bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of university student web searching competency by a task‐based online test
Authors: Ding Ren , Ma Feicheng 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess student web searching competency. The paper aims to determine varying levels of university student competency in web searches and to investigate and compare their competency levels of searching academic and daily‐life tasks.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative research method of giving study participants a controllable experiment, a task‐based online test (TBOT), to evaluate web searching competency based on student searching performance. Participants included 141 undergraduate and graduate students from Wuhan University, China. Their searching competency level was assessed by testing their searching effectiveness and searching efficiency.FindingsStudent average web searching competency level was found to be comparatively low overall, within preliminary stages of development. A lot of students are unable to search the web with efficiency. Competency levels for searching academic tasks were higher than those of daily‐life tasks, especially when the degree of difficulty increased. These two levels, however, have a significant positive correlationship. In information literacy education it is therefore vital to teach students comprehensive web searching competency that includes knowledge and techniques for both academic and daily‐life search tasks.Originality/valueUsing the TBOT to assess student web searching competency is novel in the field of library and information science. By conducting this pilot experiment, librarians and teachers will be able to design and promote an improved information literacy education according to students' specific web searching competency status, instead of assumed goal levels.
Plans to improve the quality of book metadata through mutual enhancement of ONIX and KORMARC
Authors: Cho Jane 
Published: June 2013

PurposeWith the recent expansion of the online environment, the importance of descriptive metadata assisting in a user's purchase and selection has come to the fore. Therefore the publishing circle and libraries began discussions about mutual management in order to minimize common requirements and reiteration of efforts incurred in the process of book metadata creation and distribution. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the ONIX to KORMARC conversion algorithm currently used in Korea and to propose an advanced mechanism capable of mutually assisting and enhancing metadata of both worlds.Design/methodology/approachThe ONIX to KORMARC conversion algorithm used in Korea was analyzed, and ONIX elements which were not used in conversion but considered necessary for KORMARC to accommodate in the future, were extracted; and then a new mechanism which consists of three scenarios was proposed, with which both ONIX and KORMARC could assist in creation and reducing deficiencies of the other.FindingsThis study extracted the ONIX descriptive elements that were considered necessary for KORMARC to accommodate in the future and proposals were made for these elements to be mapped in KORMARC. In addition a more advanced mechanism was conceived with which ONIX and KORMARC could help to eliminate any deficiences in the other.Originality/valueThe mutual enhancement mechanism proposed in this study will contribute to minimizing reiteration of efforts exerted in production and distribution by providing high‐quality book metadata at the right time, to both the publishing circle and libraries.
The effect of semantic technologies on the exploration of the web of knowledge by female and male users
Authors: Chang Chia‐Jung , Tseng Jui‐Min , Liu Chen‐Chung 
Published: June 2013

PurposeSemantic technologies are a potential approach to enhancing the use of the web of knowledge. An experiment was conducted to investigate the roles of two semantic techniques, namely concept recommendation and mind maps, for females and males This paper aims to document this research.Design/methodology/approachThe study compared the searching behaviours and perceptions of searching strategies in the search environment with techniques to reveal the gender difference in the use of semantic technologies. The study further investigated how the techniques influenced female and male students' searching experiences by comparing their searching behaviours and strategies in two different environments, one developed with the semantic technologies and one without.FindingsAlthough the techniques were helpful for both female and male students in improving their perceptions of searching strategies, there were gender differences in sense of disorientation, problem solving and searching patterns. In particular, the techniques facilitated females to search for information beyond similarity holes, but did not demonstrate such an effect on males. However, they supported males to organize information for better use.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is only a small‐scale investigation. Further studies need to be conducted with a larger sample to obtain robust evidence.Originality/valueIn this paper, the effects of semantic technologies are evaluated from the perspectives of education and the human factor, rather than only in terms of technical performance.
