bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nastiness of data
Authors: Seadle Michael 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is to discuss problems in gathering and evaluating data in library and information science. Increasingly I find that I advocate an empirical approach to research in our field of library and information science. Others appear to agree and are writing more works based on explicit empirical sources.Design/methodology/approachThe method uses standard social science techniques for examining the reliability and representativeness of data.FindingsThe editorial looks at two specific examples, one an experiment with an outlier and another a published source whose data are potentially incomplete. Sometimes the obvious problems are not really problems at all and sometimes completely unexpected issues invalidate results. This is not a reason for avoiding empirical research or for doubting empirical results every time they appear. But it is a reason for authors to engage in a thorough discussion of their data as a part of any scholarly work.Originality/valueThe editorial argues for a broader and more explicit discussion of data issues in journal articles. Some data is quite usable despite its apparent nastiness and some is just hopelessly bad. But a majority of data in our field lie somewhere between these extremes and need to be discussed as part of the analysis process.
Public libraries: places creating social capital?
Authors: Vårheim Andreas 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show why studies of public libraries, regarding their possible contribution in creating social capital, are important for social capital research in general, and are important for library practice in particular.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on the latest theoretical developments and empirical findings of social capital research, the role of the public library as a potential creator of social capital is discussed. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative empirical research are discussed, and also the need for further studies is presented.FindingsThe paper reports quantitative macro‐level results concerning whether public library expenditure can contribute in explaining social trust patterns in the OECD countries. However, to be able to ascertain this, numerous qualitative studies revealing the mechanisms actually generating generalized trust are needed. Preliminary qualitative interviews suggest that this approach can prove fruitful.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications for further research into public libraries and the building of generalized trust are twofold: one the one hand, more specific research questions on the role libraries can be asked regarding accommodating diversity and increasing trust among diverse groups, e.g. immigrants. On the other hand, the suitability of the public library for investigating these questions makes the results relevant for social capital research in general.Practical implicationsThe library profession points to the importance of libraries for social capital and maintain that libraries have been overlooked in this matter. Strong sentiments like this should be ideal for implementation of research based library policies, strategies and activities for creating social capital.Originality/valueWhat is new in this research is that studies of public libraries may contribute in resolving the impasse within contemporary social capital research where neither institutional nor societal perspectives seem to be able to verify how social capital is created.
To tag or not to tag?
Authors: Thomas Marliese , Caudle Dana M. , Schmitz Cecilia M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a quantitative analysis of the extent to which folksonomies replicate the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) to see if folksonomies would successfully complement cataloger‐supplied subject headings in library catalogs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares social tags and LC subject headings for ten books from various library‐related applications including next generation OPACs and LibraryThing by ranking tags and subject headings using scales modified from research by Golder and Huberman, Voorbij, and Kipp.FindingsSocial tagging does indeed augment LCSH by providing additional access to resources.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral of our applications lacked tags for the books we chose in our study. Tags are primarily taken from LibraryThing.Practical implicationsA hybrid catalog combining both LCSH and a folksonomy would result in richer metadata and be stronger than the sum of its parts, giving patrons the best of both worlds in terms of access to materials.Originality/valueThis paper supplies quantitative support for the use of folksonomies in a library's catalog. The data also supports many of the previous theories proposed in literature about folksonomies and social tagging.
