bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational learning and the effective management of complexity
Authors: Reyes Alfonso 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show, through a case study, the relationship between organizational learning and the need to improve the organization's management of complexity.Design/methodology/approachA case study is used.FindingsThe case study illustrates both how organizational learning needs a requisite structure to occur and how learning loops contribute to the viability of a project.Originality/valueThis case study shows that designing learning loops requires setting up the structural conditions for a Human Communication System in the organization.
Governance and inclusive democracy
Authors: Bula German , Espejo Raul 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a research agenda to improve on representative, participatory and deliberative forms of democracy. It argues for an inclusive democracy built upon a cybernetic understanding of governance and organization structure.Design/methodology/approachBased on complexity management strategies, the paper offers a conceptual construction of governance and democracy. The case of Colombia over the past 60 years is used to illustrate these strategies; it makes apparent that in spite of good intentions, the cybernetics of the country and its cities has faltered over this period, hindering its democracy. To learn how to overcome this weakness and support the evolution towards an inclusive democracy, the authors propose a research agenda aimed at studying the viability of cities.FindingsThe paper indicates that there is a broad field to apply management cybernetic tools in the political domain, as for example the classic archetypes that inhibit the emergence of effective structural recursion and people's local participation in global issues, restricting their social inclusion.Research limitations/implicationsIn many Colombian cities and towns people live in very difficult conditions and to survive they often fall into corruption, but others display apparent resiliency, solidarity, communitarian organization and so forth. Learning about good practices should help visualise strategies towards democratic inclusion and good governance.Social implicationsThe main question supporting the whole research could be expressed as, how is it possible to reduce power imbalances that inhibit and restrict the effective participation of its citizens? The corresponding answer will imply improving citizen's quality of life beginning with democratic structures to live in and to practice active citizenship.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights about inclusion and effective governance; it argues that “connecting” a local person's views and actions to global policies is feasible and that this is necessary for effective inclusion.
Adaptation of fuzzy cognitive maps by migration algorithms
Authors: Vaščák Ján 
Published: May 2014

PurposeConventional rule‐based systems are insufficient for description of complex dynamic systems requiring nontrivial decision procedures. Fuzzy cognitive maps seem to be convenient to overcome these limitations. However, they lack ability of self‐learning and therefore some adaptation approaches are needed. The purpose of this paper is both to show the use of fuzzy cognitive maps for such systems and to present migration algorithms as convenient adaptation means.Design/methodology/approachSome problems of a complex dynamic system description by knowledge‐based means are discussed. Fuzzy cognitive maps are presented as a possible way to solve these problems followed by description of migration algorithms as their adaptation means. Their use is clarified on an example of the so‐called parking problem based on path planning using a graph search algorithm and a traffic simulation system.FindingsAfter series of simulations the reality of the proposed system and selected methods with their modifications was proved. It has shown the robustness of the presented solution under circumstances of uncertainty, too.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper points to stability investigation of the proposed approach introducing uncertainties into the traffic simulation system to take into account, e.g. unexpected events. Further, a possibility of developing a linguistic information retrieval system is mentioned.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach can find various implementations not only in planning tasks but also in robotic navigation and multi‐agent applications in general. In addition, it suggests possibilities of knowledge‐based systems, directly using human‐like approaches, to areas of decision making under uncertainties and contradictories.Originality/valueAn new modification of migration algorithms for adaptation of parameters for fuzzy cognitive maps is introduced and compared to other known self‐learning methods. Further, the concept of a traffic simulation system for path planning is presented.
Convergence of sinc approximation for Fredholm integral equation with degenerate kernel
Authors: Maleknejad K. , Alizadeh M. , Mollapourasl R. 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a numerical method for solving Fredholm integral equations of the first kind with degenerate kernels and convergence of this numerical method.Design/methodology/approachBy using sinc collocation method in strip, the authors try to estimate a numerical solution for this kind of integral equation.FindingsSome numerical results support the accuracy and efficiency of the stated method.Originality/valueThe paper presents a method for solving first kind integral equations which are ill‐posed.
