainability in the construction industry context. It proposes a maturity roadmap – STEPS to facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Two research methods were used. The first consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to the top 170 UK construction firms consisting of engineering design and construction contractor firms. The organisations were selected because they were considered the most influential organisations in the UK construction sector. The second research method involved 28 case study interviews with eight construction firms to investigate their approach to knowledge management and performance improvement. The results of the questionnaire survey and the case studies were used to develop the STEPS maturity roadmap.

Findings

The paper found that knowledge management is inextricably linked to corporate sustainability, but a methodical approach is required for successful knowledge management implementation. With this in mind, the STEPS maturity roadmap was developed to provide a structured approach to implementing and benchmarking knowledge management efforts.

Practical implications

This will allow companies to understand where they fall within the STEPS maturity roadmap and to devise a strategy to be developed to attain higher levels of knowledge management maturity.

Originality/value

This paper provides a mechanism for organisations to benchmark their knowledge management activities and to develop a knowledge management strategy that would improve their activities.
Insights into triple bottom line integration from a learning organization perspective
Authors: Jamali D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The notion of sustainability has been evolving and is increasingly understood to encompass considerations of economic viability, as well as environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The paper seeks to explore how linking these seemingly disparate pillars of sustainability may be facilitated through a management orientation supporting continual adaptability and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and critical analysis.

Findings

The relevance of core organizational learning characteristics to different aspects of sustainability performance is outlined. The paper generally supports the view that a heightened propensity for learning ensures that organizations are better equipped for meeting the challenge of triple bottom line integration.

Originality/value

Linking two traditionally separate and encapsulated areas of research, namely the area of corporate sustainability and the area of learning organizations/organizational learning.
Barriers to student mobilization and service at institutions of higher education
Authors: Zimmerman Katherine S. , Halfacre‐Hitchcock Angela
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To identify some of the barriers to mobilizing students of higher education in sustainable initiatives, in order to enhance project success on campuses.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a case study of a model green building retrofit on the College of Charleston campus in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Several constraints already identified in the literature are pin‐pointed in this case study as well as additional barriers important for understanding success (or the lack of success) of sustainability efforts. Using participant observation, delineates new impediments and lists previously studied constraints from existing literature.

Findings

Previous barriers identified include: stereotypes associated with activism; apathy among students; lack of tangible results; lack of coordination among the campus community; troubling national policies; cuts in state budgets; lack of project funding; and lack of sufficient time to implement satisfactory projects. New barriers include: the emotional dynamics between students and the issues associated with an urban, municipal, historic campus.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is based on results after one year of project work versus long‐term results. The conclusions are intended to help all campuses, but particularly include historic and urban institutions and emotional dynamics between case study participants.

Practical implications

Overcoming barriers for an urban campus has the practical implications of a beneficial student project for both campus and community stakeholders.

Originality/value

The addition of these constraints to the list of barriers will help campus mobilization efforts to better anticipate and address concerns of students, and take into account the real‐world issues associated with sustainability, such as corresponding with the local municipality's needs, particularly addressing stringent historic preservation codes and various socio‐economic groups.
Policy analysis for sustainable development
Authors: Runhaar Hens , Dieperink Carel , Driessen Peter
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to propose the basic competencies of environmental social scientists regarding policy analysis for sustainable development. The ultimate goal is to contribute to an improvement of educational programmes in higher education by suggesting a toolbox that should be integrated in the curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the basic research questions regarding governance for sustainable development, five methods are identified capable of answering the following questions: reconstruction of policy theories; stakeholder analysis; impact assessment; cost‐benefit analysis; discourse analysis. Relevant information was collected through a literature review and practical experience by the authors.

Findings

These include: minimum content of the toolbox with methods of policy analysis for sustainable development; examples of how the toolbox can be applied; strengths and weaknesses of the methods; specification of competencies of environmental social scientists active in the area of policy analysis for sustainable development.

Practical implications

The paper proposes which methods of policy analysis for sustainable development should be integrated in higher education as well as how this should be done.

Originality/value

The paper systematically analyses the implications of the policy context in the domain of sustainable development for policy analysis in this area. In addition it gives a review of five basic methods: how they can be used to analyse policy issues from a sustainable development perspective. Aiming at reinforcing the input of scientific research in policy‐making, the paper eventually aims to promote sustainable development.
The integrative role of the campus environmental audit: experiences at Bishop's University, Canada
Authors: Bardati Darren R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to suggest that the campus environmental audit can become an important tool that synergizes active learning and operations planning and management approaches to promote sustainability on university campuses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the author's experiences at Bishop's University with the evolution of the campus environmental audit program between 1993 and 2003. In those ten years, the campus environmental audit program began as an undergraduate thesis project, and then became transformed into a pedagogical tool for giving students active learning experience. The environmental audit program eventually became institutionalized when it received official recognition as a university‐sanctioned operations planning and management tool.

