bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Getting real about ICT
Authors: Fox Stephen 
Published: March 2013

PurposeHype about information and communication technology (ICT) emphasizes potential positive outcomes; while enabling factors are under‐emphasized and potential negative outcomes are excluded. The purpose of this paper is to broaden the framing of ICT to include enabling factors and potential negative outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a critical realist study. Critical realist research seeks to improve understanding of causal mechanisms and causal contexts.FindingsComprehensive enablers for decision making include balanced unambiguous information; specific trustworthy communication; quiet sufficient decision spaces; and independent engaged decision makers. The introduction of a new ICT can make a contribution to, and/or detract from, realization of these principal enabling factors.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper ICT is positioned within a preliminary comprehensive framing of enabling factors for decision making. ICT is used for other purposes. Nonetheless, the positioning of ICT in a preliminary comprehensive framing for decision making support reveals how hype about ICT can be mediated by consideration of enabling factors and potential negative outcomes.Practical implicationsThe broader framing of enabling factors can provide a starting point for managers to undertake comprehensive improvement of information, communication, and contexts for decision making.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is that it applies critical realism to mediate hype about ICTs that could be used to support decision making. The value of this paper is that it provides a detailed description of inter‐related factors that need to be managed in decision making support.
Marketing an Islamic index: perceived value of KMI30 Index
Authors: Sayani Hameedah , Stephens Balakrishnan Melodena 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand if there is a customer perceived value for shareholders in investing in Islamic stocks, by using KMI30 index of Karachi Stock Exchange as a case study. The findings are then used to devise a conceptual model, highlighting the value of an Islamic branded index and for companies included on the index for market participants, Shari'ah‐compliant firms, and governments.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory research paper. A detailed literature review is followed by a quantitative analysis of the return series of 18 constituents of the KMI30 index. The analysis looks at performance before and after the launch of the index, to identify if inclusion on the Islamic index has impacted the average returns and volatility of the constituents and if it is considered as value added by the investors.FindingsAnalysis reveals that the KMI30 index is marginally less volatile than the KSE100 index and has relatively better returns, even in the most volatile times at the Karachi Stock Exchange. Most of the constituents under analysis have posted better returns after inclusion on the index, with 40 per cent of them showing less volatility. Though the trends are not clearly visible, there is an indication of increased returns and reduced volatility, both in the Islamic index and its constituents.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is the first step in analyzing if shareholders perceive inclusion of a company on the Islamic index as value added, resulting in increased share prices, better returns, and decreased volatility. Due to the lack of literature on the subject, the nature of the study is exploratory. Further analysis is required to understand if the changes in returns and volatility are due to investor perceptions. This study has implications for the organizations to understand the perception of investors about including companies on the Islamic index. If investors attach value to this proposition then it will be worthwhile for companies to invest resources in making their organization Shari'ah compliant and marketing it from that perspective. Additionally, this study will add to the knowledge of the regulators regarding whether the Islamic index is achieving its objectives of providing investment opportunities to investors offering better returns with less risk, besides being “Halal”.Originality/valueThere is a lack of studies that look at Islamic investments from the marketing perspective. Also, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have analyzed the KMI30 index, either from a finance or marketing perspective. This study is the authors' contribution to the interdisciplinary body of knowledge and ever‐increasing literature on emerging markets in the context of Islamic investments.
