bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The many aspects of anticipation
Authors: Poli Roberto 
Published: June 2010

PurposeAfter summarizing the theories of anticipation proposed over the past century, the paper aims to distinguish between anticipation as an empirical phenomenon and the conditions that make anticipation possible. The paper's first part seeks to show that many scholars from various research fields worked on the many nuances of anticipation. The paper's second part seeks to discuss the difference between the capacity of anticipation and the nature of systems able to exhibit anticipatory behavior. The former endeavor adopts a descriptive attitude, whilst the latter seeks to understand what it is that makes anticipation possible.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of anticipation and anticipatory systems.FindingsAnticipation is a widely studied phenomenon within a number of different disciplines, including biology and brain studies, cognitive and social sciences, engineering and artificial intelligence. There is a need for relying on at least two different levels of analysis, namely anticipation as an empirical phenomenon and the idea of an anticipatory system or the study of the internal structure that a system should possess so that it can behave in an anticipatory fashion.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature summarized by the paper is only part of a substantially larger body of documents. More extensive analyses are needed to firmly establish the conclusions suggested.Practical implicationsThe paper allows better understanding of the complexity of anticipation and the differences between types of anticipation (e.g. between explicit versus implicit anticipation).Originality/valueFor the first time, the distinction implicitly present in the surveyed literature between anticipation as an empirical phenomenon and the idea of anticipatory system as the study of the conditions that make anticipation possible is raised explicitly.
Dynamic ontology as an ontological framework of anticipatory systems
Authors: Petrov Vesselin 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate what is the best ontological framework of anticipatory systems. Its aim is to argue the thesis that the ontology on which anticipatory systems are based should be a dynamic one: a kind of process ontology. It seeks to include a demonstration of the fruitfulness of such an ontological framework for the investigation of anticipatory systems.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of the paper is a process ontological one. The objectives are achieved by a comparative analysis of the static and dynamic approaches to the ontological framework.FindingsA process ontological framework is a reliable basis for the substantiation of the thesis that there is no great gap between living and non‐living systems as far as anticipation is concerned.Practical implicationsAn example is represented of an anticipatory non‐living system that is artificially created and is programmed as a self‐control system. In this respect the paper has some practical implications.Originality/valueA new approach is suggested to the investigation of anticipatory systems. It could be of interest not only for philosophers, but also for scientists who work on ontology as technology.
Sociological contributions to futures’ theory building
Authors: Erik Karlsen Jan , Øverland Erik F. , Karlsen Hanne 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis article aims to contribute to futures theory building by assessing the inherent ontological and epistemological presumptions in foresight studies. Such premises, which are usually embedded in foresight studies, are contrasted with sociological imagination and contemporary social science discourse.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a conceptual analysis of theoretical assumptions embedded in foresight studies.FindingsSociological lenses, including concepts like anticipation, latency, time, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, change and plurality of images, offer clarity in terms of both futures studies and foresights.Research limitations/implicationsExplicating presumptions embedded in foresight methods helps recognition of how such methods shape the concepts of future and time. This is vital for assessment of the analytical products of foresights studies.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the ambition of linking the theoretical world of futures research and the practical world of foresights closer together by explicating key concepts and implicit assumptions in both fields.
Using knowledge to improve preparation of construction projects
Authors: Loforte Ribeiro Francisco , Leitão Tomásio Ferreira Vanessa 
Published: June 2010

PurposeEfficient project execution is a key business objective in many domains and particularly so for capital projects in the construction industry. Each construction project is unique in terms of how specialist professionals manage knowledge. Construction projects generate a large body of knowledge for sharing and reuse within the construction organization and across projects. In addition, projects provide opportunities for new knowledge to emerge in a cross‐functional, team‐work context. There are many factors in the construction industry that can influence the execution of construction projects, both positively and negatively, and so it is increasingly important to anticipate risks and implement the best solutions. Therefore, the preparation of the project before execution is crucial for any construction firm. This paper sets out to improve project preparation for execution in large construction firms. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to look at ways by which construction projects are prepared, based on the empirical data collected from five case studies. It also seeks to provide and discuss a model of a knowledge management (KM) system aimed at improving the preparation of large construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe prerequisite for developing a KM solution in which project knowledge can be used to enable and improve project‐preparation processes is identifying the sources and nature of knowledge and its flow from a particular source to a specific destination. In order to understand the source flow of project knowledge, a qualitative case study approach was undertaken whereby various actors, knowledge retention practices, access and retrieval of knowledge, and issues in sharing knowledge were identified and analyzed. Case study research is one of the most widely used research designs in qualitative research. The methodology looks at five large construction projects, but not typical projects, which nonetheless provide useful insights for developing KM solutions aimed at improving project preparation.FindingsThis paper discusses how to improve project preparation in construction projects with KM and presents a KM model aimed at improving project preparation.Research limitations/implicationsConstruction firms need to be aware of the advantages of KM initiatives and practices in project organizations. KM requires an organisation environment that allows workers to create, capture, share, and leverage knowledge to improve project preparation.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new framework for managing project knowledge needed for undertaking project preparation. The knowledge map and the content of the knowledge base may be changed to fit the organization to be applied.