Optimising web‐based information retrieval methods for horizon scanning
Authors: Palomino Marco A. , Vincenti Alexandra , Owen Richard 
Published: June 2013

PurposeWeb‐based information retrieval offers the potential to exploit a vast, continuously updated and widely available repository of emerging information to support horizon scanning and scenario development. However, the ability to continuously retrieve the most relevant documents from a large, dynamic source of information of varying quality, relevance and credibility is a significant challenge. The purpose of this paper is to describe the initial development of an automated web‐based information retrieval system and its application within horizon scanning for risk analysis support.Design/methodology/approachUsing an area of recent interest for the insurance industry, namely, space weather — the changing environmental conditions in near‐Earth space — and its potential risks to terrestrial and near‐Earth insurable assets, the authors benchmarked the system against current information retrieval practice within the emerging risks group of a leading global insurance company.FindingsThe results highlight the potential of web‐based horizon scanning to support risk analysis, but also the challenges of undertaking this effectively. The authors addressed these challenges by introducing a process that offers a degree of automation — using an API‐based approach — and improvements in retrieval precision — using keyword combinations within automated queries. This appeared to significantly improve the number of highly relevant documents retrieved and presented to risk analysts when benchmarked against current practice in an insurance context.Originality/valueDespite the emergence and increasing use of web‐based horizon scanning in recent years as a systematic approach for decision support, the current literature lacks research studies where the approach is benchmarked against current practices in private and public sector organisations. This paper therefore makes an original contribution to this field, discussing the way in which web‐based horizon scanning may offer significant added value for the risk analysts, for what may be only a modest additional investment in time.
Customer satisfaction, loyalty and financial performance
Authors: Keisidou Elissavet , Sarigiannidis Lazaros , Maditinos Dimitrios I. , Thalassinos Eleftherios I. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe present paper is an attempt to provide a holistic approach of the Greek banking sector and how it operates.Design/methodology/approachA survey was carried out in the banking sector of Greece in order to gather information regarding customer satisfaction and loyalty, while the financial data of the banks were attained from their annual financial statements. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsIt has been found that neither customer satisfaction nor loyalty has a significant impact on the financial performance of banks, while the remaining factors have indicated unprecedented results.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the study is the economic environment of Greece and the general crisis of the banking sector.Practical implicationsThe study provides an insight into the Greek banking sector and the interrelationships among the investigated factors, and how customer satisfaction and loyalty could be enhanced through the remaining factors.Originality/valueA new factor, the economics factor, was created and included in the study. Moreover, the tangibles factor was tested as an individual and not as part of service quality. Additionally, the present study is among the few that have incorporated customer satisfaction, loyalty and the financial performance of banks. To take it one step further, some more factors were included to present a more holistic approach of how customer satisfaction and loyalty are enhanced.
Centralized decision making, users' participation and satisfaction in post‐disaster reconstruction
Authors: Bouraoui Dhouha , Lizarralde Gonzalo 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study of a post‐flood reconstruction project conducted in 2003 in the village of Bousalem in Tunisia, a country that is poorly documented in reconstruction literature and that is known for its high levels of centralization in decision making. It examines the relations between project stakeholders, the structure of the team established to conduct the project (the Temporary Multi‐Organisation, TMO) and the most important concerns of end‐users. It particularly shows the drawbacks of neglecting a participatory approach and favouring instead the centralization of decision making at different levels of the TMO organisational structure.Design/methodology/approachUsers' satisfaction was assessed through technology transfer indicators, based on the qualitative analysis of several interviews with end‐users. The analysis of the organizational system was based on a qualitative analysis of the TMOs' formal and informal structuring.FindingsThe results confirm the need to decentralize decisions at a level that: optimizes the efficiency of local stakeholders; facilitates the participation of end‐users; and allows an appropriate distribution of responsibilities and risks among stakeholders.Originality/valueThe results show how certain decisions related to the structure and functioning of the TMO affect the match between the project initiators' capacity to provide an adequate solution and the users' expectations and requirements after the disaster.
Critical success factors for community‐based post‐disaster housing reconstruction projects in the pre‐construction stage in Indonesia
Authors: Ophiyandri Taufika , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Pathirage Chaminda , Keraminiyage Kaushal 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) of community‐based post‐disaster housing reconstruction projects (CPHRP) during the pre‐construction stage.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review and interviews were undertaken to establish selected factors contributing to the success of community‐based post disaster housing reconstruction projects. Following this, a questionnaire survey was administered to key stakeholders in order to perceive their view on CSFs of CPHRP. Data were analysed by deploying statistical software.FindingsIt was found that 12 factors are considered to be the CSFs: transparency and accountability, appropriate reconstruction policy/strategy, an understanding of the community‐based method, gathering trust from the community, facilitator capacity, good coordination and communication, sufficient funding availability, implementer capacity, having a significant level of community participation/control, government support, involvement of all community members, and successful beneficiary identification.Practical implicationsThe establishment of CSFs in CPHRP helps key stakeholders to identify factors that must exist and go well during pre‐construction of CPHRP, in order to ensure the success of the programme.Originality/valueThe paper is very specific as it attempts to discover the CSFs of CPHRP during the pre‐construction stage.
