bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for a library‐management toolbox
Authors: Laitinen Markku , Saarti Jarmo 
Published: May 2012

PurposeQuality management, and its associated evidence‐based ideology, have influenced library management from at least the beginning of the 1990s. Both concepts emphasize that decisions have to be based on facts. Libraries have a long history of using statistics in data collection due to international agreements and standards. Although there is much data available in the libraries, perhaps this collected data have not been utilized as effectively as possible. This paper aims to discuss the possibilities of combining different types of statistical data in order to measure the efficiency of the work being done in libraries and what possible impact they can have in their parent organizations. It also aims to use the concept of data warehousing as a tool for joining different types of statistical data in the analysis.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a case study with statistical analysis of library data collected and a conceptual analysis of possibilities in the data warehousing of the library and library‐related data in order to improve its analysis.FindingsThe authors suggest that in order to improve the analysis of the library statistical data towards the actual effects the library has, for example, to the learning and research done within university, one must start to develop statistical data systems that enable the combination of different types of statistical data. This needs co‐operation between different vendors and government officials in defining the statistical data collected.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on Finnish experiences and the data warehousing model should be tested empirically and developed further due to the challenges in the conformity of the data collected.Practical implicationsThe paper presents ideas and possibilities to evolve the library statistical data analysis.Social implicationsThe paper presents ideas for national and international bodies in how to develop statistical data systems and their interoperability.Originality/valueThe paper promotes the idea of combining library and other statistical data collected in order to provide better tools for library management.
New challenges for the quality of librarian services delivery in Portugal
Authors: Margarida Melo de Carvalho Maria , Elizabeth Dominguez Caroline 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the user's assessment of the level of quality of the library services of the Portuguese University of Trás‐os‐Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) in order to identify its potential improvement.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a literature review on library service quality assessment focusing on the ServQual, Lib Qual, or Biqual conceptual tools, a survey was designed and applied to a sample of the UTAD library's users, and then subjected to statistical analysis.FindingsThe literature review on library quality service assessment points out an array of dimensions that must be taken into account. The conceptual tools recently developed for that assessment showed that the services provided by the UTAD library needed to be redefined in order to enhance its user's autonomy. The results of the survey follow the findings of the literature review and, in particular, show that for the UTAD case study: gender is an important variable to take into account; the access to new technologies and to its convenient use is of the outmost importance; and face to face relation between users and service providers must be deepened.Practical implicationsThe data survey clearly indicates the areas in which UTAD library has to direct its efforts in order to improve the quality of its services and meet users' expectations.Originality/valueThe results opened up the way to future comparative investigations with other services provided by other university libraries.
Interview with Dr Stanley C. Abraham, author of Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Dr Stanley C. Abraham.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an interview with Stanley C. Abraham, author of Strategic Planning.FindingsIn the interview, Dr Abraham discusses his background in strategic planning and consultancy, and his role as co‐founder of the Association for Strategic Planning.Originality/valueThe interview highlights the benefits of Dr Abraham's “Strategic Analysis Model (That Works).”
Speech as a way of constructing change in space
Authors: Airo Kaisa , Rasila Heidi , Nenonen Suvi 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis article presents a model of employees' rhetorical patterns, which take place during a workplace change.Design/methodology/approachThe method of discourse analysis is used to investigate employees' perceptions of and dispositions to the change. In total, 21 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in two organizations before and after moving to open plan offices.FindingsPeople tend to frame the change in space by either opposing or conforming ways of making sense. Opposing discourses include rhetorical strategies of social community versus own responsibility, believing in a hidden agenda of management, and distancing oneself. Conforming discourses include social community versus individual opinion, including oneself, and trusting the professionals. Additionally it was found that employees tend to be ambiguous with their messages when interviewed during a workplace change process.Social implicationsAcknowledging the results of this paper can help workplace managers to make a difference between naturally occurring change resistance among employees and well justified disagreement with the content of the change. Also, the results help workplace managers to understand the rhetoric and behaviour of employees' during a workplace change.Originality/valueThe methodology of discourse analysis is rarely used in facilities management research and is thus a method to be considered in future studies of FM.
A user pre‐occupancy evaluation method for facilitating the designer‐client communication
