bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing cloud learning in an organization: a training perspective
Authors: Ratten Vanessa 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to assist those involved with personnel training and training management in the implementation of cloud learning in their organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on practical examples and provides a discussion on the importance of cloud learning as part of the application of new technology in an organizational context.FindingsManagers need to consider a number of factors when implementing cloud learning including: technology adoption, organizational control and participation of skill development.Practical implicationsManagers can assist the development of cloud learning activities by focusing on the training of employees who may require additional time spent on technology adoption and job‐related information.Originality/valueThis paper provides practical insight into the implementation of cloud learning in an organization and includes insight into how technological innovation is used to support employee training.
Communication overload: a phenomenological inquiry into academic reference librarianship
Authors: Sean Burns C. , Bossaller Jenny 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis study aims to provide insight on the meaning of communication overload as experienced by modern academic librarians. Communication is the essence of reference librarianship, and a practically endless array of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools (ICTs) are available to facilitate communication.Design/methodology/approachThis study relied on a phenomenological methodology, which included nine in‐depth interviews with academic librarians. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using RQDA, a qualitative analysis software package that facilitates coding, category building, and project management.FindingsSeven themes about librarianship emerged from this research: attending to communication abundance, librarians of two types, instruction not reference, twenty‐first century librarianship, user needs, trusted methods: filter not retrieve, and self‐impact. The shared meaning of communication overload among these librarians is that it is a problem when it detracts from or hinders their ability to assist their users.Practical implicationsFurther research should contribute to an understanding of communication as a problem when it interferes with serving the librarians' users, or to an understanding of interpersonal communication within the librarians' organizational structures and in their broader professional networks.Social implicationsResearch in popular psychology has focused on the negative impacts on productivity and concentration of living in an always‐plugged‐in environment. This research confirms that librarians should have time to work away from digital distractions to maintain job satisfaction.Originality/valueImportant work by Radford and Dervin has focused on communication with users. This study focuses on the impact of ICTs on librarians' work and personal lives.
Coming across information serendipitously – Part 1
Authors: Makri Stephann , Blandford Ann 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis research seeks to gain a detailed understanding of how researchers come across information serendipitously, grounded in real‐world examples. This research was undertaken to enrich the theoretical understanding of this slippery phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured critical incident interviews were conducted with 28 interdisciplinary researchers. Interviewees were asked to discuss memorable examples of coming across information serendipitously from their research or everyday life. The data collection and analysis process followed many of the core principles of grounded theory methodology.FindingsThe examples provided were varied, but shared common elements (they involved a mix of unexpectedness and insight and led to a valuable, unanticipated outcome). These elements form part of an empirically grounded process model of serendipity. In this model, a new connection is made that involves a mix of unexpectedness and insight and has the potential to lead to a valuable outcome. Projections are made on the potential value of the outcome and actions are taken to exploit the connection, leading to an (unanticipated) valuable outcome.Originality/valueThe model provides researchers across disciplines with a structured means of understanding and describing serendipitous experiences.
Assessing information taxonomies using epistemology and the sociology of science
Authors: Alexander Fran 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to summarise a literature review undertaken to determine whether or not information taxonomy work, as a specific activity within the broader field of knowledge organisation system construction, can usefully be compared to a process of scientific enquiry. The theories of objectivity and subjectivity proposed by Helen Longino are considered, to determine their relevance to taxonomists and classification theorists.Design/methodology/approachThe review assesses and synthesises relevant best practice and theoretical literature from information science, sociology of science, and related disciplines, including linguistics, epistemology, and psychology.FindingsAlthough requirements of objectivity in science and in taxonomy work differ significantly, the achievement of consensus within communities is similar. This warrants development of Longino's theories for application to taxonomy work.Research limitations/implicationsThe potentially relevant literature represents too vast and diverse a body of scholarship for comprehensive review of every area, so a synthetic interdisciplinary approach has been taken, highlighting aspects worthy of further investigation.Practical implicationsSubjectivity and objectivity are deemed significant for information taxonomists, especially regarding usability and accessibility of systems, while the sociology of science provides frameworks that could be adapted to offer methods of assessing the subjectivity and objectivity of taxonomies. This suggests much potential for developing Longino's theories into a framework or set of heuristics for taxonomy practitioners.Originality/valueCurrent literature on taxonomy work, as distinct from classification, categorisation, and similar topics within the broader knowledge organisation field, is scant, and academic and interdisciplinary approaches scarce. Relating the sociology of science to information taxonomy work is a novel approach. By exposing this relationship, a starting point is provided for researchers who wish to develop understanding of these fields and theoretical understanding of taxonomies and professional best practice is enhanced.