Findings

These experiences are used to draw out the lessons learned about the integrative role of the campus environmental audit and the need for further research. Lessons include: the need to overcome important barriers of cost, fear of adverse publicity, and fear of potential legal problems associated with campus environmental auditing; the important role that inter‐personal relationships within the university plays in the successful implementation of any environmental auditing program; and the major influence on students of teachers who incorporate campus environmental auditing projects into their curriculum.

Practical implications

These experiences at Bishop's University can serve as a model for other institutions. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research directions that are necessary to further explore the integrative role of the environmental audit on university campuses.

Originality/value

As a ten‐year retrospective assessment of the evolution of campus environmental auditing at one university, the paper presents a novel approach to understanding the role of the environmental audit for promoting sustainability. The paper will have value for teachers and university administrators who wish to integrate sustainability initiatives with both higher education and campus operations planning and management goals in mind.
Campus: “lab” and “window” for sustainable design research and education
Authors: Vezzoli Carlo , Penin Lara
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to diffuse the concept of a multi‐lateral learning process as a means to promote experimental didactics and research (and the cross‐fertilization between these two activities) in the field of design of sustainable product‐service systems (PSSs) and to consider the university campus as the locus for the design, implementation and dissemination of sustainable innovative solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The presentation, description and justification of the working hypothesis, i.e. the campus as community “lab” and “window” to design and promote sustainable innovation. It is described throughout the direct and experimental experiences matured by the design in emerging context for sustainability (DECOS) educational network. This is introduced by both a general overview of disciplinary contents and by the presentation, description and justification of the disciplinary issue. The achievements of the case study (the educational projects spin‐off) and the (disciplinary) contextualization of the case study (the educational design projects) are discussed.

Findings

The paper presents findings at two levels. First, disciplinary: the paper justifies the concept of sustainable PSS as a radical innovation model towards sustainability, highlighting its potentialities for emerging contexts (countries). Within this disciplinary framework, it points out the necessity of raising a new generation of designers equipped to operate as system sustainability innovators. Second, educational: through the presentation of a successful case study, it validates the multilateral learning process (network) as a means to develop and promote curriculum innovation and validates the hypothesis that university campuses can be used as optimum show‐cases for the design, testing and dissemination of sustainable solutions for society at large.

Practical implications

Concrete implications of the actions described in the paper are the introduction of advanced/experimental education courses within the curricula. It suggests also the development of tools and mechanisms (such as the use of specific collaborative design web tools and the students and teachers exchanges) as possible future developments for the presented actions.

Originality/value

The idea of studying the PSS applicability and potential in emerging countries represents an original approach. Furthermore, the paper presents an original and effective way of linking experimental didactic with open‐front research issues.
Education for sustainability
Authors: Buchan Graeme D. , Spellerberg Ian F. , Blum Winfried E.H.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the development and structure of a new Master's‐level subject entitled “Aspects of sustainability: an international perspective” as a potential model, adoptable by other tertiary‐level educators.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the evolution and re‐shaping of a subject designed for postgraduate students from diverse programmes (from science‐based to sociology‐based). It was re‐designed in 2004, in part to support the co‐introduction by Lincoln University of two new, globally innovative Masters degrees, but also as a contribution to the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005‐2014). The two new degrees are taught and awarded jointly by Lincoln University and a partner European University, and thus are based on unique Northern‐Southern hemisphere linkages. We describe the subject content (including its major assignment), and its evaluations by students.

Findings

A successful subject has been developed, but it required a step change in its structure in order to (a) retain connectedness and common themes across its wide‐ranging topics, and (b) meet the expectations and aspirations of multi‐disciplinary, multi‐national classes.

Practical implications

This paper details the key ingredients of a subject designed to prepare postgraduate students for careers involving sustainability at international or regional level. The subject's structure is a potential model for adoption in other tertiary programmes.

Originality/value

The subject's structure is highly appropriate for a multi‐disciplinary, multi‐national student group, and demonstrates one university's efforts to contribute to DESD. The format of the main assignment is offered as a model for adoption by others engaged in education for sustainability.
Standardized measures in the changing information environment
Authors: Poll Roswitha
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the changes in the information world that libraries are confronted with, and how new services are measured to ensure their usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the standardised measures for the changing information environment.

