bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary health care centres in the UK: putting policy into practice
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore some of the challenges in putting government policy on the development of a new generation of primary health care centres into practice, at a time when a growing number of property companies are moving into the primary health care market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by outlining the government policy issues driving the development of primary health care centres, it describes the ways in which these centres are being developed and discusses some of the issues involved in putting government policy into practice.FindingsThe paper reveals that the government's plans to develop a new generation of primary health care centres have provoked considerable controversy and it explores five sets of issues, namely the quality of health care; location and accessibility; economies of scale and cost savings; the changing balance of public and private sector provision; and impacts within the wider urban environment.Originality/valueThe paper provides an accessible review of the debate surrounding the development of primary health care centres and as such it will be of interest to those working in, engaging with, and studying the primary health care property market.
Construction and updating of property price index series
Authors: Wilhelmsson Mats 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a hedonic property price index in the segmented housing market.Design/methodology/approachThree different research questions are investigated. The first considers how to identify separate local housing markets, with the use of a regression‐tree approach, and the second concerns when it is possible to update a price index, with a recursive regression approach. Finally, the question about seasonal adjustment is investigated.FindingsOverall, the hedonic approach is the best method to use. Moreover, the County of Stockholm is not one market in the sense that the market can be represented by only one property price index. It can be best described as a number of different sub‐markets where the property prices grow differently. The results suggest that there exist at least five different price indexes in the County of Stockholm. The results also support that recursive regressions are two appropriate methods to answer the research questions. Here, the empirical analysis suggests that the parameter estimates converge relatively fast toward the estimate using all observations.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates how to derive sub‐markets in the construction of a price index and when to update a price index series.Originality/valueThe introduction of new financial products, such as property derivatives, to the market has made the construction and quality of property price indexes more important. High quality price indexes are vital when it comes to, for example, pricing property derivatives. The paper facilitates this.
A dynamic RSS information push service mechanism based on ontology of user information needs
Authors: Chen Chuanfu , Wu Zhiqiang , Ran Congjing , Tang Qiong , Chen Song , Zhang Xiaojuan 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis aim of this article is to propose a technical solution for digital libraries to establish the information needs ontology based on a comprehensive understanding of personalized user information needs and offer an information push service by really simple syndication (RSS) in a ubiquitous computing environment.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors formalize an ontology model applicable to the ubiquitous computing environment to describe user information needs comprehensively. The information needs related to the user's research activities are regarded as the ontology, which is described with web ontology language (OWL), and thus an ontology knowledgebase is established. Second, in light of the user's explicit information needs, the digital library finds the hidden information needs from the ontology knowledgebase, and also extracts the information resources required by the user from the corresponding database and then pushes them to the user by means of RSS. Finally, users can browse through a man‐machine interface to access the information.FindingsAfter these steps, an RSS information push service architecture is established based on the user information needs ontology, providing the users with dynamic, personalized and proactive information services.Originality/valueThe innovation of this research lies in the fact that the architecture that is put forward is helpful to improve the accuracy and integrity of information push service of digital library, and is also beneficial for the research on u‐library.
Creating a bilingual library information environment for foreign users
Authors: Aihong Fan 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe number of international students and overseas faculty in Tsinghua University in Beijing has grown rapidly in recent years. How to help foreign users overcome the language barrier and make a full use of the library is a realistic problem that is encountered by many libraries. This paper aims to introduce an exploration of Tsinghua University Library experiences and to give some suggestions for the future.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first describes the large influx of international students and then analyzes the information needs of foreign users by showing the results of a user survey conducted by the Tsinghua University Library in 2007. The library has made a great effort in creating a bilingual information environment for foreign users. A full spectrum of practices is presented in respect of resource, service, infrastructure and the English skill of librarians, etc.FindingsForeign users have multi‐level needs for libraries and the language need is the most outstanding one. As an integral part of the university community, foreign users share many information requirements with Chinese users. Therefore, the library must try to solve the language problem and enhance its academic support functions at the same time.Practical implicationsLibraries in non‐English‐speaking countries can do a lot to help foreign users with limited local language competency to make use of the library. Building a bilingual information environment is comprehensive systems engineering with many aspects involved.Originality/valueThis paper makes useful suggestions for creating a bilingual library information environment for foreign users of today and also provides tips for future improvement.