Issues in Indian languages computing in particular reference to search and retrieval in Telugu language
Authors: Madalli Devika P. , Patel Dimple 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the various issues involved in Indian languages computing, particularly Telugu, like creating, displaying, searching and retrieving digital content. The paper also aims to emphasize the issues involved in retrieval in Indian languages. The complexities presented by the grammar, syntax and morphology of Indian languages are discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper undertakes and presents descriptive study of the issues and challenges in Indian languages computing in general and Telugu language in particular.FindingsThe problem of multilingual information retrieval in Indian languages is multi‐pronged. A major observation of this study is that, though digital content is available in Indian languages, it is mostly in non‐standard encoding format and fonts. There is an urgent need to work in the area of developing search algorithms for Indian languages, like soundex and metaphones to tolerate spelling variations and mistakes that a user might make in queries and suggest correct spelling(s).Practical implicationsWith existing technologies libraries can now build online catalogues in the language of the documents or build digital repositories with content in various Indian languages. Though a few library automation software like NewGenLib and digital library software like DSpace, etc. are offering Unicode support for Indian languages, they do not allow for different types of search such as truncation search, word variants, etc. The present study is a step towards developing algorithms for indexing and searching in Indian languages.Originality/valueThe paper addresses various issues in Indian language computing with emphasis on search and retrieval.
The role of web services in portal design: approaches for an Algerian university library
Authors: Ridda Laouar Mohamed , Hacken Richard , Miles Mathew 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present a conceptual model for the design of a scholarly web portal at the University of Tébessa, with which it is hoped that scholarly work stations that combine local and remote holdings, tools and documents will be created. Today, with access to enormous quantities of information facilitated by the web, boundaries between remote and local source documents become invisible. This is of extreme interest for libraries in Algeria, whose local holdings are very limited.Design/methodology/approachAn outlined conceptual model of library portal architecture, with ontological classifications and relationships is presented. The model comes from applying literature reviews to the needs and specifications of the authors and leads to a detailed breakdown of the planning and implementation process.FindingsThree findings in particular are worth noting. First, the contribution of web services to the seamless utility of a scholarly portal is indispensable: interoperable features, formats and protocols can be carefully customized. Second, the conceptual model assists not only in visualization but in implementation phases of the process from assessment of user needs and behaviors through interface creation and ongoing maintenance. Third, a method for recycling (or “porting”) existing applications in constructing new library services is a key component.Originality/valueThough this library portal is conceived for an Algerian library, which will ultimately benefit from inclusion in a nationwide network, Réseau Régional Inter Bibliothèques Universitaires (RIBU), the conceptual model may guide anyone interested in aggregating online information resources into a single, seamless terminal.
Corporate social responsibility of Islamic financial institutions and businesses
Authors: Hassan Abul , Salma Binti Abdul Latiff Hjh 
Published: October 2009

PurposeAs per Islamic business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the business organizations and Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) should be seen as a benefit rather than a cost. The intense commitment of Islam to justice and brotherhood demands that business organization should take care of some of the needs of the community, Therefore, there is needed that the IFIs should create a congenial atmosphere of strategic linkage between Islamic charity organizations and business companies. The main purpose of this paper is to study the current practices of CSR of the business organizations as well as IFIs and to explore further scope of optimizing charity value.Design/methodology/approachThe study evaluates the CSR of the businesses and IFIs based on secondary sources information and develops a model which creates a strategic link between Islamic charity organizations and business companies.FindingsA collective approach of businesses, IFIs and awqaf/charitable foundations would increase the flow of corporate resources into the social sector.Originality/valueIn order to fulfill the role of CSR and to optimize charity value, the businesses should build up non‐profit infrastructure to achieve their objectives more cost‐effectively. On the other hand, the Islamic charities can also get benefits by using the commercial infrastructure of the business organizations and to make contributions more effectively in the social sector. There is no inherent contradiction between improving competitive context of business and making a sincere commitment to bettering society.
Supervenience in socio‐economic systems
Authors: Neal Mark W. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify issues concerning the implications and usefulness of the concept of supervenience in social analysis and research.Design/methodology/approachSupervenience refers to the notion that interaction in complex systems gives rise to superordinate phenomena, possessing qualities that differ from those of the interacting entities “below”. In order to discuss the application of the concept in sociology, the article draws upon the distinction between “weak” and “strong” supervenience. “Weak” supervenience characterizes the superordinate as being independent of any particular patterning at subordinate levels, while “strong” supervenience refers to the existence of tighter, more knowable, relationships between the super‐ and sub‐ordinate.FindingsThe paper finds that analyses of the social have long been preoccupied with supervenient properties. Indeed, sociological disciplines can be usefully characterized and distinguished in terms of whether they assume “weak” or “strong” supervenience in their analysis of human affairs.Research limitations/implicationsThe research needs further critical investigation of the use of supervenience in current sociological discourse and analysis.Practical implicationsThrough discussing its already important place in social analysis, the article argues for the refinement and critical application of supervenience in future social studies.Originality/valueThe paper reviews and refines issues concerning the importance and implications of supervenience for sociological analysis and social research.