Findings

Standardizing definitions and methods for the assessment of input, output and impact of library services will assist libraries in demonstrating value for money in the ongoing changes.

Originality/value

The paper examines the extent of international consensus on data to be collected and indicators to be used.
Evaluation of library performance: current developments in Estonia
Authors: Nuut Anu
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the development of practice and application of standards in Estonian research libraries.

Design/methdology/approach

The paper describes the following themes: evaluation of library performance; library performance measures: impact and outcome; and current developments in Estonia.

Findings

The research in this field needs to be improved, completed and developed on the national level in the following directions: implementation of internationally approved relevant research methods; the choice of methodology and tools appropriate for different library types; continuation of standardisation considering the electronic library evaluation; preparation of guidelines for the usage of indicators and their interpretation on the national level; development of data processing for research needs.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the current developments in library performance in Estonia.
Using performance measurement for decision making in mid‐sized academic libraries
Authors: Dole Wanda V. , Liebst Anne , Hurych Jitka M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether Beck's research method and instruments, which were carried out in 2002 in larger and more research‐based libraries, are applicable to academic libraries of other types and sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of a year‐long study on the impact of assessment on library decision making in nine small to medium sized academic libraries in the USA. The study replicates Susan J. Beck's 2002 study on the impact of assessment on decision making in nine Association of Research Libraries (ARL) libraries in North America which was carried out in larger and more research‐based libraries. Directors and key administrators were interviewed to gather qualitative data. Two survey instruments were used to gather quantitative data: Beck's “Factors in decision‐making” survey and “Do you have a culture of assessment?” survey adapted from Amos Lakos (University of California at Los Angeles) and Betsy Wilson (University of Washington) – 1998; revised and updated by Shelley Phipps (University of Arizona) – 2002; additional revisions by Julia Blixrud – 2003. Qualitative data are transcribed and weighted. The quantitative data are run through standard statistical tests. The authors discuss their experience with the survey instruments and compare the results of their survey with those of Beck's.

Findings

Beck's method is transferable to different types of library, where similar findings result.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into using performance measurement for decision making in mid‐sized academic libraries.
Libraries Building Communities
Authors: Rosenfeldt Debra
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support public library advocates and planners by establishing who uses libraries, why, what services they most value, and how they see them developing; identifying who is not using libraries and the barriers, and suggesting solutions; and providing case studies of exemplary public library services.

Design/methodology/approach

Nearly 10,000 Victorians and every Victorian public library was involved. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from focus groups with library users, non‐users and staff; interviews with community leaders; a random telephone survey; and an online survey of users. The statistics are complemented by documented comments from hundreds of participants.

Findings

The paper finds that Victorians place significant value in the availability of free library services in their communities. Public libraries impact powerfully on strengthening their communities, especially through information provision, access to information technology and development of computing skills, lifelong learning and education, and expansion of social networks.

Practical implications

Findings will be useful to everyone who advocates for public libraries. The methodology could serve as a model for others seeking to measure the social value of public libraries. Data specific to individual Victorian library services will be useful in planning those services.

Originality/value

This is the most comprehensive research of its kind undertaken in Australia – a “landmark” project.
Searching multimedia federated content web collections
Authors: Spink Amanda , Jansen Bernard J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show that federated content collections are important for providing access to multiple content repositories, including image, video, audio and Web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents findings from an analysis of differences in users' Web searching patterns as they access various federated content collections. A dataset of 4,056,374 records submitted to the Dogpile.com Web meta‐search engine were analysed. An analysis was conducted of search session length, query length, number of results pages viewed, use of systems' assistance and the frequency of repeat queries.

Findings

Overall, users entered two to three terms per query and examined only the first pages of results. However, findings include differences in users' access patterns to various content collections. Web, news and audio queries were longer sessions but shorter queries. More users seeking images and videos sought systems assistance.

Originality/value

This is a large‐scale original study using data from a commercial Web search engine. The paper provides a valuable comparison of different types of search – text v. audio, image, etc.
An empirical investigation into factors influencing the adoption of an e‐learning system
Authors: Lee Ya‐Ching
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of the e‐learning system (ELS) in mandatory and voluntary settings, through an extension of the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis was used to observe the associations of proposed constructs.

