bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Planning for impact, assessing for sustainability
Authors: Fried Sandra , Kochanowicz Maciej , Chiranov Marcel 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explain how the Global Libraries (GL) Initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation plans for and assesses the impact of its programs on libraries and communities as part of their commitment to improving lives by increasing public access to computers and the internet in public libraries.Design/methodology/approachGL encourages libraries to design programs and services that address local and national priorities. Impact assessment processes assist libraries in collecting, analyzing and reporting on evidence to show: whether activities are conducted effectively to enable learning and improve processes; whether the program makes a difference to users and communities; and what impact evidence to use in advocacy for continued support and funding. GL's process and philosophy are described and case studies from two grantee programs in two countries are provided.FindingsThe Polish‐American Freedom Foundation (PAFF) adopted innovative methods developed for them by the Information Society Development Foundation to determine baseline library usage in rural public libraries in Poland. Rather than counting borrowers, which was the approach facilitated by the available data, they conducted random sampling in target areas. This allowed them to count users who do not borrow books, and to gauge scale of repeat usage and user demographics. In so doing, the team found that libraries have a substantially higher reach than book‐lending data alone suggested. The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) assessed community information needs and determined that education, health, and employment are the issues about which Romanians want more information. Libraries in Romania will design services based on a careful understanding of those needs.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings reported are drawn from systematic quantitative and qualitative evidence gathering undertaken as part of the impact‐planning and assessment programs being implemented in the two countries.Originality/valueThe paper presents a current view of the GL approach to impact assessment and service sustainability as well as two early reports, one on the results of baseline evidence collection and the other on community needs assessment in the two participating countries.
Outcomes‐based measurement of public access computing in public libraries
Authors: Pabērza Kristine , Rutkauskiene Ugne 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a methodology for measuring the outcomes of public access computing as well as presenting and comparing the main results of baseline studies conducted in Lithuania and Latvia.Design/methodology/approachBoth baseline studies use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and both include multi‐perspective, longitudinal design and nation‐wide samples.FindingsThe benefits that users can gain from using PAC in public libraries include access to ICT, technology training and assistance, expanded employment opportunities, conducting commercial transactions, access to and assistance with local, state and federal government electronic services, and support for learning, communication and personal identity.Research limitations/implicationsSince these are two baseline‐studies, they do not yet offer scope for comparisons over time, although these will be addressed in both countries. The main problem of impact‐focused research is that it is very tightly linked to influences on individuals, so it is difficult to trace changes and improvements back to the library. The paper shows methods that are currently being tested and used.Originality/valueThe paper reports on the baseline stage of systematic impact assessment programmes being conducted in Latvia and Lithuania as part of their public access computing in public libraries development work, supported by their respective governments and part‐funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Towards an assessment of public library value
Authors: Pabērza Kristine 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to present a methodology, early findings, possible applications of results and lessons learned from the research study “Public libraries: value, trust and satisfaction”, which has been conducted within the public library development project ‘Father's Third Son’ in Latvia.Design/methodology/approachA combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used (although the findings reported here are largely drawn from the quantitative study) drawing on various theories of information behaviour and use‐oriented information service evaluation.FindingsThe study gives a good picture of user information needs in Latvia, the sources they use to fulfil them and the role of public libraries within this picture, especially in relation to cultural and recreational interests and public support for public libraries in terms of potential funding. The public library influence on people's leisure hours and their support for education are highlighted. The advocacy implications of this work are reviewed.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this report is confined to the early stages of the study, the work was conducted on a substantial scale.Originality/valueThe work reported here provides new evidence of library use and appreciation in Latvia. The later results of this study, combined with evidence gathered by other participants in the Global Libraries initiative, will provide a commanding view of the significance of public libraries across a range of countries.