From information commons to knowledge commons
Authors: Shuhuai Ren , Xingjun Sheng , Haiqing Lin , Jialin Cao 
Published: April 2009

PurposeBased on the information commons service model, the aim of this article is to propose a new model for knowledge commons. It seeks to define the conceptual model and constructing framework of knowledge commons, which aim for a collaborative knowledge‐sharing environment to support innovative community activities of university library.Design/methodology/approachBy analyzing the innovation activities of communities, infusing theories of knowledge management, collaboration and Library 2.0, the knowledge commons conceptual model is brought forward to improve communication, collaboration, sharing and conversation.FindingsSince the innovative community is interdisciplinary and cross‐campus, the scattered research team and study group requires a library to extend the services to a logical system, while the virtual layer is to make this spatial decentralized and logically centralized system a reality. The core elements, namely information technology, organization and management, culture and spirit, make up the supporting layer, of which, trust and collaboration culture for innovation is important.Practical implicationsResearch work and practice of information commons and library 2.0 have aroused a new round of the library service movement, while the knowledge commons conceptual model would provide steering for a knowledge sharing environment.Originality/valueIn this paper, the new model is based on information commons and assimilating the theories of knowledge management, collaboration and Library 2.0, intended to integrate digital library, physical resource, virtual resource and human resource into a whole. It is of great importance for the library to serve education and scientific research well.
Programming Library 2.0 that users need
Authors: Zheng Qiaoying , Wang Shaoping 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to focus on the formulation of a Library 2.0 program that will guide the realization of a “user‐centered” service pattern.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth user investigations are the first step toward a successful Library 2.0 program, which will reflect what users really hope to achieve through Library 2.0. Three user investigations were carried out with the purpose to get users' opinions and suggestions about Library 2.0 services. Then the target was formed on the basis of analysis and evaluation of users' needs. The Library 2.0 programming was analyzed in four tiers of management ideas, service patterns, technical support, and content development.FindingsUser investigations are of primary importance in programming Library 2.0, and a program formulated on such investigations will not miss its aim, and be more realistic.Originality/valueThe paper does not dwell on technical particularities of Library 2.0, but focuses on the key role of a program in realization of the concept of Library 2.0, and the methodology of programming.
The method of fundamental solutions with dual reciprocity for three‐dimensional thermoelasticity under arbitrary body forces
Authors: Tsai C.C. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a meshless numerical method for three‐dimensional isotropic thermoelastic problems with arbitrary body forces.Design/methodology/approachThis paper combines the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) and the dual reciprocity method (DRM) as a meshless numerical method (MFS‐DRM) to solve three‐dimensional isotropic thermoelastic problems with arbitrary body forces. In the DRM, the arbitrarily distributed temperature and body force are approximated by polyharmonic splines with augmented polynomial basis, whose particular solutions and the corresponding tractions are reviewed and given explicitly. The MFS is then applied to solve the complementary solution. Numerical experiments of Dirchlet, Robin, and peanut‐shaped‐domain problems are carried out to validate the method.FindingsIn literature, it is commented that the Gaussian elimination can be used reliably to solve the MFS equations for non‐noisy boundary conditions. For noisy boundary conditions, the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) is more accurate than the Gaussian elimination. In this paper, it was found that the particular solutions obtained by the DRM act like noises and the use of TSVD improves the accuracy.Originality/valueIt is the first time that the MFS‐DRM is derived to solve three‐dimensional isotropic thermoelastic problems with arbitrary body forces.
Retail internationalisation from emerging markets: case study evidence from Chile
Authors: Bianchi Constanza 
Published: April 2009

PurposeResearch on international retailing has generally emanated from Europe and North America. Nonetheless, retailers from emerging countries can also be important players in regional markets. The purpose of this paper is to explore how retailers from emerging markets can become strong enough to compete internationally.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines a longitudinal case study of the internationalisation process of Falabella, a Chilean retailer that has recently become an important player in the Latin America retail industry. Drawing on 32 interviews with company managers, as well as industry data and corporate reports, this paper provides insights into the successful internationalisation process of a retailer from an emerging country.FindingsThe paper offers insights into emerging market internationalisation. In particular, these findings suggest that specific capabilities and resources, such as local and regional partnerships, organisational learning, innovation orientation, adaptation to the local markets, and an experienced management team, are required for emerging market retailers to internationalise and improve their likelihood of success in foreign markets.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper explores an underdeveloped topic through the analysis of a longitudinal case study. Thus, it is necessary to further expand this line of research and investigate other emerging market retailers.Practical implicationsThis study raises a number of important issues for emerging market retail managers that are reluctant to expand abroad and compete with large multinationals from developed markets, or that are struggling with their actual internationalisation process.Originality/valueTo date, the retail internationalisation literature has focused on the international experiences of firms from developed nations. However, there is a gap in the literature as to how retailers from emerging countries can become strong enough to compete internationally.
