bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User satisfaction with electronic reference: a systematic review
Authors: Lasda Bergman Elaine M. , Holden Irina I.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to systematically review research that analyzes satisfaction with electronic reference services, paying particular attention to how user satisfaction is measured. The application and value of evidence‐based methodologies for library and information science (LIS) research are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Database searches identified research concerned with electronic reference. Articles with a variable of user satisfaction were extracted and subjected to a critical appraisal. The remaining research was analyzed for similarities, differences, and consistency.

Findings

A wide variety of methods are used to measure user satisfaction. There was almost no overlap in specific questions considered although there were some similarities in methodologies used. The results of this analysis show a lack of standardization in LIS research on this topic.

Research limitations/implications

There may be some bias in the selection of research in that the reviewers were only able to obtain published findings. The lack of consistency in reporting results further limited the articles eligible for review and precluded a meta‐analysis.

Practical implications

By synthesizing the research conducted on this topic, practicing librarians should be able to see patterns in user satisfaction with electronic reference, and become aware of common pitfalls in undertaking user satisfaction assessment. Those conducting or planning LIS research will be able to identify the characteristics of sound research and thorough reporting of results.

Originality/value

Systematic review is an underutilized methodology in LIS research. As evidence‐based librarianship gains traction, it will become a more important tool for LIS researchers. The synthesis and analysis of previous research bring together disparate findings and show patterns and/or differences in providing these services, and brings into focus the lack of consistency in LIS research on this topic.
The relationship between motherhood and professional advancement
Authors: Brown Lorra M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and realities regarding professional advancement following motherhood. Results show great conflict between work and home life regardless of employer support or family‐friendly policies. The paper also seeks to assess conflicting societal attitudes relating to work/family responsibilities and roles, with a focus on the stereotyping and discrimination towards women endemic in the workplace following motherhood.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilized a survey with Likert‐type options and open‐ended questions to measure both perceived and real impact of motherhood on a woman's professional advancement. The sample was purposive featuring working mothers in professional fields at the managerial level and above, all of whom have children who require some level of childcare.

Findings

More than 90 working mothers responded to the survey. The results show a contrast between qualitative and quantitative data and indicate a contradiction between a working mother's expected response and her reality.

Research limitations/implications

Findings indicate that flexible work arrangements do not support working mothers seeking advancement. Limitations may include the size and selection of population.

Practical implications

Working mothers who strive to continue an upward career track following motherhood acknowledge that motherhood has an extreme impact on professional advancement. Many mothers chose to slow down their career path, even when employer policies are family‐friendly.

Originality/value

One of the most compelling findings in this paper is the disparity between women's perception of their situations and the reality of their actual experiences and behaviors, as indicated in the contrasts between the qualitative and the quantitative findings.
Exploring the potential of the union equality representative
Authors: Bennett Tony
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative study of the views of a cross‐section of union regional activists and officers on the potential of a newly developed equality representative role in promoting greater equality in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings are based on an analysis of interview data incorporating the views and experiences of 32 officers and activists currently promoting equality in a region of the UK.

Findings

Findings suggest that this is an equality initiative whose time may have come. This conclusion, however, is tempered by respondents' belief that the equality representative project can only fulfil its potential if the role is mainstreamed into branch structures, policies and processes and, crucially, that the same statutory recognition enjoyed by other union representatives is granted to the equality representative.

Research limitations/implications

The project is at an early stage of development. Therefore, findings are based on the views of significant proponents of union equality initiatives in the region of study. Further research is needed to assess the actual impact of the new representatives as they become active in their branches and organisations.

Practical implications

There are clear implications for management in terms of allowing representatives facility time and thus sharing the potential benefits of this new source of equality expertise. For the unions, the challenge is to mainstream the new role at all levels of the union and negotiate adequate facility time for the equality representative.