Unconventional computing
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review computational techniques that differ from the familiar “von Neumann” or “Turing” model. The review is prompted by an issue of ERCIM News in which a variety of current projects is reviewed, but attention is also given to earlier computational schemes that were important in the development of cybernetic ideas. The early work was aimed at simulation of biological mechanisms, but accepting neurons as complete entities. The current projects now reviewed fall under two headings, one relating to biology, but differing from the earlier studies in giving attention to internal cellular mechanisms. The other heading is quantum computing, which at first sight seems distinct from the first. Attention is drawn to a paper by Ball in 2011that narrows this apparent gap by indicating important connections between quantum physics and biology.Design/methodology/approachThe aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.FindingsThe material from the special issue of ERCIM News refers to ongoing research that offers, in the biological context, new computing paradigms with capacity for adaptation and self‐organisation, and in the quantum context super‐fast computing and security.Practical implicationsIn addition to the above, two‐way interaction is claimed to give fresh insight into biological mechanisms.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Marketing the library with content management systems: a case study of Blackboard
Authors: Shapiro Steven 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe one library's experience in using Blackboard to market library services and resources, in order to draw conclusions for other institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the case study of Montclair State University in developing a strategy for using Blackboard as a library promotional tool; also included are examples from other institutions.FindingsIt is found that Blackboard (and other Course Management Systems platforms) can be used successfully in library marketing efforts.Practical implicationsWith a modest commitment of time and staff, libraries can increase their presence and visibility in Course Management Systems such as Blackboard.Originality/valueThe paper highlights some of Sprague Library's unique efforts in deploying Blackboard as a marketing tool, which included creating a library community.
Comparison of student and faculty technology use
Authors: Ruleman Alice B. 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of some of the similarities or differences in use of social media and technology between faculty and students on a state university campus.Design/methodology/approachA web‐based quantitative survey format, utilizing multiple choice and matrix type questions, was utilized for this research. It was delivered through the campus e‐mail system.FindingsBoth faculty and students are active users of technology. Analysis indicated there are some distinct demographic differences but they did not always match expectations.Originality/valueLibraries generally serve several differing populations and on an academic campus, the predominant groups are faculty and students. As we continue to develop more technologically‐oriented services, it is beneficial to understand how these groups are using technology.
The policy/procedure manual, part II
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThis article's purpose is to show the “why” and “how” of making well thought‐out procedures.Design/methodology/approachThe article introduces the training need for good procedures, further defines them, and then describes how to think about them in order to produce a useful set of them.FindingsThe findings are that good procedures are useful to, and necessary for, a well‐run library.Practical implicationsLibraries need to have, and consistently follow, good procedures in order to function efficiently.Social implicationsLibraries will only survive as long as they are offering good service for a reasonable cost, the end goal of good procedures.Originality/valueThe value of the article is in learning how to come up with good procedures as a basic tool that will help library staff to perform their duties as efficiently as possible.
Three phantom budget cuts and how to avoid them
Authors: Cottrell Terrance (Terry) 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThis paper explains how library budgets can be cut in ways that are quick and unexpected. The purpose of this paper is to provide reasoning for these cuts with strategies for mediation and avoidance.Design/methodology/approachBy understanding the intricacies of three unique types of phantom cuts, library managers can keep their budgets secure and even win additional monies moving forward.FindingsBudgets can be cut through sound library fiscal management, large‐scale restructuring, or swift reaction to unexpected losses in revenue. Keeping the philosophy of the library as the best centerpiece for the potential for learning is the proper method to retain funding.Originality/valueThis paper shows sound fiscal management as a potential danger to managerial rewards for sound judgement, and introduces the reader to various aspects of zero‐based budgeting and strategic moves for handling complex fiscal change.
