bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cybernetics of authenticity
Authors: Bartscht Jan 
Published: June 2013

PurposeResearch was conducted in order to identify behaviours that improve a system viability in a complex, chaotic and volatile world. The purpose of this paper is to explain why complex cybernetic systems must be authentic over time in order to maximise their viability in a complex, chaotic and volatile world.Design/methodology/approachIn total, eight faculty staff from the Thunderbird School of Global Management were interviewed around the subject of “being a successful 21st century leader”. These interviews were analysed using Ricoeur's hermeneutic methodology which resulted in three behaviours being identified: be authentic, open and transparent; these behaviours were then deep interpreted according to Ricoeur's methodology using cybernetic principles. This is an innovative piece of research that brings together phenomenology, cybernetics and leadership studies but it is also limited by being a new approach.FindingsComplex cybernetic systems must be authentic because authentic behaviour nurtures the system's identity and ensures that it is able to consistently generate a clear goal signal. It is also proposed that authenticity is important for coping with the “law of variety” by acting as an amplification mechanism.Research limitations/implicationsThe research implication is that it is possible to identify behaviours to improve the viability of all complex cybernetic systems.Originality/valueThe work is highly original because it provides a cybernetic explanation for why authentic behaviour is necessary. As far as the author is aware, no work has yet combined cybernetics with leadership behaviours and provided a cogent explanation for why authenticity is so important for system viability. The value of this work is that it clearly shows the value of authentic behaviour by showing how and why authentic behaviour improves system viability and how inauthentic behaviour harms system viability.
Exploring LIS academics' responses to knowledge management
Authors: Roknuzzaman  , Umemoto Katsuhiro 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why library and information science (LIS) academics have responded to the advent of knowledge management (KM).Design/methodology/approachThe study employs an “experience survey” as a research strategy. Besides a review of scientific literature, this study conducts an e‐mail survey of 106 LIS academics of the world who have adopted KM education in their schools. A structured questionnaire comprising of both closed and open questions is used as the data collection instrument. The study analyses 57 filled‐in valid questionnaires following a mixed‐method approach of research.FindingsThe ways of knowing and degrees of understanding of KM concepts among the LIS academics are varied. Although KM is distinct from LIS, there exists a strong link between the two knowledge domains. LIS academics have positively responded to KM and considering its long root in LIS, they have argued for a serious consideration of the adoption of KM in LIS. The significant reasons for why the academics have responded to KM are the role of global knowledge economy, the natural evolution of the information field, interdisciplinarity, domain expansion, survival issues, and trends in technological innovations, etc.Research limitations/implicationsMany LIS schools do not come under investigation due to lack of their web accessibility.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that LIS academics apply a holistic approach of KM and expand the knowledge domain of LIS by providing a sound understanding of the underlying concepts, theories, principles, techniques, and technologies of KM.Originality/valueThe empirical findings of the study are the original views and responses of LIS academics who are experienced in KM.
Agricultural information sources used for climate change adaptation in Tanzania
Authors: Mwalukasa Nicholaus 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess sources of agricultural information used by farmers for climate change adaptation in the semi arid areas of Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachMixed quantitative and qualitative methods were deployed. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 100 farmers in three selected wards in Chamwino district in Tanzania. Focus groups were also used to collect qualitative data from 30 farmers in the same wards.FindingsThe results showed that the major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local (neighbours and friends), followed by public extension services. Apart from radio and cell phones, advanced technologies (i.e. internet and e‐mail) and printed materials were not used in the study area, despite their existence in the communities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on preferred information source of agricultural information and knowledge, development of technologies and use multiple sources of knowledge and information (such as print and mass media) to deliver relevant information to farmers to enable them to adapt to climate change.Originality/valueThe study provides a deep understanding of sources of agricultural information used by farmers in the semi arid area, which necessitates a need for demand‐led and client‐based information services, in order to meet the disparate farmers' needs in this regime of climate change. These findings can serve as an example for the increasing use of mixed quantitative and qualitative in information research.
Non‐audit services and knowledge spillovers
Authors: Walker Angela , Hay David 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe accounting profession has argued strongly against claims that the provision of non‐audit services to audit clients leads to impaired auditor independence, instead claiming that the joint provision of non‐audit services and audit services creates knowledge spillovers that lead to a more efficient audit. This paper seeks to provide evidence concerning knowledge spillovers by examining the association between the audit report lag and non‐audit services.Design/methodology/approachThe authors obtained a sample of 260 firm‐year observations from the financial reports of New Zealand public companies over the period 2004‐2005 and tested for associations between non‐audit services and audit report lag, controlling for other variables.FindingsThe paper finds evidence that non‐audit services are associated with a shorter audit report lag, but that this occurs in a subsequent period, not in the year in which the services are provided.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that firms purchasing non‐audit services from their incumbent auditors benefit from knowledge spillovers by achieving a shorter audit report lag, but not immediately.Originality/valuePrevious studies have examined whether there is a relationship between non‐audit services and audit report lag in the concurrent period. This paper extends tests to also examine the relationship between NAS in one year and the audit in a subsequent year. These results are more consistent with knowledge spillovers that allow a more efficient audit than they are with loss of independence by the auditor, because loss of independence would take effect immediately, while knowledge spillovers might take time.
Honoring complexity
Authors: Ford Lucy R. , Seers Anson , Neumann Jill 
Published: June 2013

