bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bibliometric analysis of Chinese superconductivity research, 1986‐2007
Authors: Zhu Qilun , Willett Peter 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the development of Chinese research in superconductivity since the advent of high‐temperature superconductivity (HTS) in the mid‐1980s, and to compare Chinese research with that of its international competitors.Design/methodology/approachThis research used publications, citations, journals, subject categories and institutional data from the Web of Science database.FindingsChinese HTS research has grown steadily in importance over the period, with a significant increase in peer‐recognition, as measured by citations from non‐Chinese researchers. A comparison with superconductivity research in England, France, Germany, Japan, Russia and the USA shows that the impact of the Chinese work is growing relative to the other countries, with a cluster analysis showing that the current bibliometric status of Chinese research is most similar to that of England, France and Russia.Originality/valueThis is both the first bibliometric study of Chinese research in superconductivity and the first bibliometric comparison of different countries' research in superconductivity since the advent of HTS. Cluster analysis provides an interesting way of identifying analogous international bibliometric profiles.
Performance‐related pay in German public services
Authors: Schmidt Werner , Trittel Nele , Müller Andrea 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis article seeks to examine the experiences of the recent introduction of performance‐related pay (PRP) in German public services. From an industrial relations perspective, it addresses the question of how different designs of PRP schemes and the circumstances under which PRP is implemented influence its functionality and its acceptance by employees.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an analysis of 215 works and establishment agreements, 17 case studies in municipalities of the federal state of North Rhine‐Westphalia (including employee attitude surveys in three cases), and interviews with experts from the employers' federation and the trade union.FindingsIt is shown that – in accordance with the literature – enhancing employee motivation is not the only objective pursued by the collective actors in the introduction of PRP. Different PRP schemes have differing effects: highly selective PRP schemes tend to fail; schemes resembling conventional appraisal systems have little positive effect on motivation and performance, whereas participative systems focusing on the inclusion of employees can offer an opportunity to renegotiate performance objectives in the public services.Practical implicationsFactors such as balancing material interest and social recognition, and strengthening participative elements could be crucial for improving the acceptance and functionality of PRP schemes.Originality/valueThis paper provides first findings on the recent introduction of PRP in the German public sector and contributes to the discussion on the functionality of PRP in public services.
The operational performance of UK airlines: 2002‐2007
Authors: Assaf A. George , Josiassen Alexander 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the efficiency of UK airlines in light of all the recent industry challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe study measured the technical efficiency of airlines through the innovative data envelopment analysis (DEA) bootstrap methodology.FindingsResults based on a sample of recent input/output data indicated that the efficiency of UK airlines has continuously declined since 2004 to reach a value of 73.39 per cent in 2007. Factors which were found to be significantly and positively related to technical efficiency variations include airline size and load factor. The paper also highlights that factors such as increase in oil price and fierce market competition were also potential inefficiency determinants.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper provide a fresh link between airline performance and the current industry characteristics. UK airlines also have a major role in the European and international aviation sector, and thus a reflection on their efficiency could be of interest to private and public policy makers.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on a recent period and thus provide a fresh efficiency assessment of the airline industry. The study also extends the limited literature available on UK airlines.
The Nordic experience revisited: labour market booms and slumps since the 1990s in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Pehkonen Jaakko , Sala Hector , Salvador Pablo F. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an account of the unemployment performance of two Nordic countries during their recent labour market booms and slumps.Design/methodology/approachBased on the empirical models of Karanassou et al., we conduct dynamic simulation exercises and explore the determinants of unemployment.FindingsThe analysis yields two main findings. First, the capital stock was the most important determinant of the unemployment trajectory in both countries. This result appears in all periods considered: in the slump of the early 1990s and the boom of the late 1990s, as well as in the stabilisation period of the early 2000s. Second, the role of the foreign sector on the unemployment trajectory was significant in Finland, its quantitative impact being one‐third of the effect for the capital stock in the first and third periods, and half of the latter in the second period.Originality/valueThe results illustrate the importance of non‐standard labour market variables in examining unemployment trajectories. The findings call for a wider than usual perspective in trying to solve the unemployment problem.