SMEs and the business reality of Estonia's tax regulation environment
Authors: Gordon Dickinson Paul 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis article aims to examine academic literature and the taxation regulatory environment in Estonia in relation to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The objective of the paper is to identify key areas of the taxation regulatory environment which affects SMEs and assess and link important academic literature in relation to those areas with the empirical research. In effect to explore that business reality including Estonia's Soviet historical background and compliance with her EU membership taxation obligations.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory paper makes use of World Bank Surveys and primary tax law sources, together with qualitative empirical research from an SME manager and a taxation law firm, both from within the country assessed.FindingsIt confirms the correlation between economic growth and taxation and identifies the “key” aspects of the taxation regulatory environment for an SME through academic literature reviewed which is linked with the empirical research. This qualitative research provides in‐depth information and fills gaps from previous quantitative research. It emphasises a very positive progression including significant electronic development and compliance with EU directives and regulations has been made by Estonia encouraging SME activity.Practical implicationsThis research demonstrates the business reality of the Estonian taxation regulatory environment. Unofficial costs, a legacy from the Soviet period, are virtually non‐existent within the Estonian taxation system. Gaps within World Bank Surveys are filled by the interviews, which give a grass‐roots perspective on taxation regulation affecting an SME.Originality/valueThe research highlights the importance of the taxation regulatory environment and the reality of the regulation and compliance work for SMEs within a relatively new EU member state. Estonia is an important country within Europe's “Northern Dimension” and a former member of the Soviet Union. Consequently, any assessment of its taxation environment can be used as a guideline/model for others from similar backgrounds with similar aspirations.
An intelligent data fusion technique based on the particle filter to perform precise outdoor localization
Authors: Al‐Fuqaha Ala , Elbes Mohammed , Rayes Ammar 
Published: June 2013

PurposeOutdoor localization is an important issue for many applications, such as autonomous mobile robotics and augmented reality. The purpose of this paper is to propose a budgeted dynamic exclusion heuristic based on signal phase shifts from multiple base stations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors also propose an outdoor localization technique based on the particle filter for data fusion and present an overview of a potential target application of the proposed outdoor localization approach for the blind and visually impaired (BVI).FindingsThe combination of multiple sensor data tends to overcome the drawbacks of using one sensor technology in the localization process.Originality/valueThe novelty of the proposed approach stems from its ability to fuse data collected from different sensor technologies to converge to more accurate position estimation.
Consumers' choice of dentist by self‐perceived need
Authors: Coe Julie , Qian Fang 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how limited care patients and comprehensive care patients differ in terms of consumers' behavior in the dentist selection process, in order to help healthcare providers and marketers better promote their practice depending on their patient type.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 1,150 dental school faculty private practice patients who recently chose their dentist was conducted and 221 responded. The respondents were divided to comprehensive care patients (n=120) and limited care patients (n=90) by self‐perceived need.FindingsThe comprehensive care patients were younger and more likely to be highly educated, have a healthcare related profession, and have private dental insurance (p<0.001). The comprehensive care patients were more likely to use information sources such as clinic website, the internet, and the insurance directory (p<0.05), while the limited care patients were more likely to use other dentists. Comprehensive care patients put more value on attributes such as, the dentist is in my insurance network and convenient physical location (p<0.05). In conclusion, comprehensive care patients and limited care patients differed significantly in characteristics and how and why they chose their dentist.Originality/valueHealthcare marketers can use this study's findings to better promote their practice by selecting appropriate communication channels and focus on attributes that consumers value the most. It is important to apply different strategies to different consumer groups.