Originality/value

The research is one of the few studies focussing on this new union strategy for better addressing the equality needs of their members and offers a clear insight into its potential success.
Apprenticeship training: for investment or substitution?
Authors: Mohrenweiser Jens , Backes‐Gellner Uschi
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive an empirical method to identify different types of training strategies of companies based on publicly available company data.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a ten‐year panel, the within‐firm retention rate, defined as the average proportion of apprentices staying in a company in relation to all apprenticeship graduates of a company over several years, was analyzed. The within‐firm retention rate is used to identify these companies' training strategies.

Findings

It was shown that companies' motivation for apprenticeship training in Germany is not homogeneous: 19 percent of all companies follow a substitution strategy and 44 percent follow an investment strategy. The determinants of the substitution strategy were estimated and, for example, sizeable differences were found between sectors with different skill requirements and between firms' coverage of industrial relations.

Research limitations/implications

The method is well suited to classify substitution‐motivated training firms but it is less precise in identifying the investment motivation. Moreover, very small firms which train only one apprentice need longer panel duration for precise results and therefore the classification results are less precise for very small firms.

Practical implications

The classification can be used to identify determinants of company participation in apprenticeship training and to predict changes in demand for apprentices.

Originality/value

A simple and innovative method of identifying different types of training motivation with publicly available company data was derived, which has so far been possible only with very detailed company‐specific apprenticeship surveys.
The role of size in firms' training: evidence from Spain
Authors: Castany Laia
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse why small firms provide less training to their employees than their larger counterparts. The hypothesis is that large firms are endowed with certain firm characteristics that require more training and with some that allow them to obtain larger returns from this investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the individual contribution of these characteristics to explain the gap between small and large firms in the probability of providing training and its extent using the Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition.

Findings

Small firms face greater obstacles in accessing training and the main reasons for that are related to their technological activity and the geographic scope of the market in which they operate. Together, these variables explain about half of the training gap in both the participation and the quantity decisions.

Practical implications

The limited access to training of small firms prevents them from becoming more competitive by using a tool that would permit a better adoption of new technology and access to foreign markets.

Originality/value

The paper exploits the data on training expenditure and relates this investment with other firms' strategies, such as innovation or internationalization. It also suggests estimating this type of data by means of a two‐part model.
How does job‐training increase firm performance? The case of Morocco
Authors: Dumas Audrey , Hanchane Saïd
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of job‐training programs, initiated by the Moroccan government and called “special training contracts”, on the performance of Moroccan firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Two databases (MICT, OFPPT) of Moroccan firms were considered. Matched databases were completed using a questionnaire survey. Panel data with 322 firms from 2001 to 2003 were obtained.

Findings

The paper highlights that “special training contracts” is an efficient measure of public policy. Indeed, job‐training programs increase the competitiveness and performance of Moroccan firms. Additionally, it was shown that firms have different perceptions of the role of public policy. It was emphasised that training effects are higher when training is considered as part of a human resources development strategy. On the contrary, when firms view public policy as just a financing opportunity, they do not get any returns from training.

Practical implications

A better understanding of the role of STC may increase training efficiency.

Originality/value

The case of an emerging country, Morocco, was studied. The conclusion of the analysis could provide solutions linking human resources management to issues of growth and long‐term development.
Copycats: how smart companies use imitation to gain a strategic edge
Authors: Shenkar Oded
Published: August 2010

Purpose

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

Design/methodology/approach

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

Findings

In the business world, imitation gets a bad rap. We see imitating firms as “me too” players, forced to play catchup because they have nothing original to offer. In Copycats, Oded Shenkar challenges this viewpoint. He reveals how imitation is as critical to prosperity as innovation and how savvy imitators generate huge profits. They save not only on R&D costs but also on marketing and advertising investments made by first movers, and avoid costly errors by observing and learning from others' trials.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

Copycats presents suggestions for making imitation a core element in your competitive strategy and pairing it powerfully with innovation.
Interview with Tom Adams, Chief Executive Officer, Rosetta Stone Inc.
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Tom Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Stone Inc., one of the world's leading language‐learning solution providers.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Rosetta Stone® is an interactive software program that uses technology to simulate the way we all learnt our first language as a child. Learners develop language proficiency naturally, by connecting new words with their meaning, in real‐life contexts that are technology enabled. Interactivity makes learning engaging, and the fact this is a computer‐based tool makes it ideal for busy learners that value convenience.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