Thriving in the post‐crisis economy: managing a nexus of capabilities
Authors: West Page 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this viewpoint is to highlight new management thinking for achieving growth in a difficult economic environment.Design/methodology/approachThe recent financial crisis has presented challenges for organizations to achieve growth while remaining sensitive to the needs of multiple stakeholders. These challenges were discussed in depth by senior executives attending a recent management conference. This summary is provided by a professor whose teaching and research focus on strategy and innovation, and distills the findings of the conference down to a guideline for strategic action.FindingsExecutives discuss the need for more integrative thinking and coordinated practice, creating more meaning within their organizations, connecting more substantively with external constituencies, and moving beyond mostly short term performance measures. Managing the company as a “nexus of capabilities” provides important competitive benefits while meeting these needs.Practical implicationsStrategic action steps for managing the business as a “nexus of capabilities” are provided in a concise outline format.Originality/valueIdeas about how management can address the combination of growth and social concerns about business usually stays at a general level. This paper provides an actionable guideline derived from the experiences of companies that have already gone down this path. The paper presents the nature of the challenges and the summary of best practices discussed by strategy executives into a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Saying good‐bye to Mr Magoo
Authors: Messer Ron 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a first person account of the differences in organizational vision within the public and private sectors.Design/methodology/approachThis essay is based on the author's personal experiences and although it may not be generalizable, based on criteria of methodological rigor, it is nevertheless true … it happened! The author's experience was derived from working for two different legislatures and included about a dozen government departments. The observations made were based on interactions with numerous public sector employees, including staff, peers and superiors.FindingsThe concept of “vision” is critical to the successful execution of organizational strategy. For this reason, it requires clarity of purpose and a careful articulation of goals and objectives. Public and private sector firms differ in the way in which they develop this vision and as a result they achieve different outcomes. The failings typically afflicting the civil service can be addressed by changing attitudes and behaviors in such a way that they are better aligned with organizational vision. This includes creating appropriate incentives and making accountability more than just a token notion.Originality/valueThe paper is written by a management practitioner and is meant to generate discussion. It is based on a field study (i.e. “I was there”) and is intended to capture what was viewed through the eyes of a “native”. Consider it an organizational ethnography – it is an honest portrayal of events that were experienced. The essay should strike many who have worked in government as “true”.
Doing well by doing good
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.FindingsThe paper discusses Unilever's sustainability initiatives, both in terms of reducing environmental impact, and in safe‐gaurding the business against future uncertainty.Originality/valueThe interview offers advice for leaders operating in a challenging business environment, and those looking to create more sustainable business models.
Sensors for fire detection
Authors: Bogue Rob 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the sensors used in fire detection products and systems.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction, this paper discusses the sensors used for fire detection according to the variables measured. It considers the sensing of smoke, temperature, flames and combustion products and covers residential and industrial uses, together with a short discussion of wildfire detection methods.FindingsThis shows that a multitude of different sensing techniques are used to detect fires and no single method is universally applicable. This reflects both the differing types of fires that can occur and also the many applications and environments in which fire detectors and systems are deployed.Originality/valueThis paper provides details of the sensor technologies and techniques used to detect fires in residential, industrial and natural environments.
A novel image sensor for raised characters based on structured‐light
Authors: Li Xueyong , Lu Changhou , Xiao Rujing , Zhang Jianchuan , Ding Jie 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel image sensor technology for raised characters based on line structured‐light. It can convert raised character's three‐dimensional (3D) features into image's grayscale levels.Design/methodology/approachThe measurement principle and mathematical model are described. An experimental device is established and system parameters are calibrated. A grayscale conversion algorithm is proposed to convert the distortion of laser stripe to the grayscale intensity of image. The article also introduces a four‐factor method to assess the image quality of characters.FindingsExperimental results show that the method can get high‐contrast images of raised characters that are conventionally low‐contrast with the background. Besides, the method does not need complicated calibration and mass computation, which makes the system structure simple and increases the speed of image acquisition.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel image acquisition method for raised characters.