Authors: Shen Weilin , Shen Qiping , Xiaoling Zhang 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper introduces a building information model (BIM)‐based user pre‐occupancy evaluation method (UPOEM), which is applied in architectural design stage to narrow the gap between inexperienced clients and designers. It aims to improve the communication efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review studied the related technologies applied in the UPOEM, which includes building information modeling, user activity scheduling, and requirements documentation method. Based on the building information model, a virtual environment involving the end‐users' daily activities was built up. In this virtual environment, the clients can observe how their organization will be accommodated in the built environment according to their daily work routines. A requirements and feedback interface was designed to facilitate the clients to conduct a pre‐occupancy evaluation and store the relevant information into the database.FindingsIn briefing and design stages, there is a considerable gap between the inexperienced clients and designers when the clients specify requirements and review the design solutions. In the UPOEM, the user activity simulation model can facilitate clients to obtain a better understanding of the design. The requirements and feedback interface can also help them specify requirements and give comments to the design. Thus it provided an alternative tool to improve the efficiency of the designer‐client communication.Research limitations/implicationsThis research established a virtual platform which involves both building information and the user activity information. This platform can be further extended by the integration of more building performance simulation tools. Thus it provided a potential to bring the traditional post occupancy evaluation process to the pre‐construction stage.Practical implicationsThe implementation of this method in practice can improve the efficiency of the designer‐client communication, and also maximize the clients' satisfaction during the requirements specification and design review process.Social implicationsThis study built up a collaborative working environment for both designer and clients. It can strengthen the designer‐client relationship during the briefing and design stage.Originality/valueThe user activity simulation and requirements management methods are innovatively applied together to enhance the clients' performance during designer‐client communication.
Manufacturing strategies for time based competitive advantages
Authors: Lin Yong , Ma Shihua , Zhou Li 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to investigate the current manufacturing strategies and practices of bus manufacturers in China, and to propose a framework of manufacturing strategies for time‐based competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual research framework is devised from a review of the literature, and case studies are used to investigate the manufacturing strategies and practices in place in the case companies. Data are collected through semi‐structured interviews and secondary documentation.FindingsThe results show that, with over‐capacity in the Chinese bus manufacturing industry, success is no longer determined by high productivity or low price; a quick response to the customers' tailored demands is essential in a climate of fierce competition. The suggested best practices for time‐based competitive advantages comprise building technical centers and post‐doctoral research stations, applying modularity logic, adopting radio frequency identification (RFID), and optimizing processes by, for example, involving customers and integrating inbound and outbound logistics.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results are limited within the context of the bus manufacturing industry in China.Practical implicationsThe research results help both the practitioners and the researchers gain a better understanding of the practices of Chinese bus manufacturers from the perspective of time‐based competitive advantage. The proposed strategies and best practices have the potential to improve the manufacturing performance of this type of manufacturer.Originality/valueThis paper shows the big picture of manufacturing strategy and practice of bus manufacturers in the Chinese automobile industry. Furthermore, it presents a manufacturing strategy framework with best practice guidance to gain a time‐based competitive advantage.
Correlating service touch‐point preferences with engagement parameters
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Chipulu Maxwell , Graesser Andrew 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to extant research which emphasises the need for service suppliers to be able to leverage firm‐customer relationships through an understanding of the correlation between service touch‐points and engagement parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilised multivariate methods (CATPCA and Pro‐fit) to analyse the data. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 238 respondents, sampled through the social networking site, “Facebook”.FindingsIt was found from the analysis of data that within the context of customer engagement, four critical parameters (“satisfaction”, “loyalty/advocacy”, “recruitment/retention” and “customer losses”) impact on customer touch‐points.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is characterised by two limitations. The first is that the respondents' simultaneous utilisation of multiple touch‐points was not accounted for in the study. Second, the authors acknowledge that the narrow demographic spread of the respondents is a possible limitation of the study.Originality/valueThe study findings are grounded in empirical findings which is a departure from traditional scholarship on customer touch‐points which has been based on case observations and anecdotal evidence.
An analysis of critical information technology issues facing organizations
Authors: Peslak Alan R. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze the views of top financial executives on the information systems (IS) in their organizations and to study the critical information technology issues facing organizations. Specifically, it aims to study critical issues over the period 2006 to 2010, as well as the effect of company size on the criticality of issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2006 and 2010 Financial Executives International (FEI) comprehensive survey‐based research on technology issues for financial executives. The study was conducted by the FEI and in conjunction with Computer Sciences Corporation in 2006. Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and other statistical methods are used.FindingsThe findings confirm critical issues that are facing organizations today. The study also finds that company size generally does not play a significant role in the criticality of information technology (IT) issues and that generally, there has been variation in the relative importance of issues between 2006 and 2010.Research limitations/implicationsThe study can be used as a basis for further exploration on critical IT issues, as well as the influences on company size on criticality of issues. It can also serve as a preliminary model to analyze firm IS over time. Limitations of the study include that the only group included in the survey were financial executives and the study is primarily based on US company responses.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used to guide management teams in emphasizing areas that need attention and are of critical importance to all organizations. The article is extremely topical and useful for practitioners in understanding what are the major issues facing IT today. The longitudinal analysis and size study are particularly important in confirming the importance of the relevant IT issues.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes a large current sample set which empirically reviews a cross‐section of major corporations, IS departments and their returns. In addition, it begins to explore longitudinal and size effects on critical IT issues
Looking at resource sharing costs
Authors: Leon Lars , Kress Nancy 
Published: May 2012