A model of a patron's innovativeness formation toward a chain restaurant brand
Authors: Sean Hyun Sunghyup , Han Heesup 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to create and test a model of a patron's innovativeness formation toward a chain restaurant brand.Design/methodology/approachA review of the current literature revealed six key determinants in the formation of patrons' innovativeness in the chain restaurant context. Based on theoretical relationships between these constructs, a structural model was proposed. The model was tested utilizing data collected from 433 chain restaurant patrons.FindingsData analysis indicates that satisfaction and brand attitude positively influence innovativeness, with the impact mediated by advertising effectiveness and perceived risk in a new menu trial. Advertising effectiveness significantly reduced patrons' perceived risk in a new menu trial and thus positively influences innovativeness. Lastly, it was revealed that sales promotions have a strong impact on innovativeness.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings emphasize the significance of study variables in the formation of patrons' innovativeness in the chain restaurant context. These findings help restaurant practitioners in successful new menu/food product launch.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explain the formation of patrons' innovativeness in the chain restaurant industry. Given that a proper understanding of innovativeness is critical to achieving chain restaurants' business success, the model verified in this study may serve as a guideline for practitioners/researchers in this field.
Disaster management from the perspective of governance: case study of the Hebei Spirit oil spill
Authors: Hur Joon‐Young 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to attempt, from the perspective of governance, to approach and analyze the cooperation mechanisms as were shown in the case of the Hebei Spirit oil spill disaster management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper described the structure of that governance and examines the relations between actors. On the basis of this information the inner dynamics within their interactions were investigated and key factors for and hindrances to the success were identified.FindingsSolidarity culture, personal communication media and a wide participation of private actors turned out to be helpful to cooperative mechanisms, whereas the lack of responsiveness of government and the unclear boundary of responsibilities between public organizations stood in the way of harmonious and effective governance.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that it is a requisite to have a comprehensive approach and pragmatic policies as well as their implementation mechanisms. There is also a requirement for effective consultation, collaboration and coordination, progress monitoring and above all, the will.Originality/valueThe research leads to the conclusion that the cooperation between public and private sectors in the case of that oil spill disaster shows a possibility of a new paradigm of interactive dialog within the society and thus can be interpreted as governance.
Design patterns: coordination in complex and dynamic environments
Authors: Hossain Liaquat , Uddin Shahadat 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual foundation and empirical basis for exploring issues related to the design framework for modeling coordination in complex and dynamic enqvironments.Design/methodology/approachPrevious research suggests that interactions among actors in a complex and dynamic environment tend to be more elastic, offering a higher degree of adaptability. Actions of actors in such an environment need to be coordinated to achieve the desired goal. With that purpose, the authors suggest a social network‐based (SN‐based) framework to model coordination in complex and dynamic environments.FindingsThe authors successfully applied the proposed SN‐based framework to model coordination in the context of soft‐target organization and emergency response preparedness.Originality/valueIt is apparent that much work has been done in existing studies on modeling coordination considering the specific domain situation in a complex and dynamic environment. In this paper, the authors propose a unique framework to model coordination in a complex and dynamic environment.
Local wisdom‐based disaster recovery model in Indonesia
Authors: Kusumasari Bevaola , Alam Quamrul 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the local wisdom‐based recovery model that has been applied in the Bantul district, Yogyakarta, Indonesia following the 2006 earthquake. This recovery model might appropriately be implemented in any type of local government in developing countries which have strong local culture characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis research is an exploratory case study which concentrates on the Bantul district. Data were gathered in two categories: primary data and secondary data. Primary data were collected through in‐depth interviews. Secondary data were collected from related document such as articles, books, web sites or government and NGO reports.FindingsBantul is a small district in the province of Yogyakarta Special region, Indonesia, and is known to be a highly urbanized area, poverty‐stricken and lacking in funds, and with a limited capability to manage a disaster. However, the two years of recovery has resulted in “reimaging” this district as a well‐planned area with a correctly targeted development strategy. The results of the recovery phase were satisfactory. The recovery efforts paid due respect to the high quality of existing local cultures and popular wisdom. Principally, it is the people themselves who should decide how to rebuild their houses. Local government has only provided assistance for earthquake‐resistant houses and has supported basic housing needs.Originality/valueThis paper presents lessons learnt from local government in a developing country in dealing with a recovery process based on local community wisdom.