Learning to manage risks in international R&D joint ventures through ownership decisions
Authors: Elango B. , Chen Stephen 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the interaction between risk, learning and ownership decisions in international R&D joint ventures.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on international strategic R&D joint ventures of US firms. The sample is made up of 266 firms. Regression models are used in the testing of the hypotheses.FindingsThe authors show a clear difference between the effects of performance versus relational risks on ownership decisions in international joint ventures (IJVs). In response to performance risk, firms are less likely to pursue a majority ownership, whereas with relational risk the effect is opposite.Originality/valueA key contribution of this paper is that it shows the effects of performance versus relational risks on ownership decisions in IJVs. Another contribution is the finding that IJV experience moderates the effects of relational risk factors on firms' ownership decisions in joint ventures. With greater joint venture experience, firms are more likely to take a non‐dominant position in response to diverse partners as they develop routines and capabilities that allow them to better manage IJV partners and minimize the risk of partner opportunism without the need for majority ownership.
Financial regulation and transparency of information: evidence from banking industry
Authors: Ferreira de Mendonça Helder , José Cordeiro Galvão Délio , Falci Villela Loures Renato 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to see if a difference exists between the impact of the subprime crisis on countries with more transparency and more regulated finance than on others. A further objective is to explain the success of the Brazilian case in avoiding the financial crisis and to show empirical evidence for the presence of market discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a regulation and transparency index (RTI) based on 37 countries. Considering RTI and stock market index of developed economies, BRICs economies, and developing economies, cross‐country estimations are made. Furthermore, the analysis for market discipline in the Brazilian case is based on GMM panels, taking into account market discipline through subordinated debt holders (debentures).FindingsThe results indicate that a higher degree of regulation and transparency is related to a higher return and a lower volatility in the stock market during the subprime crisis. Moreover, one of the main reasons for the apparent success of the Brazilian case in facing the crisis is the combination of a strong regulation of the financial system and the presence of market discipline.Practical implicationsTransparency of information by the banking sector is relevant for the regulation of the financial system.Originality/valueThe paper presents new insights for the literature on financial regulation and transparency of information in the search for a framework capable of avoiding financial crisis.
Dual nominal anchors in the Caribbean
Authors: Khemraj Tarron , Pasha Sukrishnalall 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it estimates the sterilization coefficients for several Caribbean countries. Second, it contributes to the literature by providing a conceptual framework for understanding why regional economies with fully pegged exchange rate regimes have not allowed the money supply to be endogenous to capital flows. This paper notes that a high sterilization coefficient plus a de facto pegged exchange rate indicates the existence of dual nominal anchors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a simple theoretical model to explain this phenomenon. The model combines the liquidity preference of commercial banks with an augmented uncovered interest parity equation.FindingsThe econometric evidence presented shows that several Caribbean economies with fixed exchange rate regimes also possess high sterilization coefficients. Given open capital accounts in the various economies, the paper argues that this finding contravenes the money neutrality thesis, which holds that only one nominal anchor can prevail in the long term.Originality/valueThe model emphasizes that the interest rate formation and liquidity preference of oligopolistic commercial banks – the dominant financial institutions in a post‐liberalized setting – prevents counteracting capital movements when monetary policy changes above or along a threshold or bank mark‐up interest rate.