Innovation, industrial relations and employee outcomes: evidence from Italy
Authors: Antonioli Davide , Mazzanti Massimiliano , Pini Paolo 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the relationships between working conditions, innovation activities and industrial relations in two local production systems located in the northern Italy, exploiting data collected throughad‐hocsurveys in 2004 and 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a recent stream of literature, which is still quite scanty, that addresses the issue of the implication for workers derived from the introduction of organizational changes. This topic is addressed and extended, taking into consideration both the role of firm level industrial relations and the role of other innovation activities that may influence working conditions.FindingsThe results seem to support the position maintained by the advocates of organizational changes. Job empowerment is spurred by the form of organizational changes usually defined as high performance workplace practices. However, such typology of changes in the organization does not seem to be linked with positive trends in safety/security and stress. At the same time the positive role of cooperative industrial relations on the working condition emerges, also as complementary elements to innovation activities.Originality/valueThis work confirms some relevant empirical results obtained in international literature about the linkages between organizational changes and working conditions. At the same time it provides an original perspective of analysis taking into account other influencing factors of workers' well being: good quality industrial relations at firm level and innovation activities such as technological innovation and ICT.
Long‐term effects of fiscal policies in Portugal
Authors: Marvão Pereira Alfredo , Roca‐Sagalés Oriol 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to estimate the long‐term effects on output of different fiscal policies in Portugal.Design/methodology/approachResults are obtained from accumulated impulse response functions associated with unrestricted VAR models that include several public spending and taxation variables in addition to output.FindingsEmpirical results suggest that the effects of fiscal policies are within the Keynesian paradigm for public investment and direct taxation. In turn, non‐Keynesian effects dominate in the case of intermediate public consumption and indirect taxation where the effects are negligible.Practical implicationsCuts in public consumption and increases in indirect taxations seem to be the most desirable instruments for fiscal consolidation in Portugal. Also, deficit‐neutral policies that offset increases in public investment with increases in indirect taxes have long‐term positive effects on output. The same is true for cuts in direct taxation offset with cuts in all forms of public spending except for public investment.Originality/valueThis is one of the few papers in this literature to use disaggregated public spending and taxation data. It is also a seminal application to the Portuguese case.
Transforming special collections through innovative uses for LibGuides
Authors: Griffin Melanie , Lewis Barbara 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the utility of Springshare's LibGuides platform for special collections repositories and to evaluate the collection guides built by Special & Digital Collections at the University of South Florida in LibGuides.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores how academic libraries have used LibGuides previously and provides a case study that suggests new ways for special collections repositories to make the most of the product.FindingsThe simplicity and easy‐to‐update functionality of LibGuides works well for USF's Special & Digital Collections collection guides. The flexible API allowed SDC to embed digital content, enable user comments, advertise events, and measure the impact of various services.Practical implicationsLibGuides provides an intuitive, simple, and cost‐effective method to create dynamic and frequently updated guides to special collections.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to explore the use of LibGuides in a special collections repository.
The Jewish Studies Book Awards: a collection development strategy for non‐sectarian academic libraries
Authors: Taler Izabella 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an alternative method of building quality collections for Jewish Studies collection development professionals in small and medium‐sized academic libraries with highly restricted budgets.Design/methodology/approachSources of Jewish Studies literary awards were identified and a detailed analysis of awarded books' subjects and the publishing sources was conducted.FindingsThe results show that awarded books cover a vast variety of subjects of interest to Jewish Studies collections. Since many of them are also published by academic presses, the use of identified Jewish Studies book award sources should be considered by bibliographers responsible for building Jewish Studies collections in non‐sectarian college libraries with very limited budgetary resources.Practical implicationsThe “one stop” access to all award sources and awarded books provides an easy access to otherwise dispersed information.Originality/valueThe comprehensive list of awards, nominated and winning titles, as well as the subject analysis presented herein, is the first of its kind. This can be used by Jewish Studies bibliographers to build and improve their collections and can also serve as a model for building other interdisciplinary subject collections.