PurposeMost micro‐oriented research has assumed that leaders operate within a formally designed, pre‐specified and stable structural hierarchy. In the emerging knowledge economy, however, the watchwords have become flexibility and speed. Today's business practices feature temporary task forces, project teams, joint ventures, and alliances. The authors aim to draw from the political science literature, presenting methodology for examining team leadership in context that augments and enhances the analyses that can be obtained with commonly used correlational/regression models.Design/methodology/approachMore specifically, the authors will develop a detailed analysis of the potential applicability of the set‐theoretic approach for elucidating a configural analysis of team leadership, demonstrating that this method provides insight into the data that complements that provided by regression analysis.FindingsThe authors examine the findings from more traditional approaches to analysis, and set‐theoretic analysis, and demonstrate that set‐theoretic analysis provides additional insights into the phenomena in question.Research limitations/implicationsThe possibilities for future research in the organizational leadership literature using set‐theoretic analysis are endless. The method is appropriate for theory development, theory confirmation, exploration, and more. Our current theoretical models are lacking in complexity, partly due to the limitations of existing methodology, and our advice to organizations would be significantly enriched were we able to establish that there are alternate means to the desired outcome, based on the context. Set‐theoretic methodology promises to enrich and enhance our field, particularly if we use it iteratively with the currently common methodologies, to develop richer and more contextually based theories.Originality/valueSet‐theoretic methods may well provide an additional set of tools for better understanding leadership in the context in which it occurs.
Self‐regulatory focus: the impact on long‐term consumer compliance behavior
Authors: Dellande Stephanie , Nyer Prashanth 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to shed greater light on the factors that influence consumer compliance behavior, e.g. SRF, in compliance dependent services (CDS). CDS, e.g. weight loss, retirement savings, education, credit repair, are long term in nature, often requiring lifestyle changes. In addition, and importantly, the customer's role in CDS extends beyond the face‐to‐face interaction and requires the consumer to comply with prescribed behaviors when away from the service provider.Design/methodology/approachThe subjects were 243 female clients (aged 20 to 45) at a weight loss/fitness center located in south India. Subjects were selected from among the new clients who signed up for an eight‐week long weight loss and fitness program which seeks to help clients lose modest amounts of excess weight (averaging approximately ten pounds). On signing up, respondents completed a survey that included several scales of regulatory focus, and a question eliciting reasons for wanting to lose weight.FindingsThis study exams the role of self‐regulatory focus (SRF) in long‐term customer compliance behavior in weight loss. A specific measure of SRF led to better outcomes than the generalized measures of SRF.Originality/valueThough this research project examines consumer behavior in the context of weight loss activities, it has far‐ranging implications for various services requiring consumers to engage in prescribed behaviors over the long run. For example, the success of debt counseling services and retirement savings programs require clients to engage in certain behaviors over the long run. Marketers of CDS programs will be able to use the findings of this research project to find new ways to increase long‐term customer compliance behavior.
Applying SPAT for understanding B‐to‐B supplier switching processes
Authors: Selos Erno , Laine Teemu , Roos Inger , Suomala Petri , Pitkänen Lauri 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis study aims to focus on the switching path analysis technique (SPAT) application to enlarge the understanding of customer switching from the business to consumer (B‐to‐C) context to the processes of business‐to‐business (B‐to‐B) supplier switches.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a theory extension of SPAT, with nine (9) supplier switching cases in different B‐to‐B settings. The cases shed light also on the actual triggers and determinants of the B‐to‐B switches.FindingsThe study proves the applicability of SPAT in B‐to‐B settings. The B‐to‐B context adds complexity, forming a relationship flow where many driving factors act for switching. Thus, the findings suggest that a comprehensive analysis of the triggers and determinants is required to understand the switching processes. In particular, the characteristics of the active/passive behaviour should be analysed separately in the customer and in the old and new suppliers.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical findings are exploratory in nature. Further research should refine the characteristics of active and passive behaviour at the levels of the relationship, the companies and the individuals to comprehend the notion of the influential trigger in SPAT. Further research should also address the wider topic of the patterns of certain triggers and determinants that actually lead to unstable supplier relationships.Practical implicationsThe B‐to‐B supplier switches appear to be complex processes. The supplier should be able to be constantly aware of the major changes in the customer's business. Based on this awareness, the supplier may actively affect the development of the relationship to avoid unwanted switches.Originality/valueThe paper combines the relatively mature research stream of B‐to‐C supplier switches and access to B‐to‐B supplier‐switching cases. The theory contribution of the paper is the extension of the theory to the B‐to‐B context, with relevant research implications.
Teamwork effectiveness factors in healthcare and manufacturing industries
Authors: Jaca Carmen , Viles Elisabeth , Tanco Martin , Mateo Ricardo , Santos Javier 
Published: June 2013