How price demeans sighted assessments across user profiles
Authors: Priilaid David , Sevenoaks Michael , Aitken Ryan , Chisholm Clint 
Published: June 2013

PurposeProceeding from studies that, at a general level, identify the extrinsic price cue as a mediator between a wine's perceived and intrinsic merit, the authors aim to report on a tasting‐room experiment conducted to determine the impact of the price cue on sighted ratings across categories of gender, age, and relative experience.Design/methodology/approachA total of 73 subjects assessed seven merlot wines, first blind and then sighted. During the sighted tasting, the only available cue‐information was the price per bottle. The seven price points ranged from the cheap (R25) to the expensive (R160).FindingsAcross all segmentations, the authors' analysis of sighted scores revealed the marked extent to which price effects demean the intrinsic merit of a wine. Older, more experienced and female strata appear to respond the most to price information; their respective model price effects are shown to increase by 57, 33 and 24 percent relative to their base comparators.Originality/valueThese findings challenge the dogma that unbiased sighted assessments are best conducted by self‐proclaimed wine experts who are older and more experienced; and suggest alternately, and perhaps heretically, that such assessments would be better conducted by younger, less experienced, non‐experts.
The experience of being protected
Authors: Sherwood‐Johnson Fiona , Cross Beth , Daniel Brigid 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to discuss how adult support and protection (ASP) work might support or further damage an adult's strengths, skills and sense of self. There is a particular focus on adults who require some support with decision‐making.Design/methodology/approachForum theatre and other creative techniques were used to discuss ASP with 42 people who access support. A range of advice for practitioners was generated, a portion of which is reported here. The research design was participatory, with ten people who access support being members of the research team.FindingsASP work can support or undermine an adult's strengths, skills and sense of self, depending on the way it is performed. Three inter‐locking themes are presented to illustrate this finding. First, participants thought it might be intimidating to be “singled out”, and wished to be understood in the context of their relationships. Second, ASP was thought likely to be experienced as a judgement on the person and their problem‐solving skills. Third, people wanted to be “really listened to” and acknowledged as a person with preferences and strengths.Practical implicationsIt is important for practitioners to be mindful of the process of ASP work, as well as of its outcomes. Ways must be found to keep the person central, and to maintain and develop their strengths and sense of self.Originality/valueThe perspectives of adults actually or potentially affected by ASP have been under‐researched. This study adds substantially to the available evidence.
A study of the effects of colocation on office workers' perception
Authors: Rashid Mahbub 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to understand the effects of colocation on office workers' perception of workplace design and interaction freedom in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted at six different departments of an office organization that moved from geographically dispersed office buildings to one office building. The pre‐move data were collected three to six months before the move, and the post‐move data were collected almost one year after the move through questionnaire surveys. Out of 284 workers, 169 office workers filled out the questionnaire in the pre‐move survey, and 175 filled out the questionnaire in the post‐move survey.FindingsBased on statistical analyses of the data, the study found that colocation did not help improve office workers' overall perception of interaction freedom in the organization, but it helped eliminate perceptual disparities concerning interaction freedom among its different departments. The study also found that office workers' perception of workplace design support for interaction and workstation location were strong predictors of their perception of interaction freedom in the organization. Overall, the findings of the study indicated that the purpose of colocation might be defeated if organizational behavior and culture were not modified simultaneously to promote workers' perception in support of interaction freedom.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considered only one type of colocation that involved bringing people of different organizational units together from geographically dispersed places to one place. Therefore, these findings cannot be generalized for all other types of colocation.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study are important for corporate real estate (CRE) strategists and organizational leaders who are actively considering colocation as a strategy to improve interaction and team effectiveness in the organization.Originality/valueThe study investigates different mechanisms involving the effects of colocation on office workers' perception of workplace design and interaction freedom in organizations; and identifies important distinctions to consider for achieving the benefits of colocation in terms of face‐to‐face interactions in the workplace.
In‐house counsel claims against a corporate employer and access to privileged corporate communications
Authors: Gergacz John W. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate in‐house counsel's dual role in the context of a wrongful discharge claim against his corporate employer and its effect on privileged corporate communications.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of legal research and analysis.FindingsA multipart factors test is proposed focusing on three areas: first, rationale for discharge; second, in‐house counsel's claim; and third, risks to privileged corporate information.Originality/valueThe paper creates new means to evaluate corporate privilege and in‐house counsel access.