Terrorism: a guide to resources
Authors: Okamoto Karen , Bladek Marta 
Published: January 2011

PurposePrior to 9/11, terrorism was subject to political, scholarly, and media debates. A large body of literature on the topic reflected researchers' long‐standing interest in the topic. In the near decade since 9/11, terrorism and its threat have only gained urgency. This paper aims to provide a selected bibliography of resources, in print and electronic format, that focus on terrorism. Public and academic libraries have been providing access to terrorism‐related resources, but no thematic bibliography has been published in professional journals since 2001. This guide aims to aid librarians in making decisions about developing and maintaining collections on the topic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors consulted a variety of sources, including the Library of Congress catalog, WorldCat, Bowker's Global Books in Print database, book reviews in Choice, Booklist, and in journals within terrorism studies. As John Jay College of Criminal Justice is home to The Center on Terrorism and the college offers an MA Certificate Program in Terrorism Studies, the authors also consulted the college library collection that supports these scholarly activities on terrorism at the college.Practical implicationsBecause of the volume of terrorism‐related scholarship and the number of available resources on the topic, this bibliography does not purport to be complete.FindingsIncluded in this guide are print and electronic encyclopedias, books, periodicals, databases, and websites covering terrorism.Originality/valueThis guide aims to assist students, faculty, and the general public in navigating the vast array of terrorism‐related resources. Focusing on research conducted and published since 2001, it is also intended as a guide for public and academic librarians who develop, maintain, or evaluate a collection on the topic.
Globalizing children's literature in academic libraries using automatic acquisition
Authors: Thornton Elaine 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the use of an automatic acquisition plan to acquire international children's award book winners in academic libraries and to offer suggestions for promoting these resources.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examined the vendor's website, vendor‐created spreadsheets detailing award‐winning children's books from 2007‐2009, and book award websites.FindingsThe findings show that acquiring international children's award book winners using an automatic acquisition plan is an excellent starting‐point for developing international children's award collections. Featured awards favor works in English. Award books from all continents and regions are not available, but award winners chosen by ethnic and international organizations can be selected to broaden the ethnic and cultural diversity of the resources.Originality/valueThis paper details a beginning point for acquiring and promoting international children's award book winners for academic libraries in order to support multiculturalism and globalism by diversifying curriculum materials collection and providing vital resources for future educators and the larger campus community.
Does social media have a place in workplace learning?
Authors: Shepherd Clive 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper sets out the arguments for the use of social media as a tool for learning in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachNot applicable – viewpoint paperFindingsSocial media can play a valuable role in both formal and informal learning in those organizations in which employees have some discretion over how they use their time and when they have easy access to networked computers.Practical implicationsOrganisations should look closely at the potential for using social mediaOriginality/valueClearly sets out four specific applications for social media in workplace learning – formal, non‐formal, in‐demand and experiential learning.
Big 4 auditor affiliation and accruals quality in Bangladesh
Authors: Humayun Kabir M. , Sharma Divesh , Islam Ainul , Salat Amirus 
Published: January 2011

PurposeBangladesh is an emerging economy and international audit firms operate there through affiliated local audit firms. The Bangladesh audit market can be characterized as an intensely competitive small audit market with relatively poor demand for high‐audit quality. In addition, Bangladesh has a relatively small and under developed but growing capital market that is characterized by poor corporate regulation and weak investor protection. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between Big 4 affiliated auditors and accruals quality in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachFollowing prior literature, this paper uses both absolute discretionary accruals and signed discretionary accruals as proxies of accruals quality. The sample is 382 firm‐year observations and covers fiscal years 2000‐2003.FindingsIt was found that the association between Big 4 affiliates and accruals quality in Bangladesh depends on measures of accruals quality and accruals models used. Overall, Big 4 affiliates do not have a positive impact on accruals quality of their clients in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on audit quality and accruals quality. The results potentially suggest that Big 4 affiliates do not have any positive impact on accruals quality of clients in an intensely competitive audit market where the demand for quality audit is poor and monitoring is lax and raise potential implications for policy makers and market participants in Bangladesh.