The net generation: its impact on the business landscape
Authors: Dumeresque David 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper addresses a new generation of employees and the effect this generation is having on the current business landscape.Design/methodology/approachIt is only recently that business leaders have become aware of this generational shift that is impacting on their organizations, but digital natives are not well understood by most senior management today.FindingsThis paper discusses the salient differences between two current generations of employees, and aims to improve managers' understanding of digital natives and what they need to do to attract and retain the necessary talent required to achieve ongoing business success.Practical implicationsThe issues addressed in this paper will benefit all those who are responsible for the recruitment, development, promotion and management of people, irrespective of the nature or size of their businesses.Originality/valueThe term “digital natives” appeared in the academic literature more than a decade ago, but little attention has been paid to them at the business level.
Sustainability of solid brick walls with retrofitted external hemp‐lime insulation
Authors: Griffiths Richard , Goodhew Steve 
Published: August 2012

PurposeDwellings constructed before 1920 often had solid brick walls with poor thermal performance. Today there is a drive to reduce both energy demand and carbon dioxide production. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that mixtures of chopped hemp straw with lime based binders added to the external surface of brick walls can substantially reduce the air to air thermal transmittance, or U‐value W/m2 K, and that these mixtures provide a sustainable remedial treatment for solid brick walls. The aim is to achieve wall U‐values as good as, or better than, the current UK Building Regulations design value of 0.30 W/m2 K.Design/methodology/approachSeveral Microsoft Excel spread sheets have been constructed to determine the steady state and transient thermal properties of various brick walls. These spread sheets are validated by comparing their output with the published thermal data to be found in the CIBSE Design Guide. The sustainable aspects of a number of different externally hemp‐lime insulated Victorian brick walls are described and discussed.FindingsThe U‐values and the transient thermal properties of solid brick walls with thickness 110 mm, 220 mm and 340 mm are presented. The transient properties include the admittance, decrement factor and lag time. These walls are then considered with various added external layers of hemp‐lime ranging in thickness from 50 mm to 300 mm. Some solid brick walls have an added air cavity, created with studding and plywood sheathing, before the layer of hemp‐lime. Walls with external tile hanging for sites with high exposure to driving rain are also discussed.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the advantages of the energy saving and carbon dioxide sequestration achieved by adding 200 mm of a hemp‐lime binder insulation to the exterior of Victorian brick walls of terraced dwellings.
Re‐imagining existing architecture
Authors: Mansfield J.R. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the range of philosophical issues that can encourage practitioners toward a reflective and meditative consideration of refurbishment as a way of re‐imagining existing architecture.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically reviews existing architecture literature and the emerging applied ethical enquiry in the built environment.FindingsRefurbishment projects can help achieve an extension of the economic life for many buildings. The re‐imagining of buildings is far from merely being a technical exercise. By analogously considering a building as a human, various characteristics and traits can be found – a voice, emotions and memory. The messages that are recovered from buildings need to be decoded. The ongoing applied ethical enquiry based upon the responsive cohesion model is encouraging architects to reconsider the philosophical basis of their obligations to existing buildings.Originality/valueThe paper offers an applied consideration of three linked issues that can encourage a more meditative approach to re‐imagining architecture.
Computer self‐efficacy and factors influencing e‐learning effectiveness
Authors: Chien Tien‐Chen 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of system and instructor factors on e‐learning effectiveness under the interactions of computer self‐efficacy. In this study, the factors of the e‐learning system are functionality, interaction, and response. The factors of the e‐learning instructor are attitude, technical skills, and instructional method. The moderating effects of learners' computer self‐efficacy are examined.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed general employees in the financial services industry in Taiwan. A questionnaire was developed to measure participants' perceptions. Four hundred questionnaires were sent out, and 362 were returned. Of these, 314 were valid, leading to a return rate of 78.5 percent.FindingsThe results of data analysis indicate that both system and instructor factors have significant positive influences on e‐learning effectiveness. Learners' computer self‐efficacy has a moderating effect on the relationship between system functionality and training effectiveness. The higher the computer self‐efficacy, the stronger is the relationship between functionality and effectiveness, and vice versa. However, computer self‐efficacy does not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between other independent variables and training effectiveness.Originality/valueSince both system and instructor factors have positive influences on e‐learning effectiveness, HRD managers need to pay more attention to issues in both areas. High computer self‐efficacy can result in better training effectiveness; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to enhancing employee computer skills and their confidence in using e‐learning.