Findings

The results of the study confirm the original TAM findings. In mandatory settings, students would only intend to use the ELS. Computer self‐efficacy demonstrated significant influence on perceived ease of use. Effects of course attributes on perceived usefulness were negatively significant. Effects of content quality on perceived usefulness were significant. This study found that the effects of subjective norm significantly influenced perceived usefulness in both settings. Also, perceived network externality exerts a significant direct effect on usage intentions, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. This research implied that, first of all, mandatory usage is necessary for overall adoption of the ELS. The ELS should be developed to target changes in perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived network externality. Practical alternatives included enhancing content quality, developing a simple and easy‐to‐use system, and enhancing students' computer self‐efficacy. Secondly, perceived network externality was important in ELS adoption. That is, promotion of the system should emphasise the popularity of the system and future ELS products and services in order to create bandwagon effects.

Originality/value

These findings suggested an extended model of TAM for the ELS. This research advances theory and contributes to the foundation for future research aimed at improving our understanding of students' adoption behaviour of the e‐learning system.
The internet for academics: towards a holistic adoption model
Authors: Hinson Robert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on internet use, with particular respect to academics. The literature on academic uses of the internet is littered with empirical studies, which analyse aspects of the broad spectrum of uses to which the internet can be put, by academics anywhere in the world. This paper begins an initial attempt to provide a broad theoretical framework for internet adoption and utilization by academics, irrespective of rank.

Design/methodology/approach

Paper based largely on literature survey and an assessment of the existing models of internet use by academics.

Findings

The paper postulates an internet adoption model for academics. The Internet Adoption Model for Academics (IAMA) was conceptualized as an abstract object with five main components: internet for teaching, internet for research, internet for consultancy, internet for administration, and internet for policy making. The Internet Adoption Model for Academics (IAMA) provides a framework for internet use, and has the potential for being instructive for academics who have currently not integrated the internet fully into their professional activities.

Originality/value

The paper presents a modest theoretical contribution to the academic internet‐use literature, and might influence new research streams in this important conceptual area.
Comparing different quality models for portals
Authors: Moraga Ángeles , Calero Coral , Piattini Mario
Published: January 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to present a brief overview of some proposals for portal quality models. In addition, a comparative study is carried out to determine the similarities and differences of these models. Design/methodology/approach – In order to compare the different portal quality models, their main characteristics were analysed as well as the different dimensions proposed in each model. Findings – As a result, several similarities and differences have been established among the portal quality models. For example, the dimensions present in all the models are navigation, representation, personalization and intrinsic data quality. This means that, as expected, it was found that researchers pay special attention to visual aspects. Practical implications – The comparison attempts to determine which aspects are important for the quality of a web portal, and also to clarify which proposal is the most broadly relevant. The paper also identifies, where necessary, what features must be added in order to ensure that all aspects related to web portal quality are considered. Originality/value – This work tries to identify a portal quality model that can be used to gauge portal quality levels. The model could also be used where there is a low quality level for a particular dimension, giving some guidelines for improving the weaker aspects.
Privacy concerns, privacy practices and web site categories
Authors: Hsu Chiung‐wen (Julia)
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to disprove the common assumptions of research into privacy concerns from an adversarial paradigm, which does not work in the context of the internet. These assumptions usually claim that internet users who have higher privacy concerns will disclose less information, and that data subjects are always adversarial to data users without considering social contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 400 respondents from China, The Netherlands, Taiwan and the USA. It examined not only their privacy concerns, but also their actual practices, in order to identify any similarities between concerns and practices.

Findings

This study proved that internet users' privacy concerns do not reflect their privacy practices and showed how social contexts (Web category) influence users' privacy practices. Respondents from China, The Netherlands, Taiwan and the USA perceive Website categories in different ways, reflecting the influences of political systems, cultural background and economic development.

Research limitations/implications

This study maintains that future research on online privacy should take contexts or situations into account. To confirm this, additional research should be undertaken on how social contexts in other countries affect users' privacy concerns and practices. Investigators should also study what makes users more likely to disclose information.

Originality/value

This study suggests that legislation provides the basic protection, while self‐regulation supplies the detailed principles of online privacy. Privacy education teaches users how to create their “zone of privacy” and how to be responsible for their online practices, in order to build an abuse‐free information environment on the internet.
Open access to scholarly full‐text documents
Authors: Jacsó Peter
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss open access to scholarly full‐text documents.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses open access to scholarly full‐text documents.

Findings

The paper shows that while open access archives are good for the majority, for publishers, editors and authors, open access articles can substantially increase their impact, and the impact factor for the source journals.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into scholarly full‐text documents.
What does “online” mean in 2006?
Authors: Gorman G.E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss what “online” means in 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines items in the popular press on this issue.