Assessing the relationship between firm resources and product innovation performance
Authors: Julienti Abu Bakar Lily , Ahmad Hartini 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks an answer to the question about which of a firm's resources contributes most to product innovation performance (PIP). The paper aims to adopt the resource‐based view (RBV) and consider both tangible and intangible assets.Design/methodology/approachA mail administrated survey was distributed to a randomly selected list of 700 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. The response rate was 20.1 percent and the usable response rate was 15.4 percent which is favorable for this type of research. As comparable to other SME studies and particularly in Malaysia, this relatively low‐response rate is not surprising for mail administrated questionnaire.FindingsThe findings indicate that, in the Malaysian context, intangible resources are the main drivers of PIP. This is keeping with the expectations of the RBV.Research limitations/implicationsEstablishing a cooperative relationship with the Small and Medium Size Industries Development Corporation of Malaysia plays a significant role in helping us to garner a larger than expected response rate among the SMEs. Alliances such as this may help researchers improve survey response rates among smaller manufacturers.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in that it is the first paper to address the relationship between firm resources and PIP among Malaysian companies. While the paper is primarily descriptive in nature, it does provide some evidence that can be used in the development and testing of hypotheses concerning the relationship between PIP and firm's resources.
Surveying the critical success factors of BPM‐systems implementation
Authors: Ravesteyn Pascal , Batenburg Ronald 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore if there is a common ground for the definition of business process management (BPM) and BPM‐systems, as well as the critical success factors (CSFs) for BPM‐system implementation. A BPM‐system implementation framework is validated that classifies the CSFs in distinctive domains that can be used for BPM project management and organization.Design/methodology/approachA meta‐analysis of literature was performed to develop a set of statements with regard to the definition, benefits and CSFs of BPM(‐system) implementation. Then a survey was conducted among 39 Dutch consultants, developers and end‐users of BPM‐systems that vary in BPM experience. Through a web‐questionnaire, the shared view of the respondents was measured with respect to the definition, benefits and the BPM‐system implementation framework.FindingsIt appears that different respondent groups share a common view on the definition and benefits of BPM and BPM‐systems, regardless their role in the value chain of BPM deployment within organizations. In addition, there is consensus on the CSFs of BPM‐system implementation. In particular, it is supported that communication, involvement of stakeholders and governance is critical. Hence, organizations should realize that BPM‐system implementation is not mainly an IT‐project, but should preferably be initiated by top management.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to representatives from Dutch organizations. Future research can be done in other countries to explore if BPM‐systems and its CSFs differ across regions and cultures. Furthermore, the BPM‐system implementation framework can be specifically validated by (comparative) case study or project research.Originality/valueWhile BPM is commonly accepted as a concept, the CSFs for BPM‐system implementation is hardly validated. This paper shows, by empirical validation, if these CSFs from literature are supported by different groups of professionals. Furthermore, the CSFs for implementing BPM are modeled and classified in a framework build up from five areas. Analysis of the internal coherence of different survey items sets, supports that the authors can define the goals and CSFs when implementing BPM‐systems.
