bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Veneer supply and demand estimation using simultaneous equations model
Authors: Tajdini Ajang , Ghajebeigloo Jafar , Roohnia Mehran 
Published: September 2013

PurposeVeneer is one of the most important products in the wood‐based panel industry, therefore, to provide needed information for the development of this industry, it is necessary to provide better understanding of the forces driving the demand and supply of veneer. The purpose of this paper is to describe how supply and demand can be estimated by using a simultaneous equations model.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework is proposed based on a systematic approach of iterative 3‐stage least squares (I3SLS). The reason for using simultaneous equations is the existence of reciprocal relations between economic variables in this research.FindingsApplying this theoretical framework is a useful tool to study the situation of veneer as one of the most important wood‐based panel products in Iran. For example, based on the results, it can be understood that veneer is a normal and essential commodity, and any increase in the price of veneer can lead to a considerable rise in total income for producers. To satisfy the excess demand, extensive investment is needed in establishing new plants.Research limitations/implicationsThere are many restrictions in applying other approaches, because of no access to research data. The present study provides a starting‐point for further research using other econometric models on different aspects of forest products marketing.Originality/valueThe framework (econometric models especially simultaneous equations) has proven to be useful in studying and improving forest products marketing. The use of such procedures was new and this research was done for the first time in Iran.
Evaluating relative value of customers via data envelopment analysis
Authors: Noorizadeh Abdollah , Mahdiloo Mahdi , Farzipoor Saen Reza 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a data envelopment analysis (DEA) method for customers' evaluation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper introduces a variable return to scale (VRS) cross‐efficiency (one of the DEA models) to evaluate customers. This new model can consider ratio values and give a complete ranking of customers.FindingsIt is found that the proposed model can evaluate customers in a multi criteria context; does not demand weights from the decision maker; and can consider both the ratio and absolute numbers. An aggressive form of the VRS model is formulated to evaluate the peer‐appraisal value of customers instead of self‐appraisal.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no reference that uses cross‐efficiency model with the ratio values for customers' evaluation.
Third sector facilitation of lived experience in research: a case study of service user and carer involvement in the PRIMROSE project
Authors: Gray Benjamin , Larsen John , Faulkner Alison 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The physical health needs of people with mental health problems are currently under addressed and often ignored, both in training and in practice. The PRIMROSE trial intervention was designed to remedy that – focusing in particular on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This paper describes how people with experience of using mental health services and carers contributed to the development of the PRIMROSE intervention. It draws out key messages for educators, researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using a case study approach the paper outlines how a Third sector organisation supported the study team in setting up a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), drawing on a pre-existing model and recent thinking about service user and carer involvement in research. It is described how the approach sought to engage wider involvement of people with an interest in CVD while also offering more focused input into specifically the development of the trial intervention.

Findings –
An innovative approach was taken whereby a large LEAP, comprising 27 service users and carers, was supporting the development of the study mainly through e-mail and web updates and feedback, while a sub-group of the LEAP, with eight members, met three times and had a focus on inputting ideas into the development of the intervention. The creation of a LEAP proved helpful to the project, resulting in an enhanced and more relevant intervention – summed up in a series of eleven recommendations. Appointment of an independent chair of the sub-group proved invaluable and there is learning from this project for other similar initiatives.

Originality/value
– This study has value for others who are developing practice interventions. A range of suggestions were made which will have relevance for training, ensuring that physical health issues are not ignored. There is much to learn too from the process of this project, for the involvement of service users and carers in research, education and in practice development.
Service user leadership: training and development for service users to take the lead
Authors: Newton Angela , Beales Anne , A. Collins Daniela , Basset Thurstine 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– This paper outlines the concept of service user leadership and both describes and reflects on an accredited training programme that enables mental health service users to take a leadership role.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors argue for a service user leadership approach and the training programme is reviewed by previous participants

Findings
– Service users can take on a leadership role if they are given suitable and relevant training and development opportunities. Service user led training can be transformational.