Language skills are a vital part of global business, and selling to businesses, organizations and education establishments has become Rosetta Stone's largest growth area over the past few years. The world is learning languages as the world goes global, and language‐learning providers are an extremely important tool in facilitating this globalization.
Core competitiveness indicators: a study of real estate developers in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Shen Liyin , Wu Yuzhe , Peng Yi
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to find an effective approach for enabling real estate firms to understand their competitiveness and identify the core competitiveness indicators (CCIs) that influence the development of developers with particular reference to the Chinese real estate business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A combined method including Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and the fuzzy set method was used to identify CCIs. Research data used for analysis were collected from a questionnaire survey in the Chinese real estate industry.

Findings

Analysis results suggest core indicators for assessing real estate developers' competitiveness include: good corporate brand awareness and sufficient resources for expansion, have access to a diverse range of capital, appropriate annual land reserve, excellent entrepreneurship, proper risk assessment and response capacity, and green development strategy.

Practical implications

The examination of the CCIs furnishes real estate firms with core indicators to assess their competitiveness, thus adopt appropriate strategies to enhance their competitiveness in the real estate market. The findings offer new insights and references for studying similar topics in other industries and countries.

Originality/value

The paper chooses an effective approach to identify the competitiveness indicators for real estate firms by using a combined method including MCS and the fuzzy set method.
Government measures needed to promote building energy efficiency (BEE) in China
Authors: Qian Queena K. , Chan Edwin H.W.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the major differences between the government's role in building energy efficiency (BEE) in China and three developed countries, and to further the understanding of market expectations of the most effective government measures to encourage BEE development in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was: establish a framework for a critical comparative study; compare and assess the BEE promotion measures available to governments in the USA, Canada, the UK and China; survey the BEE market expectations of building design professionals to better understand the favourable measures the Chinese Government could take to further promote BEE; and triangulate the findings of the comparative study and questionnaire survey to develop recommendations for BEE promotion in mainland China.

Findings

Economic incentives are important for BEE promotion at the current stage, but they are lacking in China. Active government interventions, such as adjusting energy pricing and implementing BEE legislation, are needed in China if BEE is to become economically viable and efficient.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to limited resources, the questionnaire survey did not reach every part of China. A further study should be carried out to extend the investigation to more areas of China and to obtain wider stakeholder coverage.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its development of a theoretical framework to further understanding of the government's role in BEE promotion and its use of first‐hand data collected from industry to verify market expectations of that role in China.
Relationship between information systems sophistication and performance measurement
Authors: Akma Mohd Salleh Noor , Jusoh Ruzita , Ruhana Isa Che
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Studies in performance measurement systems (PMS) seem to receive little attention in the information system (IS) literature. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to contribute to the stream of research in the fields of performance measurement and ISs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines how IS sophistication is linked to PMSs by investigating the use of performance measures in the Malaysian financial services industry. Data were collected from 140 financial institutions through self‐administered questionnaire survey of top‐level executives. A component‐based structural equation modelling, partial least squares, was used to test the research model.

Findings

The results indicate that IS sophistication is a determinant of performance measures. The results also indicate that different dimensions of IS sophistication affect different dimensions of performance measures usage.