Islamic microfinance: the evidence from Australia
Authors: Umar Faruq Ahmad Abu , Rafique Ahmad A.B. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing body of work in the area of Islamic microfinance by examining the co‐operative nature of Islamic financial services providers (IFSPs) in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe method employed in this study is a mixture of one of the authors' post‐graduate research and their personal experience, curiosity and association with this industry.FindingsIslamic financial cooperatives, relevant government authorities and Islamic micro‐lenders in Australia should cautiously examine the following opportunities for the development of Islamic microfinance in Australia: merging of Islamic cooperatives with each other for their future growth and development through attracting more capital; integration of microfinancing Islamic investment and retail banking facilities to provide the twin engines of fulfilling communities' religious needs and Australia's economic development; and introducing more creative Islamic microfinance techniques to suit the financial needs of individuals and groups to facilitate their contribution in the country's economic development.Practical implicationsThe paper offers: an introduction to the emergence and development of Islamic microfinance in Australia; studies the current realities of the Islamic financial system of Australia from the perspective of Islamic microfinance contracting perspectives; explains the key role of IFSPs in Australia in fulfilling the microfinance needs of Muslim community; and examines the Islamic microfinance techniques they use.Originality/valueExamination of the issues of the study is undertaken aiming at introducing Islamic microfinance with relevant parties including government authorities and Islamic micro‐lenders in Australia to find it as a viable alternative system of financing for Muslims in Australia.
Understanding the role of information communication in the buyer‐seller exchange process: antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Agnihotri Raj , Rapp Adam , Trainor Kevin 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis study seeks to address the issue of managing buyer‐seller relationships. Specifically, a framework incorporating the constructs of information communication, sales technology, product knowledge, and customer satisfaction is proposed.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical support was derived from salesperson survey data combined with customer‐reported satisfaction ratings. All 254 sales representatives of the women's health care division of a pharmaceutical company were surveyed for this research study.FindingsThe results suggest that managers can benefit by extending salesforce training to address not only technical knowledge but also communication skills. Providing technology with the potential to increase customer satisfaction through improved information communication would be beneficial as well.Practical implicationsThe research suggests that managers should invest resources not only in providing salespeople with technical knowledge, but also in training them in effective communication skills. Further, the benefit has been shown, in terms of customer satisfaction, of providing technology to support communication between salespeople and customers.Originality/valueThe study uses the relationship marketing approach to explore the critical role of information communication construct in a buyer‐seller exchange process. Moreover, the inclusion of salesperson experience as a possible moderator of the links to this construct brings additional value.
Managerial uncertainty as a feature of organizational form: a sociological perspective
Authors: Saylor Breckenridge R. , Taplin Ian M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper sets out to review the sociological perspective on the changing role of managers in US corporations following the demise of Fordist hierarchies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews literature on how changing managerial prerogatives altered the control of the workplace, and provides a theoretically informed assessment of the current impasse.FindingsThe post‐Second World War decades saw sustained economic growth that was predicated on an employment relationship in which managers and workers had relatively secure career ladders within firms and were provided with regular pay increases. The changing competitive environment in the 1980s altered this relationship: traditional hierarchical structures were increasingly subject to internal market forces, and organizations supplanted and supplemented their operations with network forms.Originality/valueThe paper shows how workplace changes increased insecurity for managers by questioning the traditional operation of that role within organizations; though simultaneously, these changes served to enhance features of overall organizational efficiency and equalize opportunity for career advancement.