The mediating effects of brand music and waiting time updates on customers' satisfaction with a telephone service when put on‐hold
Authors: Peevers G. , McInnes F. , Morton H. , Matthews A. , Jack M.A. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deliver empirical data comparing the effects of music with the effects of providing waiting time information on customers who are kept on hold when telephoning their bank. It aims to discover if either has a more positive impact on their affective responses (satisfaction), and to discern if these effects are measurably different to a telephone call without music, or waiting time information, and for different durations of wait.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is an empirical study using bank customers as participants. Questionnaires and user observations techniques are employed to collect quantitative data which are analysed using repeated measures ANOVAs.FindingsOverall the presence of updates, or music, has a positive influence on satisfaction when compared to just a ringing tone, but for a waiting time of one minute music has no influence on satisfaction. The acceptable waiting time threshold plays a very critical influence on satisfaction with the service. A waiting time above this results in larger differences being observed in the responses to the four treatments, with music and updates both having greater influence. In general, the presence of music and updates are also shown to reduce the overestimation of perceived waiting time.Originality/valueThis paper reports findings from an existing UK telephone banking service with 197 customers in three different locations. Implications from the findings provide insights for telephone service managers when choosing between adopting music or updates for managing on‐hold periods.
Assessing the outcomes of Generation‐Y customers' loyalty
Authors: Foscht Thomas , Schloffer Judith , Maloles Cesar , Chia Swee L. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine what factors influence the satisfaction, loyalty, and behavioral intentions of the members of Generation Y with regard to their banking needs.Design/methodology/approachUsing a multiple‐item survey instrument, 242 Austrian respondents were queried on what factors affect their satisfaction, loyalty, and behavioral intentions. Factor analysis and regression analysis are employed in the study.FindingsThe study finds differences among the three age groups contained in Generation Y in terms of their sources of information, financial services used, likelihood of switching, and number of banks utilized. In addition, determinants of satisfaction, loyalty, and behavioral intention are primarily affected by satisfaction with employees and services rendered. The results indicate that as young people reach certain milestones, their needs become more multifaceted. Consequently, the determinants of satisfaction also change.Originality/valueThis paper treats Generation Y as a heterogeneous group rather than homogeneous as many studies usually treat this age cohort. Moreover, given that many banks are trying to “grow” markets, this study looks at how the determinant factors change from one stage to another. Financial institutions will benefit from the insight derived from this paper in crafting their marketing strategies. It indicates what seems to be important to each age group in increasing their satisfaction level.
International explorer expatriate survey
Authors: Dawes Farquhar Jillian 
Published: April 2009

PurposeA survey commissioned by HSBC questioned 2,155 expatriates (expats) across four continents about the challenges that they face. This paper aims to present its findings under three headings of: expat existence, expat offspring, and expat experience.Design/methodology/approachData were captured by using a virtual survey between February and April 2008. The survey was concerned with a range of topics: lifestyle, earning capacity, issues affecting children, and ease of integration into the community.FindingsExpatriates provide an example of a global segment that would appear to offer financial institutions opportunities for increasing customer value. The survey provides data that can form the basis for a global bank wanting to meet the needs of this potentially affluent group not only in providing financial services but also working with other service providers to create packages to suit this group, including accommodation or housing, the needs of children, and concierge services.Originality/valueFrom a financial services marketing perspective, expats present an interesting and potentially valuable customer segment with specific banking needs.