Sustainable supply chains: a study of interaction among the enablers
Authors: Nishat Faisal Mohd 
Published: June 2010

PurposeA focus on supply chains is a step towards the broader adoption and development of sustainability, since the supply chain considers the product from initial processing of raw materials to delivery to the customer. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to effectively adapt sustainable practices in a supply chain by understanding the dynamics between various enablers that help to transform a supply chain into a truly sustainable entity.Design/methodology/approachUsing interpretive structural modeling, the paper presents a hierarchy‐based model and the mutual relationships among the enablers of sustainability in a supply chain.FindingsThe paper shows that there exists a group of enablers having a high‐driving power and low‐dependence requiring maximum attention and of strategic importance while another group consists of those variables which have high dependence and are the resultant actions.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a useful tool to supply chain managers to differentiate between independent and dependent variables and their mutual relationships which would help them to focus on those key variables that are most important for effective implementation of sustainability concepts in the design of a supply chain.Originality/valueThis paper assumes importance in context of countries in the Gulf region which are developing economies and the pace of development is quite high, putting a lot of pressure on natural resources. Sustainability demands that the resources be used such that the environment is conserved and this requires all the partners in a supply chain to be aware and ready to implement sustainable practices. The findings of this paper would help delineate those variables that should to be necessarily considered to design a sustainable supply chain.
Exploring overseas snowsport participation by Australian skiers and snowboarders
Authors: Dickson Tracey J. , Faulks Pam 
Published: June 2010

PurposeWhile Australian snowsport participation may represent a small part of the overall international snowsport market, the fact that Australians are renowned for their willingness to travel makes the travel motives and behaviours of Australian skiers and snowboarders a worthwhile area of research. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory research was conducted via online survey using both convenience and snowball sampling to investigate overseas snowsport travel intentions, in the next seven months, of Australian skiers and snowboarders, many of whom were advanced participants.FindingsPeople who indicated that they intended to travel overseas for snowsport were mostly males, experienced snowsport participants, under 35 years of age, well‐educated, and in higher income levels. The results indicate that the key motivations of those intending to travel overseas relate to the core of on‐snow experience: reliability of snow, quality of snow, variety of terrain and off‐piste areas. Of less importance were the off‐snow and alternative on‐snow activities.Practical implicationsWith the major sources of information for planning an overseas snowsport trip being the internet and families and friends, the availability of current information such as resort maps and current snow conditions via web cams, and the quality of experience of every customer visiting the resort, are key marketing strategies for this niche market.Originality/valueThis paper concentrates on those Australian holiday‐makers whose prime interest is snowsports to the exclusion of off‐piste activities/pleasures. It also highlights the significant role of both the internet and word‐of‐mouth recommendation in holiday planning, and consequently the need to ensure that every visitor experiences a high quality vacation.
Senior and non‐senior traveller behaviour: some exploratory evidence from the holiday rental sector in Switzerland
Authors: Sund Kristian J. , Boksberger Philipp 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test a number of hypotheses concerning the differences between senior and non‐senior travelers in the particular context of holiday rentals. A further aim is to provide exploratory evidence for these differences.Design/methodology/approachA brief review of the extant literature leads into the formulation of some hypotheses. The hypotheses are tested using survey data. Data from the same survey are used to explore further data.FindingsIt was possible not only to find some evidence to support the hypotheses, but also to find significant differences between the preferences of seniors and non‐seniors, as well as between pre‐seniors and seniors. Thus, pre‐seniors exhibit a higher willingness to pay for holiday rentals than seniors, whereas seniors have a higher preference for domestic travel. Seniors are less interested in technology than other age groups. Originality/value –This paper reports on survey findings for a segment of the tourism market that has received practically no attention in the literature – the holiday rental market. The results pave the way for further investigations within this segment.
There is a market for destination information brochures – but is there a future?
Authors: Laesser Christian 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to broach the issue of interdependence in the travellers’ use of online and printed destination information, thus giving insight into a key issue when it comes to the sourcing of channels of promotion as well as information dissemination. The case study used is Switzerland, which stands for a very mature travel market.Design/methodology/approachDifferent groups of travellers to a destination are profiled according to their information‐sourcing behaviour. The data used in the study stem from a 2004 survey of a representative consumer panel.FindingsThe results show that destination information brochures would be preferred to online information in the following contexts: not very well educated, older and aged non‐office professionals and pensioners, travelling to a destination with which they are not likely to be familiar, having their (rather long) trips organised by means of an intermediary (travel agent/tour operator).Practical implicationsFrom a destination point of view, the potential purpose of both channels needs to be positioned as follows: static basic and general printed information for the non‐familiar visitor vs dynamic, additional and specific online information for the familiar visitor. Originality/value –The paper contributes to improvement in approaching different target groups regarding a destination.