Visualization and measurement of the acoustic field of the piston transducer
Authors: Feng Yanqiang , Zhu Haijiang , Yang Ping 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to characterize the acoustic field radiated by the piston transducer and measure a few parameters through the data visualization method.Design/methodology/approachUsing the theoretical model of the ultrasonic transducer, the acoustic field data were acquired by scanning the ultrasound field of the piston transducer. And the visualized graphs of the ultrasonic data were displayed through 3D graphs including slice, iso‐surface and volume rendering, respectively. Furthermore, a few parameters of the transducer including beam width and spread angle were measured using the visualized data.FindingsThe visualized graphs of the acoustic field radiated by the piston transducer show that the data visualization method can expose obviously the space distribution of the ultrasound field and describe directly the cylindrical shape. And this method provides the basis of reliable measurement and assess for the ultrasonic transducer.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents a kind of measured method of the acoustic parameters using the visualized data. The measurement range has limitation.Practical implicationsThis method is possible used in Medical ultrasonic.Originality/valueThis paper presents the visualized description of the acoustic field of the piston transducer and a measurement of two acoustic parameters using the visualized data.
Open access journal content found in commercial full‐text aggregation databases and journal citation reports
Authors: Cummings Joel 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to conduct a study regarding the indexing of open access journals in three large, commercially available full‐text aggregation databases and using Journal Citation Reports Metrics File to further explore the journals that were being indexed.Design/methodology/approachUsing publicly available database title lists produced by the full‐text aggregation database publishers, titles and title metadata were analyzed and compared to data from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Journal Citation Reports (JCR) metrics file in order to investigate the availability of open access (OA) scholarly journals. Subject Category Impact Factor Ranking Quartiles and Percentiles (SCIFRQs and SCIFRPs) were used as part of this investigation as indicators of the research significance of these OA journals.FindingsResults showed that very small percentages of open access journals were indexed in each of the full‐text aggregators studied. A total of 7.9 percent of titles included in journal citation reports were OA journals. This study also reports the averaged SCIFRPs of OA journals for all subject areas with more than five journals included in JCR. The average SCIFRP for OA journals included in JCR was 34.49 percent and the averaged SCIFRP for all OA journals indexed by full‐text aggregation databases being studied is 41.2 percent. This study points to large differences in the rate of indexing OA journals by different databases.Originality/valueUnlike past studies into the indexing of OA journals, this is not limited to selected subject areas and shows indications of the research prominence of OA journals with JCR derived data.
Textbook affordability: the library's role
Authors: Massis Bruce E. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this column is to examine the matter of college textbook affordability and the library's role in the discussion.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.FindingsThere are a number of issues to address when approaching the continuing impact of textbook affordability on students and it appears that there will be little finality on the horizon for some time. There must continue to be thoughtful and productive discussion on this topic among stakeholders in their efforts to reach a satisfactory resolution.Originality/valueThe value in addressing this issue is to acknowledge the library's position as a stakeholder in the exchange of ideas on textbook affordability.
GAO reports for undergraduate hot topic research
Authors: Ormes Dorothy 
Published: March 2013

Purpose The aim of this article is to promote the use of free government information for undergraduate research, focusing on the online materials provided by the Government Accountability Office.Design/methodology/approachThis article provides an overview of the Government Accountability website, highlighting publications that would be particularly useful for undergraduate researchers who are new to government information.Findings – The Government Accountability Office provides concise and up to date information on controversial and high‐risk government issues. GAO Reports are excellent research materials for undergraduate students writing documented arguments.Practical implicationsThe information in this review presents an overview of the GAO website and suggestions for how librarians can add this free reference resource to their repertoire. The short bibliography gives concrete examples of GAO materials that meet the needs of undergraduates who are creating documented arguments for hot topic research.Originality/valueThere seems to be no literature that specifically addresses the use of Government Accountability Office materials by undergraduate students. This article addresses this.