Purpose
– This paper is the result of a small cost study of resource sharing services in 23 North American libraries. Its aim is to discuss trends that have affected resource sharing costs since the last comprehensive study.

Design/methodology/approach
– Selected libraries were approached for this phase of study. A pilot phase helped to clarify the cost and service definitions and revise the database which served as the data collection instrument.

Findings
– Immediate access to electronic items at point of use has resulted in user demand for faster turnaround for physical materials. This in turn has led to increased costs for ILL technology and shipping. Costs have decreased but continue to show a noticeable disparity between ILL borrowing and lending. The data also clearly support the perception that patron initiated Circ-to-Circ module requests have a lower per transaction cost than traditional ILL.

Originality/value
– Libraries have been relying on cost data that is now almost ten years old. While this study is small, the data provide an updated benchmark to assist libraries in making effective decisions regarding resource sharing. The study illustrates a range of costs which reinforce the need for libraries to investigate their own average costs to optimize decision making.
Building on success: evolving local and consortium purchase-on-demand programs
Authors: Wiley Lynn , Clarage Elizabeth 
Published: May 2012

Purpose
– Patron driven acquisitions (PDA) programs have emerged as an important component in library collection practices. The authors aim to report on four PDA programs (two completed, two currently underway) undertaken by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign either by itself or in partnership with a statewide academic library consortium known as CARLI.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience and direct involvement with these programs.

Findings
– The programs were built on successful partnerships with both vendors and consortial partners; each program was informed by and built on the success of the previous one. The processes can be scaled up and applied to larger systems in order to maximize their impact and user satisfaction.

Originality/value
– Acquisitions librarians and selectors will find the local PDA programs of interest, while the consortial approach will be of interest to anyone involved with building and sharing collections in a multi-institutional environment.
From Russia with love
Authors: Kinslow Kenneth 
Published: May 2012

Purpose
– This paper
'
s aim is to provide an overview of the challenges and solutions to obtaining Russian language materials. Despite the challenges presented by inaccurate or incomplete bibliographic citations and multiple methods of transliterating titles from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabets, many excellent sources of assistance are available to ILL staff.

Design/methodology/approach
– The author relies on his extensive professional experience in locating such materials. He provides a broad survey of library collections, Russian language subject specialists, and online book purveyors who are both willing and able to provide assistance.