PurposeTeamwork is one of the most powerful tools to ensure success across any activity. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that actively contribute to the effectiveness of teams. This research looks at two different types of teams: care delivery teams representing healthcare and improvement teams representing the manufacturing industry. The aim is to provide greater knowledge about the application of team work factors in different environments.Design/methodology/approachQualitative interviews about teamwork factors were conducted with 17 leaders of teams from healthcare and 22 leaders from manufacturing industries. The responses were categorized into different levels according to the application of each factor. Then, the factors were analyzed to draw conclusions about the different approaches to teamwork and their application.FindingsMost of the factors analyzed are highly applied in both sectors. However, we found significant differences between hospitals and the manufacturing industry when it comes to factors such as strategies, feedback on results, leadership, participation and communication.Originality/valueMeasuring each factor in two different sectors (healthcare and industry) has yielded noteworthy findings and the best practices for their implementation.
Successional specialization in a reptile community cautions against widespread planned burning and complete fire suppression
Authors: Smith Annabel L. , Michael Bull C. , Driscoll Don A. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryConservation of biodiversity in fire‐prone regions depends on understanding responses to fire in animal communities and the mechanisms governing these responses.We collated data from an Australian semi‐arid woodland reptile community (4796 individuals captured over 6 years) to: (i) determine the ability of commonly used shorter‐term (2 years) surveys to detect reptile responses to time since fire (TSF) and (ii) investigate whether ecological traits of species reliably predicted their responses to fire.Of 16 reptile species analysed, four had responses toTSFconsistent with shorter‐term surveys and three showed no response toTSF. Nine species had responses toTSFnot detected in previous studies using smaller but substantial subsets of the same data.Among the 13 affected species, times of peak abundance ranged from 1 to 50 years after fire. Nocturnal, burrowing species tended to be early successional and leaf‐litter dwellers to be late successional, but these were only weak trends.Synthesis and applications. We found only limited support for a generalizable, trait‐based model of succession in reptiles. However, our study revealed that the majority of common reptile species in our study region specialize on a post‐fire successional stage and may therefore become threatened if homogeneous fire regimes predominate. Our study highlights the importance of interpreting results from time‐ or sample‐limited fire studies of reptiles with the knowledge that many ecological responses may not have been detected. In such cases, an adaptive or precautionary approach to fire management may be necessary.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Confronting contingency in restoration: management and site history determine outcomes of assembling prairies, but site characteristics and landscape context have little effect
Authors: Grman Emily , Bassett Tyler , Brudvig Lars A. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

The outcomes of ecological restoration are notoriously unpredictable, but we have no general predictive understanding of this contingency. Management decisions can have strong effects on restoration outcomes, but in other cases may be overwhelmed by site characteristics (e.g. soil conditions), landscape context (e.g. abundance of similar habitat) or historical factors (e.g. priority effects). However, we generally cannot predict which of these four classes of drivers will affect restoration outcomes. Disparate aspects of restoration outcomes (e.g. species richness, beta diversity and community composition) and their unique responses further complicate our understanding. Finally, these four classes of drivers might differentially affect subsets of the restored community, where, for example, management might shape the abundance and distribution of species of the target community, while other species are more contingent on site, landscape or historical factors.

Here, we used variation partitioning to compare the relative importance of management, site, landscape and historical factors for determining the plant community outcomes of 27 prairie restorations in south‐west Michigan.