Practical implications
– Commissioners of mental health services should consider how to support service user leadership programmes, which can reach places and achieve outcomes that traditional mental health services are unable to attain.

Originality/value
– The concept of service user leadership is relatively new and the training programme described in this paper is both original and highly valued by participants with many significant outcomes.
The representation of service users’ religious and spiritual concerns in care plans
Authors: Walsh Julia , McSherry Wilf , Kevern Peter 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy with which care plans capture and make use of data on the spiritual and religious concerns of mental health service users in a UK Health and Social Care Trust.

Design/methodology/approach
– A questionnaire was given to service users (n=71) and the findings compared with the information held on their behalf by the relevant Health and Social Care Trust at three key points in the care planning process.

Findings
– The study found that the importance that many service users accorded to spirituality and religion was not reflected in the electronic records, that some information was wrong or wrongly nuanced when compared with the patient's self-description and that service users themselves were often mistaken regarding the type and quality of information held on record.

Practical implications
– The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the process of information gathering, to the training and support of Care Coordinators and to the monitoring and revision of Care Plans. The discrepancy between the information supplied by service users and that recorded by the Trust suggests that, despite government guidance, spiritual and religious concerns are not being given consideration in the construction of care plans. Possible reasons for this oversight are discussed.

Originality/value
– Although there have been studies of the delivery of “spiritual care” in general acute care, there have been no similar studies in relation to mental health service users and their needs. The comparison of information from the service users themselves with the information recorded by the Trust provides a measure of the extent to which service user's own perspectives are being incorporated into their care plans.
Library employees' attitudes towards the measurement and appraisal of their work performance
Authors: Kont Kate‐Riin , Jantson Signe 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe aim of the current article is to clarify how the staff of Estonian university libraries define the concepts of performance and efficiency in the context of libraries, what is the general conception of performance measurement and evaluation, what impact it is believed to have on the personal future career, and how one's own efficiency and performance is evaluated in comparison with one's colleagues.Design/methodology/approachThe data used in this paper are based on reviewing and summarizing of relevant literature to provide an overview of the concepts of performance and efficiency in general and in the context of the library as well as on results of the study, held in 2011/2012 in Estonian university libraries to determine the attitude of the libraries' staff towards work organisation and performance appraisal.FindingsAlthough a number of Estonian university librarians highly evaluated performance measurement and appraisal as a possible source of information and feedback for improving their work performance and seeking out their further training and education needs, they unfortunately do not see any relation between performance improvement and their salary increase and career. As for the library as a whole, performance appraisal is profitable, although it is assumed that it might raise some problems. Efficiency and performance in the library context are rather associated with service and user satisfaction. Performance measurement and appraisal system in Estonia university libraries is almost non‐existent and definitely needs to be developed.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, no research has been previously carried out in the library context to determine library employees' attitudes towards their work organisation and coordination as well as measurement and appraisal of their work performance.
Establishing a culture of research practice in an academic library: an Australian case study
Authors: McBain Ian , Culshaw Helen , Walkley Hall Liz 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the establishment of a Research Working Group at Flinders University Library, a mid‐sized teaching and research university located in South Australia. The group was founded to encourage staff to develop a more reflective, research‐oriented and evidence‐based professional practice initially for a three‐year term. This paper comes at about two years into the pilot and provides an interim report of the group's experiences and achievements.Design/methodology/approachAs a case study, this paper describes the introduction and background of the Flinders University Library Research Working Group, its purpose, the selection of projects, and its work to date.FindingsThe paper reports on the management‐driven practical supports that have been implemented to assist practitioners undertaking research at Flinders University Library.Practical implicationsThe paper can be used as an exemplar for other academic libraries with staff with non‐tenured staff which lacks a culture of research.Originality/valueThis paper adds an Australian perspective to the existing literature on support for academic librarians undertaking research. The literature is dominated by US and Canadian experiences based on academic status.
Good practice in an institutional repository service: case study of Strathprints
Authors: Bonilla‐Calero Anabel 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study is to show examples of good practice which can improve the functioning of an institutional repository (IR), arranged from the point of view of a user, author and reviewer.Design/methodology/approachTo collect examples of good practice which can improve the functioning of an IR, the author has based on several studies where the institutional databases are used as source to analyze the research output.FindingsExamples of good practice which can improve the functioning of an IR from different points of view. These include: (from the point of view of the user) visibility, accessibility, usability, update, navigability, quality and user satisfaction; (from the point of view of the author): political, legal aspects, security, authenticity and (from the point of view of an evaluator) it is important to provide as much information of each document as: title, author/s, institution and country of authors, abstract, document type, journal, language, type of deposit, publication year, year of deposit, subject, keywords, format, file size, citations and downloads that the document has received.Practical implicationsFor researchers and experts that create, maintain and use IRs.Originality/valueThis study collects examples of good practice which can improve the functioning of an IR, arranged from different points of view: user, author and reviewer.
Infrastructure needed for digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries
Authors: Malik Amara , Mahmood Khalid 
Published: September 2013