Causes of conflict in intercompetitor cooperation
Authors: Tidström Annika 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to increase understanding about the causes of conflict in intercompetitor cooperation.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical part is based on two case studies within two different industries in Finland: the transportation industry and the natural products industry. Interviews with managing directors were carried out in 2003‐2006.FindingsThe findings of the study show that causes of conflict in intercompetitor cooperation can be related organisationally, relationally or externally. Organisational causes of conflict in intercompetitor cooperation can be either operational or normative, while relational causes can be strategic or normative. On an external level there are several actors that may influence conflicts in intercompetitor cooperation: suppliers, salesmen, customers and political actors.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study derive from the scarce possibilities for generalisations and the risk of a fairly case‐specific study. Further research should focus on external network actors and their impact on conflict in business‐to‐business relationships. Another avenue for further study would be to investigate the extent to which the findings from this study can be related to vertical business relationships with minimum levels of competition.Practical implicationsCooperating competitors usually have a history, which is mainly based on competition. This history appears to be hard to forget since there is a tendency for competitors to act individualistically by focusing on what is best for their own company instead of the industry as a whole.Originality/valueThe study focuses on two research areas, neither of which has been adequately researched in the existing literature about interorganisational relationships: conflict and intercompetitor cooperation.
Employee perspectives of service quality in the supermarket sector
Authors: Vella Paul J. , Gountas John , Walker Rhett 
Published: October 2009

PurposeInternal organisational aspects of service delivery from the employee's perspective have received some attention in the literature. However, there is a need for more detailed empirical research to explore the possible impacts of specific internal service factors (ISFs) on service quality. This paper seeks to consider the overall influence of customer‐employee interactions, and to discuss and test empirically the relative influence of five ISFs that interface with internal marketing strategies.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were collected from a sample (n=202) of supermarket employees across a large metropolitan city. The data analysis used bivariate correlations, stepwise regression, and structural equation modelling.FindingsThe main research findings, from the employee perceptions of service quality, suggest that there are three main predictor variables, namely, service orientation, service role flexibility, and non‐standardised scripted behaviour. The most important internal service quality predictor variable is employees' service orientation attitude, followed by non‐standardised scripted service behaviour and third by the organisational policy to adopt and change (flexible) service roles.Research limitations/implicationsThe research needs to be expanded by investigating simultaneously the viewpoints about service quality by managers and actual consumers.Practical implicationsRetail marketing managers need to be mindful that ISFs have the potential to indirectly influence consumer perceptions through employee behaviours and perceptions of customers' needs. The five ISFs identified in this research can serve as a basis for differentiating a service brand.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of five internal service success factors that influence service quality.
Developing a deeper understanding of the attributes of effective customer contact employees in personal complaint‐handling encounters
Authors: Gruber Thorsten , Szmigin Isabelle , Voss Roediger 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of complaint satisfaction, specifically to examine how contact employees should behave and which qualities they should possess. The study also aims to explore the comparability of results obtained from two laddering methods, as the alternative techniques may lead to different sets of attributes.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory study using the means‐end approach and two laddering techniques (personal interviews and questionnaires) was conducted.FindingsWhile the personal interviews produced more depth in understanding, the results of the two laddering methods are broadly similar. The research indicates that being taken seriously in the complaint encounter and the employee's listening skills and competence are particularly important.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the exploratory nature of the study and the scope and size of its student sample, the results outlined are tentative in nature.Practical implicationsIf companies know what customers expect, contact employees may be trained to adapt their behavior to their customers' underlying expectations, which should have a positive impact on customer satisfaction. For this purpose, the paper gives suggestions to managers to improve active complaint management.Originality/valueThe study was the first to successfully apply the means‐end approach and two laddering techniques to the issue of complaint satisfaction. The paper has hopefully opened up an area of research and methodology that could reap considerable further benefits for researchers interested in the area of customer complaint satisfaction.