Findings
– Locating and obtaining Russian language materials via ILL is not as difficult as it appears. Excellent Russian language library collections in the US, Russia, and Eastern Europe as well as online booksellers all provide discovery tools, delivery services, and payment methods that are readily accessible to ILL staff.

Originality/value
– All ILL staff who need to obtain Russian language materials on behalf of their users will find this article especially useful.
Integrated in‐plane mirror and multimode waveguide fabrication using 248 nm excimer laser ablation for optical interconnects on PCBs
Authors: Zakariyah Shefiu S. , Conway Paul P. , Hutt David A. , Suyal Navin , Selviah David R. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the need, and a potential solution, for in‐plane routing of optical signals for optical‐enabled circuit boards.Design/methodology/approachMultimode waveguides and integrated 45° in‐plane mirror structures were made in a low loss acrylate‐based photopolymer using excimer laser ablation. The fabrication of multimode waveguides and mirrors was carried out in a single laser system which minimised alignment issues.FindingsIt was established that in‐plane mirror fabrication using laser ablation can be achieved and can potentially be used to define mirrors in waveguides made by other methods such as photolithography.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the concept (integrated in‐plane mirror) was demonstrated, the viability of its deployment will depend on the results of optical loss measurements for which further research is required.Originality/valueThe paper gives an overview of the design concept and fabrication steps for an in‐plane embedded mirror.
Unmet need and met unneed in health care utilisation in Iran
Authors: Hajizadeh Mohammad , Connelly Luke B. , Butler James R.G. , Khosravi Aredshir 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper uses a unique nationwide survey data derived from the 2003 Utilisation of Health Services Survey (UHSS) in Iran (n=16,935) to analyse inequities of health care utilisation.Design/methodology/approachConcentration indices are used to measure socioeconomic inequality in actual use of the five types of health services, and in unmet need for two of those types of service (any ambulatory care and hospital admissions). Horizontal inequity indices are employed to examine inequity in ambulatory and hospital care. Generalised linear model (GLM) was employed to investigate factors contributing to the phenomena of “unmet need” and “met unneed”. Moreover, a decomposition analysis of inequality is performed to determine the contributions of each factor to the inequality of “unmet need”.FindingsResults suggest that self‐reported need for ambulatory and inpatient care is concentrated among the poor, whereas the utilisation of ambulatory and inpatient care were generally distributed proportionally. Results of horizontal inequity indices show that the distributions of any ambulatory care and hospital admissions are pro‐rich. The probability of “unmet need” for ambulatory care was higher among wealthier individuals. The decomposition analysis demonstrates that the wealth index, health insurance, and region of residence are the most important factors contributing to the concentration of “unmet need” for ambulatory health care among the poor. Results also illustrate that higher wealth quintiles used more unneeded ambulatory care than their poorer counterparts.Originality/valueA special characteristic of the UHSS is that it contains questions about the need for medical services use and about actual services use. This characteristic provides an opportunity to measure the inequality of health care consumption against self‐assessed treatment needs, as well as an analysis of which observables are associated with “unmet need”. Moreover, the incidence of health care use when it is reported as not needed can be analysed with this dataset. The analysis of this phenomenon – which we refer to as “met unneed” – is another novel aspect of this work.
Corporate identity anchors: a managerial cognition perspective
Authors: He Hongwei 
Published: May 2012

PurposePrevious studies on corporate identity (CI) suggest that different beholders view CI from different angles. For example, senior managers' angle can be different from those of employees or customers. The present study aims to explore the dimensions of managerial perceptions of CI.Design/methodology/approachA total of 48 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior managers within three organisations in the British financial service sector.FindingsSeven principal categories of corporate identity anchors were identified: ownership, vision and mission, values and beliefs, business, personality attributes, external image, and strategic performance.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that CI anchors can be a starting point for CI program or corporate image management. Attention should be accorded to the diversity of the internal and managerial perceptions of CI and how such diversity can be translated into strong and persuasive messages to other stakeholders.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to the literature by identifying potential corporate attributes that are relevant to CI. These findings expand the traditional view of the CI mix and represent a significant progress toward the identification and mapping of the construct of CI.