Originality/value

The paper significantly extends prior research on performance measures by establishing IS sophistication links to the different types of performance measures. Further, the findings clarify the distinct and important roles of each IS dimension's influence on performance measures.
Bringing cyber loafers back on the right track
Authors: Zoghbi‐Manrique‐de‐Lara Pablo , Olivares‐Mesa Arístides
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Despite the use in companies of policy and control mechanisms to tackle cyberloafing, these practices are still popular among employees. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that control systems alone are unable to deter cyberloafing because they are eventually perceived as a sort of “ineffectual dog that may bark a lot, but ultimately does not bite.” Instead, control systems are only expected to deter cyberloafing if employees view them as leading to punitive consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

First, given the easy visibility of cyberloafing activities, the paper proposes a design for control systems that not only includes perceptions of organizational control (monitoring), but also perceptions of the supervisor's physical proximity (proximity). Data are collected from university administration and services personnel, whose main working tool is the computer. They all have internet access and individual e‐mail, a stable physical location at work, and a supervisor. Multiple hierarchical regressions are used to test whether in reality proximity and monitoring are unable to decrease cyberloafing unless they interact together with employees' fear of formal punishment (punishment).

Findings

Only by interacting together and with punishment are proximity and monitoring able to deter cyber loafers from engaging in cyberloafing.

Research limitations/implications

The study could suffer from mono‐method/source bias, and the university that supplied the sample has certain job conditions similar to those of the public sector, thus raising concerns about the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The results suggest that organizational managers should not only ensure that control systems are able to discover incidents and identify the perpetrators, but they should also follow them up with punitive consequences. Only if control systems are implemented together with punishment are they effective in eliciting perceived certainty among cyber loafers of being caught and sanctioned, and hence in “bringing them back on the right track.”

Originality/value

Despite the extensive use of control systems to deter cyberloafing, there are no previous empirical studies that have examined and supported the negative interacting effects of proximity, monitoring, and punishment on cyberloafing.
The factors influencing employees' attitudes in high‐tech environment
Authors: Kuo Tsung‐Hsien , Ho Li‐An , Wu Ya‐Jung , Lin Chien‐Ting
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at factors which result in improved attitudinal outcome (AO) through the proposal and empirical validation of a theoretical model. The model incorporates four major self‐perceived dimensions: personality traits (PTs), job characteristics (JCs), transformational leadership behaviors (LBs), and AOs.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative research using a survey questionnaire as data collecting instrument. Data collected from ten technological companies located in the Neihu Science Park in Taiwan (n=221) were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results reveal that both personal traits and JCs have positive yet insignificant effects on AOs. However, both factors significantly and indirectly influence AOs via transformational LBs.

Originality/value

This proposed model provides an overall framework which indicates how both intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect the perception of LBs, which consequently plays a critical role in influencing employees emotionally. This structure has rarely been explored and the findings are particularly useful for management in helping to set leadership in a bigger context.
Intangible asset management framework: an empirical evidence
Authors: Chareonsuk Chaichan , Chansa‐ngavej Chuvej
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelationships of intangible assets to business performance. The paper reports an empirical evidence for the impact of three elements of intangible assets: learning and growth, internal business process, and external structure on the business performance of the firm. The linkages between intangible asset elements and business performance are investigated in companies of various business sizes, business sectors and establishment ages.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was adapted from the balanced scorecard strategy map. The primary data for analyzing and investigating the interrelationships between intangible assets and business performance were gathered by subjective opinion survey questionnaire. In all, 3,084 questionnaires were distributed to the top management. The numbers of qualified responses were 304 and the data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The commonly assumed causal relationships are confirmed, i.e. the element of learning and growth has influence on internal business process, the element of internal process has effect on external structure, and the element of external structure, in turn, has effect on business performance.

Originality/value

Following the research findings, top management in companies of different sizes, business sectors, and establishment ages should understand the nature of interrelationships and recognize the importance of intangible assets. These findings will enable top management to realize the impact of intangible asset elements on business performance so that long‐term strategies for effective intangible asset management may be emphasized for sustainable competitive advantage of the firm.
B2b eMarketplaces
Authors: Balocco Raffaello , Perego Alessandro , Perotti Sara
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to look in depth at the role of business‐to‐business (B2b) eMarketplaces in supporting B2b relationships, identifying the successful business models and the related critical success factors (CSFs), and to propose a new classification framework to classify eMarketplace business models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the analysis of 30 international eMarketplaces through case study methodology.