PurposeModern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming reference service (RS) from physical to virtual. The paper aims to explore the current status of ICT infrastructure necessary for delivering effective digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries of the Punjab.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study used questionnaire survey method to probe the current status. The questionnaire was worded to achieve an official organizational response. For ensuring the content validity, comments from some well‐known LIS professionals were sought. In the light of experts' opinions, necessary modifications were made to the instrument. University libraries of the Punjab province (n=40) recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) were identified as targeted population. The questionnaire was distributed through post and e‐mail. The researchers were able to get questionnaires filled from 38 universities.FindingsThe findings reveal that the ICT infrastructure needed for designing and implementing an effective DRS in libraries is better than before but it needs further improvement. Many libraries also own general and reference collection in electronic format. Only a few libraries have started DRS while most of them are still using face to face channel for reference transactions.Practical implicationsThis study is an attempt to fill a gap in the local literature on the topic and provides baseline information to design and implement DRS in academic libraries.Originality/valueThe findings will be helpful in designing better and more effective DRS systems in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.
Perception and use of social networking sites among university students
Authors: Hamade Samir N. 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the perception and use of social networking sites among university students in the state of Kuwait and study their positive and negative impacts.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is descriptive in nature. A questionnaire with five major sections was designed, validated and distributed among the sample of students.FindingsThe results showed a heavy use of Twitter and Facebook among university students who were viewing their sites more frequently than posting. The most positive impacts were better relation with family, relatives, and friends and more involvement in social, political and cultural activities. Neglecting study/work and the time consumed are the two major drawbacks.Research limitations/implicationsThe stratified sample of students was based on availability of students at the time of distributing the questionnaire.Originality/valueThe paper aims to understand the practice, implication and importance of social networking in a Muslim country.
UK police custody officers’ psychosocial hazard exposures and burnout
Authors: Houdmont Jonathan 
Published: September 2013

PurposeStress research in the UK policing has largely neglected to account for variance in the type of psychosocial hazard officers are exposed to across policing roles, highlighting the need for role‐specific research that is capable of informing similarly specific stress reduction interventions. This study aimed to develop and assess exposure to a taxonomy of psychosocial hazards specific to the UK police custody work, consider the burnout profile of custody officers, explore relations between psychosocial hazard exposure and burnout, and compare the exposures of burned out and non‐burned out custody officers.Design/methodology/approachPreliminary focus groups identified a series of psychosocial hazards specific to the custody officer role. A questionnaire administered to custody officers within a UK territorial police force assessed exposure to these psychosocial hazards and burnout.FindingsTwenty‐six custody‐specific psychosocial hazards were identified, across nine themes. The proportion of custody officers who reported a high degree of burnout was above that found in normative data. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that exposures were positively related to emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Unrelated t‐tests showed that respondents who reported high burnout also reported significantly higher exposures across all nine psychosocial hazard themes than those with sub‐threshold burnout scores.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate the stress‐related working conditions of the UK custody officers. It provides a foundation for future large‐scale longitudinal studies concerned with validating the current findings and improving the health of officers engaged in this unique policing role.
Fighting corruption successfully
Authors: Egesa Wagabi Helmut 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– This viewpoint is designed to look at the issues of corruption in Africa and how to fight it.