Findings

The paper finds that online means anything digital, from any source, at any time.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the current definition of online with respect to information mangement.
Digitisation: still the preserve of preservationists rather than users
Authors: Gorman G.E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of digitisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the ways in which digitisation can be used.

Findings

The paper finds that digitisation has been used chiefly as a way of preservation, but it should also be looked at as a means of improving access.

Originality/value

The paper presents useful information on the use of digitisation as a means of access.
Electronic document management in temporary project organisations
Authors: Björk Bo‐Christer
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the use of internet‐based document management systems in a project‐based industry (construction).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a number of empirical studies in which the author has been involved, conducted over a long period in Sweden and Finland.

Findings

The central problems in putting electronic document management (EDM) systems into practical use are not technical, but relate to psychological and management issues. Issues discussed in the paper include very complex metadata and folder structures, the use of parallel paper distribution even after EDM has been introduced, the difficulty of measuring the benefits of system introduction and the split of users into document uploaders and downloaders.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful advice on factors to consider for project teams planning the use of EDM systems in their projects. It summarises the results of a number of studies which have used a variety of research techniques.
Usability and impact of digital libraries: a review
Authors: Chowdhury Sudatta , Landoni Monica , Gibb Forbes
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to review work on the usability and impact of digital libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Work on the usability and impact of digital libraries is reviewed. Specific studies on the usability and impact of digital libraries in specific domains are also discussed in order to identify general and specific usability and impact measures.

Findings

The usability studies reviewed in this paper show that a number of approaches have been used to assess usability. In addition to the technical aspects of digital library design (e.g. architecture, interfaces and search tools), there are a number of usability issues such as globalisation, localisation, language, culture issues, content and human information behaviour. Digital libraries should, however, be evaluated primarily with respect to their target users, applications and contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Although a digital library evaluation study may have several objectives, ranging from the evaluation of its design and architecture to the evaluation of its usability and its impact on the target users, this paper focuses on usability and impact.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the state‐of‐the art in relation to the usability and impact of digital libraries.
Analysis of the moderating effect of industry on online behaviour
Authors: Hernández Ortega Blanca , Jiménez Martinez Julio , José Martín De Hoyos M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objective of the current work is to analyse the importance of the moderating effect of industry type on technological firms' behaviour and on the acceptance of online business management applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model, based on a technology acceptance model (TAM), has been tested across structural equation modelling techniques. Thus, a multi‐sample analysis has been developed to study the significance of the effect on industry. Data were collected using e‐mail and post‐mail survey.

Findings

The findings show that there are several factors influencing the acceptance process, such as ease of use and usefulness, but their effect depends on the industry in which the organisation operates. Likewise, greater experience in technology – which is the case for some sectors – facilitates the acceptance of IT.

Research limitations/implications

Managers should be aware that the synergies gained through their economic activity must be applied to adopt more new online business management applications, as this will help them to improve their competitiveness.

Originality/value

In contrast to other studies which analyse employee behaviour, this paper describes the technology acceptance process establishing the perceptions of the manager decision maker in the company, a perspective which increases the explanatory power of the models, and permits some of its weaknesses to be resolved. Moreover, the moderating effect of the industry has been empirically tested for a group of firms and variables which have rarely been analysed previously.
Business models for open access journals publishing
Authors: Chi Chang Chen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to summarise the information about open access publishing models and to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of the academic literature, to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis and adopt the multiple case study approach to analyse the open access publishing model.

Findings

Useful results include the findings that the success factors of open access business models are: creating savings in publishing costs, increasing incomes, adoption of innovative technologies and controlling the quality of journals. The open access publishing model makes the research permanently visible and accessible, with sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings may be applicable to open access journals for reasons other than impact factor, further research would be required to confirm this.

Originality/value

This study provides results that may enhance one's understanding of the open access publishing model, allowing both the reader and the author to benefit from it. Open access publishing leads to wider dissemination of information and greater advances in science.
Online transparency of the banking sector
Authors: Bonsón‐Ponte Enrique , Escobar‐Rodríguez Tomás , Flores‐Muñoz Francisco
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of the present work is to analyse the web pages of the principal European financial entities, with the aim of assessing the degree to which they are already disseminating information by internet in preparation for implementing the new requirements for transparency introduced by the New Capital Agreement of the Bank of International Settlements of Basel (Basel II).