Findings

Nine different business models are identified, which can be classified in terms of a service‐provisioning model and supported processes between companies. For each business model, different CSFs are highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been conducted on a sample of 30 significant international eMarketplaces. Future studies could apply the framework to other cases in specific industries.

Originality/value

The paper offers an overview of the eMarketplace business models linking them with the most relevant CSFs. On one hand, the identified CSFs must be considered by managers and entrepreneurs launching new eMarketplaces or managing existing ones, in order to define the strategy, the business model, and the value proposition for the company users. On the other hand, managers facing the problem of adopting internet technology to support a B2b relationship with business partners must learn to distinguish between the different B2b business models, in order to understand their impact on processes and more precisely evaluate the potential value offered by a B2b electronic intermediary.
A resource‐based perspective on information technology and firm performance: a meta analysis
Authors: Liang Ting‐Peng , You Jun‐Jer , Liu Chih‐Chung
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aggregate previous research that adopts the resource‐based view (RBV) to examine whether information technology (IT) and organizational resources have significant effect on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework that includes direct and indirect‐effect models is proposed. A meta‐analysis was conducted on 42 published empirical studies to examine how different factors in the RBV affect firm performance.

Findings

First, it was found that the mediated model that includes organizational capabilities as mediators between organizational resources and firm performance can better explain the value of IT than the direct‐effect model without organizational capabilities. Second, technology resources can improve efficiency performance but may not enhance financial performance directly. Third, internal capabilities affect performance but it is external capabilities that affect financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of meta‐analysis is that findings are based on prior research conducted on different sources at different times. This may cause observation biases. Nonetheless, the large sample size can also increase the robust of the findings.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that companies should focus on how IT resources can be used to enhance their capabilities, which will result in better performance.

Social implications

The findings provide strong evidence that IT has contributed to both financial performance and organizational efficiency through strengthening organizational capabilities. The IT has been effectively used so far and the suspected productivity paradox does not exist.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to information management by increasing the theoretical and practical understanding of how IT resources affect organizational capabilities and firm performance. The findings provide valuable guidelines for future research on IT investment and firm performance.
Managerial networks and strategic flexibility: a QM perspective
Authors: Gutiérrez Gutiérrez L.J. , Fernández Pérez V.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to study the effect of external managerial social networks on strategic flexibility for a quality management (QM) perspective. External social networks can affect strategic flexibility positively. QM also contributes to developing these networks. However, there is currently a wide variety of alternatives for managing quality in organizations, such as ISO standards or the European Foundation for Quality Management model. Thus, different alternatives will influence the external social networks differently in ways that have repercussions for strategic flexibility. Testing these differences is the main purpose of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 203 valid responses were classified in three groups: non‐QM, ISO, and total quality management (TQM) firms. Then, a comparative ANOVA analysis was performed to test differences among groups. Finally, different regressions were run to test the effects of external social networks (range, size and strength) on strategic flexibility depending of the observed group.

Findings

Paper results show that, depending on which QM initiative is implemented in the organization, the effects of external managerial networks on strategic flexibility vary. Thus, in organizations without QM, the range of external social networks influences strategic flexibility negatively, whereas in organizations with ISO standards, this negative effect disappears. In organizations with TQM, the paper finds the positive effect of both size and strength of relations in the networks.

Practical implications

The paper facilitates how to differentiate QM alternatives depending on their observed behavior.

Originality/value

A new perspective (QM) is observed to test how managerial networks affect strategic flexibility.
Motives of transfer pricing strategies – systemic analysis
Authors: Lin Ching‐Wen , Chang Hsiao‐Chen
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the adoption attitudes of internal and external motivations by multinational enterprises (MNEs) concerning transfer pricing manipulation and to discuss on pricing strategies of MNEs under different motives of transfer pricing manipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts literature reviews regarding motives of transfer pricing manipulation and then conducts questionnaire survey and expert interview to select and generalize the transfer pricing manipulation decision making. Analytic network process (ANP) is then applied to obtain factors' weights and model construction.