Moral accounting? Employee disclosures from a stakeholder accountability perspective
Authors: Williams Sarah J. , Adams Carol A. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how disclosure of employee issues by a large UK bank may or may not promote transparency and accountability (as assessed by the completeness of the account) toward the employee stakeholder group, and to shed light on the implications of the organisation‐society relationship for employee accountability.Design/methodology/approachThe intrinsic stakeholder framework forms the basis of the qualitative, longitudinal analysis. It is adopted as the moral ground for the provision of a “complete” account of employee issues. In seeking to shed light on the organisation‐society relationship and its implications for reporting on employee issues the authors build a broader theoretical framework incorporating various social and political theories dealing with legitimacy, political economy, and language and rhetoric. Interpretive and critical approaches are employed. The analysis draws on an extensive review of published materials relating to employment in the UK retail banking industry and NatWest in particular, impacts of workplace changes occurring in the banking sector, and to the economic, social and political environment over the period of the study.FindingsThe findings indicate that what and how NatWest reported on employee issues was influenced by considerations other than transparency and employee accountability. The analysis highlights the complexity of the role of disclosures in the organisation‐society relationship and consequently the limitations of the use of a single theoretical framework to interpret disclosures.Research limitations/implicationsThe longitudinal analysis indicates how reporting practices are issue and context dependent and points to the limitations of theorising in corporate social reporting based on a single time frame and a limited analysis of the reported issues.Practical implicationsIn highlighting a lack of accountability to employees, the findings have implications for the development of reporting standards on issues relevant to employees. Over time, it is hoped that development of an employee inclusive reporting framework, along with exposure of the contradictory role that reports may play in promoting accountability, will contribute toward improved employee management practices.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the corporate social reporting literature by extending the analysis beyond the firm focused stakeholder management perspective to considering disclosures from a moral perspective and the extent to which the complex organisation‐society relationship might work against the promotion of transparency and accountability toward stakeholders (specifically employees). In this way, through an in‐depth longitudinal analysis of disclosures from multiple perspectives, the paper contributes to theorising of the role of social disclosure in the organisation‐society relationship.
Assessing the influence of switching barriers on patients' expectations and tolerance zone
Authors: Roshnee Ramsaran‐Fowdar Rooma 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the influence of switching barriers on patients' private general practitioner (GP) service expectations and tolerance zoneDesign/methodology/approachFrom 750 questionnaires distributed to a convenience sample, 257 were completed and returned, yielding a 34 per cent response rate.FindingsThere was a significant association between switching barriers and what patients expected from their GPs. Switching barriers did not have a significant association with the tolerance zone.Practical implicationsPrivate GPs can develop strategies to overcome switching barriers. For example, they can develop personal relationships with their patients, re‐familiarise themselves with the patient's medical history before the consultation and provide better services to patients who perceive high switching barriers and hence higher adequate expectations.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature relating to healthcare service quality.
Exact solutions of extended shallow water wave equations by exp‐function method
Authors: Bekir Ahmet , Aksoy Esin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply the exp‐function method to construct exact solutions of nonlinear wave equations. The proposed technique is tested on the (2+1) and (3+1) dimensional extended shallow water wave equations. These equations play a very important role in mathematical physics and engineering sciences.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors apply the exp‐function method to construct exact solutions of nonlinear wave equations.FindingsIn total, four forms of the extended shallow water wave equation have been studied, from the point of view of its exact solutions using computational method. Exp‐function method was employed to achieve the goal set for this work. The applied method will be used in further works to establish more entirely new solutions for other kinds of nonlinear wave equations. Finally, it is worthwhile to mention that the proposed method is straightforward, concise, and it is a promising and powerful new method for other nonlinear wave equations in mathematical physics.Originality/valueThe algorithm suggested in the paper is quite efficient and is practically well suited for use in these problems. The method is straightforward and concise, and its applications are promising.
Homotopy analysis method for the one‐dimensional hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions
Authors: Raftari Behrouz , Khosravi Heidar , Yildirim Ahmet 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to obtain approximate analytical solution of the second order hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions, by the homotopy analysis method (HAM).Design/methodology/approachThe HAM solutions contain an auxiliary parameter which provides a convenient way of controlling the convergence region of the series solutions.FindingsApproximate analytical solution of the second order hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions is obtained by the HAM. The HAM solutions contain an auxiliary parameter which provides a convenient way of controlling the convergence region of the series solutions.Originality/valueIn this work, approximate analytical solution of the second order hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions is obtained by the HAM. To show the efficiency of the present method, several examples are presented.