Destination goods as travel motives – the case of the Tirol
Authors: Zehrer Anita , Siller Hubert 
Published: June 2010

PurposeTravel motivation has received considerable attention in the tourism literature. Although motivation is only one variable explaining tourist behaviour, it is regarded as one of the most important. Hence, nature‐based tourism resources as non‐market goods or destination goods have their own economic value, which is frequently neglected. This paper seeks to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe Delphi study among tourism experts attempts to quantify the value and significance of nature and landscape for tourists’ travel motivation for vacations in the Tirol at present and in the future.FindingsThe survey shows that particularly in the summer season Nature/Landscape is the most important theme for summer vacation in the Tirol today and will be even more in 2020. Therefore, it clearly is one of the most essential travel motives in the eyes of the experts. Nature‐based vacation has a strong significance and value for the Tirol, with Nature ranging among the top three strengths in the Delphi survey.Practical limitations/implicationsThe Tirol provides very good prerequisites with regard to nature and experts see high importance in natural resources in 2020 in winter and summer alike. This indicates that tourist providers have to continue producing nature‐based products, offers and attractions in order to meet the challenges of the market.Originality/valueThe current findings add to a growing body of literature on travel motivation and the findings will enhance the understanding of the significance and value of non‐market goods for travel decisions.
Constructing urban green spaces: an application of Kelly’s repertory grid
Authors: Home Robert , Bauer Nicole , Hunziker Marcel 
Published: June 2010

PurposeUrban green spaces are valuable to residents for a variety of reasons and some degree of management is needed to ensure at least their preservation, if not enhancement, in a rapidly urbanising society. Intensification of the urban environment brings pressure upon the undeveloped spaces within a city and an understanding of the needs of residents is needed if green spaces are to be managed in alignment with their wishes, so that changes will be accepted. However, gaining such an understanding of the complex relationships between people and their environment is difficult. Constructs may exist that researcher, respondent, or both have not yet articulated. This paper sets out to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe repertory grid method is described as an approach that addresses this problem by researcher and respondent collectively, creating a survey instrument, which the
respondent then completes.FindingsThe repertory grid technique was applied in Zurich and revealed a surprisingly dominant anthropocentric attitude towards urban green spaces.Practical/implicationsThe universal anthropocentric perspective allows the interpretation that residents see Zurich essentially as a place for people and furthermore see green spaces as places for themselves to pursue their own interests.Originality/valueApplication of this technique, in the context of an exploratory study, simultaneously provides direction for further research and demonstrates its utility as a tool for planners and managers of urban green spaces.
Familiar problems re‐visited: the cooperative aspects of an e‐learning environment
Authors: Turner Susan , Turner Phil 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper sets out to highlight conclusions from computer‐supported cooperative work (CSCW) research, which are relevant to e‐learning environments, in this case, WebCT.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the CSCW literature and identifies the main findings relating to the use and acceptance of collaborative technologies. These findings are applied to the analysis of 65 free‐form accounts of the use of WebCT obtained from student users in a higher education institution.FindingsThe challenges to cooperative work tools widely demonstrated within the CSCW research community since the early 1990s are alive and well in the context of e‐learning technology more than ten years later. In particular, there is strong evidence of discrepancies in benefits for different stakeholders, the need for a critical mass of users, and problems with lack of fit with social norms.Research limitations/implicationsConclusions are based on computing students from one institution, but there is no reason to believe that the sample is atypical.Practical implicationsThe conclusions identify a need for stakeholder involvement in the introduction of e‐learning environments in the tradition of participative design.Originality/valueThe paper brings well‐established findings from the CSCW community to the e‐learning domain.
Model‐based design methods for adaptive e‐learning environments
Authors: Adonis Anastase , Drira Khalil 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a methodological road for the next generation of e‐learning environments.Design/methodology/approachThis paper considers a survey of recent publications (1995‐2002), which aim to provide practical and theoretical indications and advice, which are coupled with practical experimentations.FindingsThe paper provides road‐mapping elements, indicating the impact on services and systems to be expected by this design approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey is based on a selection of sources and it is not exhaustive. The methodology experiments that are used for argumentation are based on the authors’ platform.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a useful source of knowledge for researchers and advanced students.Originality/valueThis paper identifies a road for advanced e‐learning systems, and can help researchers and those in industry who desire to introduce and understand the design methodological context of advanced e‐learning systems.