Reorienting self‐directed learning for the creative digital era
Authors: Karakas Fahri , Manisaligil Alperen 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the new role that human resource developers play in the globally connected workplace. Towards that end, this paper explores the changing landscape of self‐directed learning (SDL) within the digital ecosystem based on the concept of World 2.0.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews and builds on the literatures of self‐directed learning and Web 2.0 technologies to explore how self‐directed learning is being transformed in the creative digital era.FindingsThe paper outlines five transformations that change the landscape of workplace learning in the creative digital era: virtual collaboration, technological convergence, global connectivity, online communities, and digital creativity.Practical implicationsThis paper gives extensive guidance on how HRD specialists and practitioners can transform their strategies to adapt to the training needs of employees in the creative digital era. The paper provides new ideas and vision for industrial trainers and human resource development practitioners on self‐directed learning.Research limitations/implicationsThis article provides some future research areas and limitations.Originality/valueThis paper opens up new possibilities for self‐directed learning and discusses how self‐directed learning might be transformed in the light of technological and workplace changes. In particular, self‐directed learning might decrease the HRD/training costs significantly while providing employees with just‐in time training.
Relationships between desired attributes, consequences and purchase frequency
Authors: Min Soonhong , Overby Jeffrey W. , Shin Im Kun 
Published: August 2012

PurposeEmploying means‐end theory, this paper seeks to examine the influence of specific types of product attributes upon desired consumption consequences and the mediating impact of desired consequences upon purchase frequency.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed means‐end interviews to generate specific attribute and consequence measures. These measures were then administered in a survey instrument within the context of a fashion product. Partial least squares was used for testing the measurement validity of the survey instrument and testing the structural model and related hypotheses.FindingsStyle attributes significantly related to desired psychological and social consequences but did not significantly relate to functional consequences. Quality significantly related to functional consequences and social consequences but not psychological consequences. Price significantly related to all consequences. Psychological consequences were the strongest predictor of purchase frequency followed by functional consequences. Finally, desired consequences played a mediating role between product attributes and purchase frequency, with no direct influence of attributes upon purchase frequency.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings demonstrate the value of understanding the consumption consequences that consumers desire for products, especially after initial purchase. In doing so, the findings also provide some evidence that consequences may be better predictors of behavioral outcomes than product attributes.Practical implicationsThis study demonstrates that the consumer means‐end value hierarchy can be used as a tool for understanding the meanings that consumers construct around products and services. Moreover, it indicates that marketers should consider customer value analysis as a segmentation tool.Originality/valueThis paper represents one of the few to test the chain of cause‐and‐effect relationships of the means‐end hierarchy within an integrated framework. It is original in that it specifically tests the relationships between major attributes (i.e. style, quality, and price) and particular consequence types (i.e. psychological, social, and functional).
Research on energy savings opportunities in university libraries
Authors: Linden Jeremy , Reilly James , Herzog Peter 
Published: August 2012

PurposeMechanical systems in library environments are typically designed to run continuously in order to maintain the desired environmental conditions for preservation purposes, often resulting in a high cost in dollars and energy consumption. Altering these conditions through changed HVAC operating schedules is a risk many librarians and institutions are hesitant to take. This study aims to introduce the methodology and early findings of current research into the question of whether energy usage can be significantly reduced in libraries by carefully monitored and risk‐managed shutdowns of air handling units (AHUs) during unoccupied hours in selected spaces without compromising the quality of the preservation environment.Design/methodology approachAs part of the project, the authors are monitoring up to three air handling units (AHUs) at each of five partner institutions, three of which are university libraries or repositories, as well as the associated collections spaces served by the units.FindingsEarly findings show the potential value of systems shutdowns in various parts of the country, while also identifying regions that are less favorable.Practical implicationsIn all cases, the experimentation with and successful implementation of a shutdown schedule, without adversely affecting preservation conditions, was preceded by careful documentation and risk management, as described.Originality/valueUnlike unilateral HVAC equipment shutdowns and setbacks conducted solely for energy management, with little regard for collections, this risk‐managed and documented approach potentially allows for the reduction of energy usage without placing collections' health at risk.