Findings

The paper finds that tax minimization is no longer the focus of transfer pricing manipulation strategies of Taiwanese MNEs, and their real concerns are winning maximum economic profits, enhancing the competitiveness of the enterprise, and effectively repatriating profits to parent companies in order to facilitate greater economic profits.

Research limitations/implications

It is found from the model that most of the transfer pricing manipulation motives are based on low‐price strategies, which circumvent the exchange rate risks of low quotes. A possible reason is that current business operational patterns that have been limited to the electronic industry adopt the quantity‐based pricing strategy of “narrow profit margin and large volume.” However, the transfer pricing manipulation has great influence on the financial structures of the enterprises. The enterprises, as a result, must understand and reinforce the working of pricing transfer manipulation in the business development.

Originality/value

The paper collects questionnaires and investigation results from experts and scholars and uses ANP to construct a complete pricing strategic decision‐making model that may be taken by actual MNEs under different motives, in order to provide reference to MNEs when making transfer pricing manipulation strategies.
Use of electronic resources by research scholars of Kurukshetra University
Authors: Madhusudhan Margam
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of e‐resources by research scholars of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (India). The main aim is to determine the use of e‐resources, users' skills in handling e‐resources, and the purpose of their use. Further, the paper aims to highlight the problems faced by research scholars in accessing e‐resources, their opinions on feature of e‐resources, and their views on usefulness of e‐resources compared to that of conventional sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 60 research scholars (PhD and MPhil) taken from different departments of Kurukshetra University and the response rate was 83 per cent. A stratified accidental random sample method was used for selection of respondents and interacting with them. These respondents were among those available in the university library during the survey period (18‐28 December 2008). The responses received from the research scholars to 14 questions are presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation.

Findings

The paper concludes that electronic resources have become an integral part of the information needs of research scholars at Kurukshetra University. Further, it finds that e‐resources can be good substitutes for conventional resources, if the access is fast, and more computer terminals are installed to provide fast access to e‐resources. Google is the most widely used search engine for locating information electronically.

Practical implications

The paper restricts the study exclusively to use of e‐resources by the research scholars of Kurukshetra University.

Originality/value

Few attempts have been made to study the use of e‐resources by research scholars and their impact in India. The paper highlights the use of e‐resources in research at Kurukshetra University with some constructive suggestions for improvement of electronic resources and services.
In‐service training for academic librarians: a pilot programme for staff
Authors: Shepherd Eileen
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need for continuing professional development for librarians in academic libraries in general and at Rhodes University Library, South Africa, in particular. It aims to describe the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a staff‐development and training pilot programme for professional librarians at Rhodes Library.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of 15 librarians, drawn from the library staff complement, participated in an eight‐session training course developed by information services librarians. The course, which covered basic information‐finding skills using a variety of research databases and offered an introduction to concepts in twenty‐first century academic librarianship, was presented using course management software in a face‐to‐face environment and required homework exercises and the completion of a two‐hour final test.

Findings

Results of the project demonstrated the urgent need for such development programmes for professional library staff. Of the participants, 80 per cent completed the course. The final test results indicated below average database search skills and an inability to think laterally. An unexpected finding was a lack of IT competencies. Important lessons were learned with regard to course‐construction, content and timing.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that, by testing a variety of competencies expected of professional academic librarians, this programme provided invaluable data and guidelines on which further continuing staff development courses could be based.
Retrieval of bibliographic records using Apache Lucene
Authors: Milosavljević Branko , Boberić Danijela , Surla Dušan
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The aim of the research is modeling and implementing a software component for the retrieval of bibliographic records using the Apache Lucene retrieval engine.

Design/methodology/approach

Object‐oriented methodology is used for modeling and implementation of the bibliographic record retrieval engine. Modeling is carried out in the CASE tool that supports the unified modeling language (UML 2.0), while the implementation is using the Java programming language and open source components.

Findings

The result is a software component for the retrieval of bibliographic records that are independent of the bibliographic format used in cataloging. It features great flexibility in terms of configuring search types without the need to change the software implementation.