Using workforce structures to enable staff retention and development
Authors: Warren Vanessa 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the practical context and implications surrounding a workforce review undertaken by the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Library and the measures taken to address the key problems it identified, particularly those relating to the recruitment and retention of new and existing liaison librarians.Design/methodology/approachWorkforce planning methodologies were used to identify the gaps in the Library's projected staffing needs and current situation. Two of the major changes implemented to address these gaps were the restructuring of liaison librarian positions, and the implementation of a development and articulation structure for new librarians.FindingsThe workforce planning process identified a number of key gaps in capacity, particularly in terms of the ability to retain existing liaison librarians, and the recruitment of new librarians to anticipate the impending impact of a significantly aged workforce. After the restructuring and development framework were implemented UTAS Library found itself with an increase in new librarian staff, a structure that better reflected skills of staff, and enabled greater flexibility and movement across levels.Originality/valueThe paper provides a practical example of workforce planning, position restructuring and formal development structures for new librarians in an academic library.
The DiSCmap project
Authors: Birrell Duncan , Dobreva Milena , Dunsire Gordon , Griffiths Jillian R. , Hartley Richard J. , Menzies Kathleen 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the outcomes of digitisation of special collections: mapping, assessment, prioritisation (DiSCmap), a JISC and RIN‐funded project which studied users' priorities for the digitisation of special collections within the context of UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThe project produced a list of 945 collections nominated for digitisation by intermediaries and end users and a user‐driven prioritisation framework. Data were gathered via web questionnaires. Focus groups and telephone interviews with end users provided additional insights on the views of those working within particular domains or disciplines. Over 1,000 intermediaries and end users contributed by nominating collections for the “long list” and providing opinions about digitisation priorities.FindingsThe long list of collections nominated for digitisation provides evidence of identified user interest and is not merely a “snapshot” but a significant outcome. A user‐driven framework for prioritising digitisation was also produced. The project suggests a flexible approach for prioritising collections for digitisation based on the use of the framework in combination with the long list of collections.Research limitations/implicationsThe project did not undertake a representative study; the participation of intermediaries and end users was a matter of goodwill. Yet 44 per cent of HEIs in the UK nominated special collections to the long list.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights and evidence on user priorities for the digitisation of special collections. It also suggests a user‐driven digitisation prioritisation framework of benefit in future decision making, both locally and nationally.
After Hurricane Katrina: The Tulane Recovery Project
Authors: Topper Elisa F. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine one academic library and how the staff dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.Design/methodology/approachA case study of the Tulane Recovery Center in New Orleans that was created after Hurricane Katrina in cooperation with Library Associates Companies (LAC).FindingsInstitutions may have a disaster plan outlined as to what to do in an emergency but in actuality one is never fully prepared for a natural disaster.Originality/valueThis paper examines the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the Howard‐Tilton Memorial Library at Tulane University and the creation of the Tulane Recovery Center, which can serve as a model for other to follow.
City councillors and the mission of public libraries
Authors: Gazo Dominique 
Published: January 2011

PurposeIn Quebec, where a large majority of public libraries are municipal departments, the mission of the libraries must be defined in collaboration with city councillors and acknowledged by them. The purpose of this paper is to understand the views of city councillors in Quebec on the mission of public libraries, and to compare them to actual library practices.Design/methodology/approachThe research strategy adopted is a multiple case study. Interviews were conducted with 12 city councillors who represent their library on the city council. These interviews and the municipal cultural policies were subjected to a discourse analysis. The interviews with the directors of the public libraries and some documents were subjected to content analysis.FindingsA conceptual framework based on the theory of social construction of reality is proposed to study the discourses of city councillors in their textual dimension, to contextualise them and to analyse them in comparison with library practices.Originality/valueThere is no homogeneous view among city councillors in Quebec on the mission of public libraries. However, a model of the discourse of city councillors does emerge. It is less developed than current literature. It presents a passive image of the library in which the tradition continues, ignoring the Information Society. The analysis also revealed that the views of city councillors are based on their own convictions as individuals, on their role in the management of the municipality as elected officials, and on the image they have of the users of public libraries.