Design/methodology/approach
– Examples of real events and quotations of how ordinary people can be discouraged from corruption.

Findings
– Corruption may never be eliminated totally but more can be done to limit its reach.

Originality/value
– An overview of the fight against corruption. The author
'
s observation is based on the political and economic events that have taken place in Africa in the recent past.
Investigating e-banking service quality in one of Egypt’s banks: a stakeholder analysis
Authors: Ismail Hussien Miran , Abd El Aziz Rasha 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The main subject of the research is to study the internet banking quality dimensions that affect customer satisfaction from the consumer and provider perspectives. This bridges the gap between theory and practice which is part from contributing to the body of knowledge, thus improve the service quality dimensions to attain better quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate how do users perceive e-banking quality dimensions in terms of their importance; how do decision makers in banks perceive and provide e-banking quality dimensions; whether each quality dimension directly affect users satisfaction of the service.

Design/methodology/approach
– Structured questionnaires were randomly distributed over 300 bank clients, 133 valid questionnaires were returned. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Two key decision makers at the were interviewed to get the broader picture, where data were interpretively analyzed.

Findings
– Results were integrated allowing authors to show that service quality has significant effect on customer satisfaction. bank could be considered a success story that provides a guide line for decision makers in banks that are less fortunate in providing high service quality, thus help them better address their customers’ needs.

Research limitations/implications
– The main limitation of this paper is that the research was conducted at one bank and thus a more comprehensive study, involving other banks in the industry could enable research generalize results.

Originality/value
– This paper provides a valuable stakeholder analysis regarding e-banking service quality dimensions as viewed and ranked by service providers and users.
Diploma research process: evaluating the service quality
Authors: Kariuki Mathenge Edward , Wangui Kamau Alice , Mwihaki Kariuki Jane , Wanjiru Munga Jane 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to explore how diploma students enrolled in a research project paper report their thoughts, feelings, satisfaction, and service quality of the research process.

Design/methodology/approach
– A survey using a pre-determined questionnaire was used to track the thoughts, feelings, and actions of 1,129 diploma research students during a ten-month period spanning four semesters.

Findings
– Results revealed that the diploma research students experience some negative thoughts and feelings, i.e. anxiety about the research process, and they expressed some satisfaction with it.

Originality/value
– These findings have important implication for research and management education courses. Helping students increase not only their positive thoughts and feelings about research but also their satisfaction level can assist with the long-term educational goal to educate management professionals who can provide high-quality services, evaluate practice, and improve practice, policy, and management of service delivery.
Improving processes for good in East Africa
Authors: Parris Andrew 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– This paper describes World Vision
'
s motivation, context, experience, and learning in improving processes in East Africa. It demonstrates that Lean and Six Sigma TQM approaches apply to an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) operating in East Africa, and that they can deliver significant process improvements.

Design/methodology/approach
– The findings come from initiating process improvement in World Vision in East Africa, observing and reflecting on this experience, and measuring improvements achieved through process improvement projects conducted by World Vision East African staff.

Findings
– The INGO and East African contexts provide unique challenges to and demonstrate a strong need for process excellence. However, a standard process improvement approach can be used. A key segment of World Vision staff in East Africa has caught the vision of process excellence, understood and applied TQM concepts and tools, and significantly improved key processes, for example, reduced by 40-80 per cent the average time to procure items and recruit new staff. We have reduced annual expenses by nearly $1,000,000. Such improvements help World Vision to achieve better outcomes with existing funding, people, and other resources.

Originality/value
– This paper demonstrates that Lean and Six Sigma apply to and are vital for both NGOs and the East African context. It describes World Vision Process Excellence and improvements achieved. It presents challenges faced and lessons learned along the way. Finally, it calls on others to join the Lean Six Sigma TQM journey in NGOs and East Africa.