Research limitations/implications

One of the constraints of this system relates to the problem of searching linking entry fields. UNIMARC format defines fields used to link the item being cataloged to another bibliographic item, so those fields may contain other fields, which can be termed secondary fields. In this proposed solution, secondary fields are treated as all other fields and there is no information whether the search term belongs to the secondary or a regular field.

Practical implications

The proposed solution is integrated into library information system BISIS, version 4. This version of the BISIS system is in use at university, public and special libraries. By introducing this version, system performance as well as flexibility of the indexing process are improved and at the same time librarians are able to perform sophisticated and effective retrieval of bibliographic records.

Originality/value

The contribution of this work is in the design of a customizable record retrieval component. It is configured by means of an XML document for specifying mapping rules between subfields of the bibliographic record format and search types. By using XML it is possible to add new mapping rules without additional programming. In addition, great attention has been paid to the indexing of subfields that contain punctuation marks having special semantic meanings for librarians and the transliteration between Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Also, originality of this work lies in using the Apache Lucene search engine, which facilitates building highly flexible and efficient retrieval systems.
Internet access and use
Authors: Ani Okon E.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and level of internet access and use by undergraduate students in three Nigerian universities as well as the electronic resources used by these students on the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was the research method used for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed to undergraduate students in three public universities in Nigeria: University of Calabar, Calabar; University of Uyo, Uyo, and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that the internet is extensively used by undergraduate students in the surveyed universities. There is inequitable access to the internet, as students mostly rely on private/commercial internet cybercafés – both on and off campuses – for their access and use. Access to the internet in the university libraries, departments/faculties and university computer/ICT centers is grossly poor; this is due to lack of poor internet infrastructure and connectivity and non‐sustainable internet services in these universities. In spite of the extensive use of the internet, there exists a poor level of use of electronic resources such as the electronic journals and online databases which are essential for learning and research. The findings of the study have also revealed the need for effective user education on internet access and use in university libraries in Nigeria for optimal utilization of electronic information sources.

Originality/value

The paper will be useful for those in decision‐making roles as it reveals the need for the provision of relevant internet infrastructural facilities in Nigerian universities to enhance equitable and sustainable access to the internet by the students to support their academic activities.
Quality assessment of academic libraries' performance with a special reference to information technology‐based services
Authors: Babalhavaeji Fahimeh , Isfandyari‐Moghaddam Alireza , Vahid Aqili Seyed , Shakooii Ali
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The present paper's purpose is to review the literature related to quality assessment and performance evaluation in academic libraries, whether empirical or theoretical, and to extract key issues. It aims to explore which criteria exert a significant relationship with the academic libraries' performance quality; identify a set of criteria that appears to be useful for assessing the quality of academic libraries ITBS; and use these criteria to develop an instrument or evaluation checklist for evaluating the quality of academic libraries ITBS.

Design/methodology/approach

Related keywords such as “academic libraries research”, “academic libraries evaluation”, “academic libraries assessment” were searched on the web as well as some leading databases. In addition, available library resources as well as online book databases were consulted. Key issues were identified, categorized and discussed to develop the evaluation checklist suggested by the paper.

Findings

A number of indicators have been developed and tested in quality assessment studies debated in the paper. The literature reveals that evaluating ITBS in academic libraries should be considered to a greater extent and thus, more evaluation studies on the basis of validated tools are needed.

Research limitations/implications

The review does not claim to be comprehensive.

Originality/value

The paper can serve as a research roadmap concerning quality assessment of ITBS in academic libraries for researchers, managers, academic authorities and users.
Assessment of the accuracy of homogenization in finite element analysis of grid plates under transverse loads
Authors: Cagdas Izzet U.
Published: August 2010