We found that management, especially the composition, diversity and density of seed mixes applied, and history, especially site age, were the most important drivers of prairie restoration species richness, beta diversity and composition. Site and landscape factors were only rarely important for restoration outcomes.

Finally, we found that comparing the unique responses of sown and non‐sown species typically increased our understanding of the dynamics contributing to community‐wide restoration outcomes.

Synthesis and applications. This is, to our knowledge, the first quantitative comparison of how four major classes of drivers determine the outcome of restoration. Historical legacies and management decisions, but generally not landscape context or local site conditions, shaped plant communities at restored sites. These findings represent an important step towards developing a more predictive framework for understanding contingency in restoration outcomes.
Expertise in Fingerprint Identification
Authors: Thompson Matthew B. , Tangen Jason M. , McCarthy Duncan J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough fingerprint experts have presented evidence in criminal courts for more than a century, there have been few scientific investigations of the human capacity to discriminate these patterns. A recent latent print matching experiment shows that qualified, court‐practicing fingerprint experts are exceedingly accurate (and more conservative) compared with novices, but they do make errors. Here, a rationale for the design of this experiment is provided. We argue that fidelity, generalizability, and control must be balanced to answer important research questions; that the proficiency and competence of fingerprint examiners are best determined when experiments include highly similar print pairs, in a signal detection paradigm, where the ground truth is known; and that inferring from this experiment the statement “The error rate of fingerprint identification is 0.68%” would be unjustified. In closing, the ramifications of these findings for the future psychological study of forensic expertise and the implications for expert testimony and public policy are considered.
Laparoscopic skills acquisition: a study of simulation and traditional training
Authors: Marlow Nicholas , Altree Meryl , Babidge Wendy , Field John , Hewett Peter , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundTraining in basic laparoscopic skills can be undertaken using traditional methods, where trainees are educated by experienced surgeons through a process of graduated responsibility or by simulation‐based training. This study aimed to assess whether simulation trained individuals reach the same level of proficiency in basic laparoscopic skills as traditional trained participants when assessed in a simulated environment.MethodsA prospective study was undertaken. Participants were allocated to one of two cohorts according to surgical experience. Participants from the inexperienced cohort were randomized to receive training in basic laparoscopic skills on either a box trainer or a virtual reality simulator. They were then assessed on the simulator on which they did not receive training. Participants from the experienced cohort, considered to have received traditional training in basic laparoscopic skills, did not receive simulation training and were randomized to either the box trainer or virtual reality simulator for skills assessment. The assessment scores from different cohorts on either simulator were then compared.ResultsA total of 138 participants completed the assessment session, 101 in the inexperienced simulation‐trained cohort and 37 on the experienced traditionally trained cohort. There was no statistically significant difference between the training outcomes of simulation and traditionally trained participants, irrespective of the simulator type used.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that participants trained on either a box trainer or virtual reality simulator achieved a level of basic laparoscopic skills assessed in a simulated environment that was not significantly different from participants who had been traditionally trained in basic laparoscopic skills.
Regional differences in screening for retinopathy of prematurity in infants born before 27 weeks of gestation in Sweden – the EXPRESS study
Authors: Austeng Dordi , Källen Karin , Hellström Ann , Jakobsson Peter , Lundgren Pia , Tornqvist Kristina , Wallin Agneta , Holmström Gerd 
Published: June 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  The primary aim was to analyse regional incidences of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and frequencies of treatment and their relation to perinatal risk factors during a 3‐year period. A secondary aim was to study adherence to the study screening protocol in the different regions.Methods:  A population‐based study of neonatal morbidity in extremely preterm infants in Sweden (EXPRESS) was performed during 2004–2007. Screening for ROP was to start at postnatal age 5 weeks and to continue weekly until the retina was completely vascularized or until regression of ROP. Logistic regression analyses were used for evaluation of differences in incidence of Any ROP, ROP 3 or more and ROP Type 1 between the seven regions of the country.Results:  The regional incidence of ROP varied between 54% and 92% for Any ROP, between 25% and 43% for ROP stage 3 or more and between 8% and 23% of infants with ROP Type 1, all of whom were treated. There was no significant difference between the regions regarding ROP Type 1, even when adjusting for known risk factors for ROP.Conclusion:  The heterogeneity between the regions regarding the incidence of ROP was reduced with increasing severity of ROP, and there was no heterogeneity regarding frequency of treatment for ROP, which is the most important issue for the children. We cannot exclude observer bias regarding mild ROP and ROP stage 3 in this study.