Development of a variance prioritized multiresponse robust design framework for quality improvement
Authors: Kovach Jami , Rae Cho Byung , Antony Jiju 
Published: April 2009

PurposeRobust design is a well‐known quality improvement method that focuses on building quality into the design of products and services. Yet, most well established robust design models only consider a single performance measure and their prioritization schemes do not always address the inherent goal of robust design. This paper aims to propose a new robust design method for multiple quality characteristics where the goal is to first reduce the variability of the system under investigation and then attempt to locate the mean at the desired target value.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the use of a response surface approach and a sequential optimization strategy to create a flexible and structured method for modeling multiresponse problems in the context of robust design. Nonlinear programming is used as an optimization tool.FindingsThe proposed methodology is demonstrated through a numerical example. The results obtained from this example are compared to that of the traditional robust design method. For comparison purposes, the traditional robust design optimization models are reformulated within the nonlinear programming framework developed here. The proposed methodology provides enhanced optimal robust design solutions consistently.Originality/valueThis paper is perhaps the first study on the prioritized response robust design with the consideration of multiple quality characteristics. The findings and key observations of this paper will be of significant value to the quality and reliability engineering/management community.
The design of EWMA control chart for average with type‐I censored data
Authors: Tsai Tzong‐Ru , Lin Chen‐Chun 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart for monitoring the mean level of Gompertz lifetimes with type‐I censoring.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed control chart is developed based on the conditional expected values (CEVs). The control limits are determined numerically with an algorithm.FindingsCompared with the EWMA CEV control charts of Zhang and Chen, numerical results indicate that the proposed control chart has good performance to detect mean shifts for Gompertz lifetimes either in decrease or in larger increase with type‐I censoring in terms of the average run length (ARL).Originality/valueThe paper shows that, based on the proposed method, practitioners can monitor the mean level of Gompertz lifetimes via an EWMA CEV control chart with type‐I censoring.
Corporate governance, firm characteristics and risk management committee formation in Australian companies
Authors: Subramaniam Nava , McManus Lisa , Zhang Jiani 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how a risk management committee (RMC), as a newly evolving sub‐committee of the board of directors, functions as a key governance support mechanism in the oversight an organisation's risk management strategies, policies and processes. However, empirical evidence on the factors associated with the existence and the type of RMCs remains scant.Design/methodology/approachUsing an agency theory perspective, this study investigates the association between board factors such as proportion of non‐executive directors, Chief Executive Officer duality, and board size; as well as, other firm‐related factors (e.g. auditor type, industry, leverage, and complexity), and the existence of a RMC, and the type of RMC (namely, a separate RMC versus one that is combined with the audit committee). Data was collected from the annual reports of the top 300 Australian Stock Exchange (ASX)‐listed companies.FindingsThe results, based on logistic regression analyses, indicate that RMCs tend to exist in companies with an independent board chairman and larger boards. Further, the results also indicate that in comparison to companies with a combined RMC and audit committee, those with a separate RMC are more likely to have larger boards, higher financial reporting risk and lower organisational complexity.Research limitations/implicationsData limited to top 200 top ASX‐listed companies, thus restricting generalisability of the results.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide additional information on the use and design of RMCs in a voluntary setting.
Paradigm shift in information systems auditing
Authors: Majdalawieh Munir , Zaghloul Issam 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify change factors within the various elements of the IS audit universe aiming to give practitioners and management insight about the state of the IS audit profession and its future directions, especially within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context.Design/methodology/approachPotential change factors that are taking place in IS audit were initially identified based on a literature review and the experience of the authors within the field. These changes were then categorized within one of the elements of the IS audit universe. To validate the IS audit change factors, a questionnaire was chosen as a data collection tool. The survey was sent to relevant practitioners in the subject matter within the UAE and was completed by 62 respondents.FindingsThe study concluded that the role of IS auditors in lessening in applications and infrastructures audits and is strengthening in the arena of IT management audits.Practical implicationsThe implication of study for IS audit practitioners is that they need to be better equipped to conduct IT management audits and to contribute value to their organization as part of IT governance endeavors rather than focusing on infrastructure and application audits. On the other hand, the implication for management is that they should be aware of the capabilities of IS audit and set their biggest value expectations in the area of IT management assurance and governance.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution by identifying change factors within the various elements of the IS audit universe aiming to give practitioners insight about the state of the profession and its future directions.