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to assess the accuracy of homogenization or the smeared stiffness approach in analyzing quadrigrid plates under transverse loads is assessed by comparing two distinct finite element solutions. The grid is assumed to be made of homogeneous isotropic material. However, the numerical solution procedure adopted here is applicable to grids made of unidirectional composite ribs.
Design/methodology/approach — The finite element structural analysis is conducted by using plate elements based on the first‐order shear deformable theory (FSDT) and grillage analysis using first‐order shear deformable beam elements. The grillage analysis results, which are taken as the exact results, are compared with the approximate results obtained using FSDT plate elements, where the stiffness matrices obtained by the smeared stiffness approach are incorporated in the plate finite element formulation. Several sample problems are solved and the influences of rib spacing, rib thickness‐to‐width ratio, plate dimensions, and loading are examined.
Findings — The results presented here show that homogenization yields reliable results when certain conditions are satisfied.
Originality/value — The paper demonstrates that it is necessity to conduct thorough and systematic research studies revealing the accuracy of these models, as the applicability limits of homogenization are not clearly known.
Nonstationary random vibration analysis of coupled vehicle‐bridge systems
Authors: Zhang Z.C. , Lin J.H. , Zhang Y.H. , Howson W.P. , Williams F.W.
Published: August 2010

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to present a new nonstationary, random vibration method for the analysis of coupled vehicle‐bridge systems with vertical track irregularity. Design/methodology/approach — The vehicle is modeled using a two‐layer suspension system and hence possesses ten degrees of freedom. The bridge is simulated using a Bernoulli‐Euler beam and the longitudinal track irregularity is taken as a uniformly modulated, evolutionary random process that includes phase lags between successive wheels. The pseudo‐excitation method (PEM) is extended to include time‐dependent systems for the first time, thus making it possible to compute the nonstationary random vibration of coupled vehicle‐bridge systems. Additionally, the precise integration method (PIM) is adapted to simulate continuous vehicle force variations in both time and space. Findings — The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed PEM‐PIM method are confirmed by comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations. The influence of vehicle speed and track irregularity on system random responses are evaluated, and it is shown that the first and second derivatives of the track irregularity should not be arbitrarily ignored, as is usually the case. Originality/value — PEM and PIM are relatively new tools for the numerical solution of complicated random vibration problems and direct dynamic analyses. Until now, they have only been applied to time‐independent systems. However, it is shown herein that the proposed PEM‐PIM method performs nonstationary random vibration analysis of time‐dependent coupled vehicle‐bridge systems efficiently and accurately.
Basic displacement functions in analysis of nonprismatic beams
Authors: Attarnejad Reza
Published: August 2010

Purpose — Analysis of nonprismatic members has received a great deal attention from designers and engineers due to their ability in satisfaction of architectural and aesthetic necessities. Using these structural members in complex structures such as aircrafts, turbine blades and space vehicles, exact static and dynamic analyses of these members become more significant. Based on structural/mechanical principles, the purpose of this paper is to present a new method to evaluate exact structural matrices for nonprismatic Euler‐Bernoulli beam elements.
Design/methodology/approach — Through introducing the concept of basic displacement functions (BDFs), it is shown that exact shape functions are derived in terms of BDFs. BDFs and their derivatives have structural interpretations; therefore, they are obtained via application of flexibility method. Unlike the conventional methods, which are almost categorized as displacement‐based methods, the flexibility basis of the method ensures the true satisfaction of equilibrium equations at any interior point of the element.
Findings — The exact shape functions and consequently structural matrices are derived for general nonprismatic beam elements. Numerical examples are carried out to determine static deflection and natural frequencies, and the results are highly competent with the other methods in literature.
Research limitations/implications — The method can be extended to structural analysis of curved beams, plates and shells as well. Moreover, it is possible to derive exact dynamic shape functions via BDFs by solving the governing equation for transverse vibration of beams. Theoretically, the method faces limitation in analysis of nonprismatic beams that converge to a point where cross‐sectional area and moment of inertia are equal to zero.
Practical implications — The development of this idea, i.e. BDFs seems to lead to promotive novel approaches for structural analysis and could be a breaking point for developing new elements for plates and shells as it was shown for beam elements.
Originality/value — The paper's introduction of special functions, namely BDFs and their application, in both static and dynamic analyses of structures, could be a breaking point in analysis procedures.