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes as its reference the literature existing on the examination of the quality of web pages, in particular the provisions of the Web Quality Model (WQM), and the importance of the content as a key variable in the quality of web pages. The normative requirements are converted into a disclosure index that is used to score the corporate web sites of all the banks quoted on the EuroStoxx Index. A linear regression analysis is performed in search for a relationship between size and degree of web transparency in the financial entities analysed.

Findings

The analysis of these entities shows that, to a certain degree, they have anticipated Basel II, and their web pages present a significant proportion of the information that will shortly be required. They seem to recognise the advantages of anticipating these new rules, in particular, and of greater transparency in general.

Practical implications

The banking sector is responding efficiently to the requirements of the digital society, by greater transparency on the web and, in consequence, its image and the confidence of depositors are improving.

Originality/value

Transparency in the banking sector is a topic of great interest in the current turbulent business environment. In these studies a systematised analysis is offered, to give a preview of the situation of generalised transparency that is coming closer through the requirements of Basel II.
Korean Electronic Site License Initiative: archiving of electronic journals
Authors: Park Eun G. , Nam Choi Ho
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present a progress report on the building of a digital archive of electronic journals by the Korean Electronic Site License Initiative (KESLI) of the National Digital Science Library in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involves identifying a system architecture, testing its prototype, deciding journal selection criteria and priority publisher selection criteria, and defining metadata sets.

Findings

The paper finds that production system and archiving system models are being implemented and tested. Implementation of the delivery system module is in progress. Preservation strategies will be identified.

Practical implications

The KESLI electronic journal digital archive project is proceeding toward completion of its tasks by the end of 2007.

Originality/value

The observations and lessons in the paper provide insights into building a digital archive of electronic journals that can be used as a basis for building similar digital archives in other countries.
The sell side – observations on intellectual capital indicators
Authors: Flöstrand Per
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine the use of indicators of intellectual capital (IC) by financial analysts employed by brokerage firms, so‐called “sell‐side analysts”, and based on the findings draw conclusions on the perceived usefulness of different categories of indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The basis for the paper is a content analysis of 250 sell‐side financial analyst reports written on a respective number of randomly selected S&P 500 companies. The study describes the use of IC information as leading indicators of future performance and identifies the contextual factors related to the use of such indicators.

Findings

The results reveal frequent use of IC indicators in analyst reports. Statistical analysis of the results indicates industry to be a contextual factor that is significantly related to the number of indicators used. Moreover, a majority of the IC indicators refer to relational capital, whereas indicators on human and structural capital are less frequent.

Originality/value

Information on the use of IC indicators is relevant to companies in their information disclosure process. Furthermore, understanding the behavior of users of financial information facilitates the work of standard setters.
Reporting intellectual capital flow in technology‐based companies
Authors: Ng Artie W.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore the development of an intellectual capital flow statement based on a framework that harnesses contemporary research on intellectual capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of wireless technology companies based in Canada are adopted to examine the interrelationship between intellectual capital components with a resource‐based view as well as deficiencies in their current financial reporting with respect to intellectual capital. An intellectual capital flow statement is proposed in order to capture the necessary characteristics.

Findings

This study confirms the inter‐relationship between components of intellectual capital and business growth performance among the selected cases of wireless technology companies. It suggests an “add‐on” disclosure of intellectual capital flow that would enhance the usefulness and predictability of performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on case studies of six wireless technology companies and may not be generalisable to other technology‐based companies.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a disclosure method for intellectual capital that mitigates problems with information asymmetry in technology‐based companies while maintaining harmony with current financial reporting practice.

Originality/value

This paper integrates prior studies and concepts in intellectual capital, technology management and financial accounting theory, aiming to develop an integrated framework for the disclosure of intellectual capital.
Towards the next stage of intellectual capital
Authors: Chatzkel Jay
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at how the papers of the Special Issue provide a perspective for the current state of the field of intellectual capital and a departure point for further research explorations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the other papers in the Special Issue and draws conclusions.

Findings

The papers composing this Special Issue are from a very broad geographical set of regions yet have the common element of being direct reflections on the implementation of intellectual capital initiatives.

Practical implications

This body of papers demonstrates that the field is maturing to one where there are existing initiatives that are in operation or in the process of implementation. The implication is that researchers will need to be aware that there is a transition in the field and to recognize that a new era of intellectual capital is under way.

Originality/value

This paper identifies three stages in the evolution of the field of intellectual capital – i.e. definitional, expansion of the theoretical basis, and implementation – and notes how the papers in this issue embody the transition to the third stage, where the focus will link to implementation.