Spatio‐temporal behaviour after an earthquake: a case study of Kawaguchi town, Japan
Authors: Gismondi Matteo , Huisman Otto 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a method to examine the differences in behaviour during a post‐quake period.Design/methodology/approachFieldwork and questionnaires were used to collect the households’ members’ movement behaviours after the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake. In total, three study areas were selected in Kawaguchi town (Niigata Prefecture) in order to enhance how the visualisation process can provide support in better understanding the behaviour during evacuation and recovery process. For this purpose the Space‐Time‐Cube (STC) was used to represent and analyse residents’ movement paths over time.FindingsDifferences appear in the spatio‐temporal paths of the three study areas, implying a connection between the geographical location and movement patterns. The city centre shows disorganized Spatio‐Temporal‐Patterns (STPs) during the first week of the recovery process, eventually becoming organized after the rescuers’ arrival. Moving towards the isolated areas of the town, a progressive STP organisation can be observed, explaining the faster response after the seismic event.Research limitations/implicationsSpatio‐temporal data are difficult and costly to collect, especially if a long period of time passes between the seismic event and the survey.Practical implicationsThe STC can be used as tool to enhance the disaster management techniques and provide support in crisis situations.Originality/valueThe paper provides a practical approach to investigate the reactions after a seismic event and can be used in larger study areas to develop better strategies in disaster management.
PACK EXPO show highlighted how important robotics are to packaging
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the PACK EXPO show (packaging technology), with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications to packaging on display.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots of all types and integrators of robots at the PACK EXPO Show.FindingsRobots are addressing the packaging needs for faster robots, as well as robots that are smarter and can operate more autonomously than in the past.Practical implicationsPackaging customers now have robot innovations to address packaging requirements with faster and smarter product handling technologies to increase productivity and decrease packaging costs.Originality/valueFor packaging customers who could not attend PACK EXPO, the paper is an opportunity to see and learn about some of the robot innovations that were on display.
A holistic approach to the analysis of online profiles
Authors: Bukvova Helena 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe article aims to present a holistic approach to analysis of patterns on complex online profiles, demonstrated on profiles of European scientists.Design/methodology/approachAn existing analytical framework was developed to incorporate a holistic understanding of online profiles. The framework was applied to a sample of 188 online profiles belonging to 48 European scientists. The profile data were studied on three levels (content‐unit level, profile‐instance level, and profile‐network level), using methods of the qualitative comparative analysis to derive profiling patterns.FindingsThe approach developed in this work generated profiling patterns for European scientists. The patterns exist on all three levels, forming a hierarchy. This pattern structure shows the variety of ways in which scientists can use the internet for self‐presentation.Originality/valueThe study was based on a holistic understanding of online self‐presentation, acknowledging that personal presentation can be spread across different platforms. The study presented shows how this understanding can be used when analysing online profiling behaviour. The profiling patterns of European scientists identified in this study supplement existing typologies. The study serves as a foundation to structure further research as well as to inform practitioners.
Effects of quality antecedents on e‐learning acceptance
Authors: Cheng Yung‐Ming 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to examine whether quality factors as the antecedents to learner beliefs can affect learners' intention to use an e‐learning system.Design/methodology/approachThis study gathered sample data from eight high‐tech companies in Taiwan. A total of 680 questionnaires were randomly distributed, 522 questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 76.76 percent, and 483 usable questionnaires were analyzed, with a usable response rate of 71.03 percent. Data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling.FindingsInformation quality, service quality, system quality, and instructor quality, as the antecedents of e‐learning acceptance can provide detailed accounts of the key forces underpinning employees' perception with regard to their beliefs (i.e. perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment), and this situation can further enhance employees' usage intention of the e‐learning system.Originality/valueBased on the extended technology acceptance model and the updated DeLone and McLean information systems success model, this study integrates related e‐learning quality factors including information quality, service quality, and system quality into the research model and further contributes additionally to the identification of instructor quality that may lead to e‐learning acceptance. Also, it should be noted that the empirical evidence on capturing both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators for completely explaining quality antecedents of e‐learning acceptance is well documented in this study. Hence, this study contributes significantly to the body of research on evaluating the quality antecedents of e‐learning acceptance.