Real life impact of the global libraries: Biblionet Romania Program
Authors: Chiranov Marcel 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the findings from the pilot stage evaluation of the Global Libraries – Biblionet Romania project. The project involves introducing public access ICT via public libraries in Romania and the pilot evaluation was designed to ensure the adoption of an appropriate impact planning and assessment program for the main project.Design/methodology/approachSince the start of the Global Libraries – Biblionet Romania project, planning and managing for results have been the guiding philosophy. The team was concerned to find the right balance between what is too much for librarians in terms of data collection, and what precisely to promote as useful metrics with which the librarians are comfortable and which do not create too much extra work. A step‐by‐step approach has been used to involve librarians in decisions, facilitate consensus, and double‐check agreements, understandings and results. This involved phases of engagement with users in the pilot project areas, librarians, and the national professional body.FindingsThe pilot has revealed some of the key characteristics of library patrons as public access ICT users, some of the major factors in implementing public access computing through libraries and important elements of the capacity for change in the national professional body, all of which will inform the design and planning of the main project.Research limitations/implicationsLibrarians in the 12 pilot sites had different levels of expertise and interest in data collection and different levels of understanding of the relationship between impact assessment and service development. The paper expresses how one can quantify the benefits of using computer and internet in public libraries. Handled skilfully, this approach can be a strong advocacy tool to communicating with public authorities and other local or national stakeholders. Although this was a pilot project, it was substantial in scale and provides useful insights into all facets of a major implementation program as well as important assessment data on Romanian public libraries.Originality/valueThe pilot project has already provided original evidence of the significance and value of public libraries in Romania. (The main project that will be designed on the basis of this evidence will in due course add a major and continuing further dimension to this process of assessment.)
Control strategy for a mobile self‐balancing materials handling platform
Authors: Butler Louwrens J. , Bright Glen 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the structure of the control strategy that is being deployed on the control of the mobile materials handling platform, from the higher level onboard interface software to the low‐level control system that is tasked with the dynamic stability of the platform.Design/methodology/approachThe application of the principle of the inverted pendulum in mobile robotics has only recently been made possible by advances in the technology of electronics. A mobile materials handling platform has been designed and built for use in manufacturing systems of the future. The principle of the inverted pendulum has been incorporated into the design. This means that the platform is able to maintain dynamic stability during specific periods of operation. The mechatronic engineering approach was adopted in the design of the platform, which produced an integrated embedded system.FindingsOpen source software being implemented onboard the platform for interfacing between the platform and remote client computers is found to be easily customisable according to the requirements of one's application. A solution to the problem of nonholonomic motion constraints that concern any differential drive mobile robot was found in a nonlinear state transformation algorithm. The algorithm was implemented on an intermediate level between the interface software and the low‐level control system. The low‐level feedback control system was designed using a linear quadratic regulator design method. Simulations of this control system showed that it was robust enough to reject predetermined disturbances in system characteristics.Originality/valueThe application of a mobile platform specifically designed for materials handling based on the principle of the inverted pendulum has not been attempted to date.
On the measurement of work in progress using computer vision: a computerised reporting model
Authors: Makarfi Ibrahim Yahaya 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe desire to improve efficiency has led both academics and practitioners to embrace various technologies to aid managers to discharge their functions. Recently, there has been a growing interest amongst construction researchers on the use of computer vision and image‐processing techniques to automatically capture work in progress. Reported findings are promising; however, those previous studies fall short of providing a reporting mechanism to aid decision making. The purpose of this paper is to develop a reporting model based on progress captured using computer vision.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first presents trends in research relating to use of computer vision in the monitoring of work in progress. It then employs the unified modelling language to present the conceptual development of the model. The computerised reporting model is developed using the visual basic programming language.FindingsThe key elements of the model are computations of cost‐schedule variances, payments and cash flows. Results of a test on a hypothetical case show that the model accurately computes the metrics.Originality/valueThe reporting model serves to provide managers with a quick and easy means of interpreting work progress captured using computer vision. It reinforces the value of already existing work on the application of computer vision techniques to the measurement of work in progress on construction sites.
Design agility through computer aided design
Authors: Vinodh S. , Devadasan S.R. , Shankar C. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a research which is conducted to examine the power of computer aided design (CAD) in achieving agility in traditional organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe CAD model of the knob of an electronic switch was developed. This model was shown to the team of executives. The theoretical and practical knowledge provided by them were utilized to design new ten CAD models of the knob. The reactions of the executives about these new models were gathered and analyzed.FindingsThe creation of a CAD model of an existing product is found to be a useful input for evolving new models in an agile manner. It is found to be an easy task to gather the theoretical and practical knowledge for achieving design agility through the visualisation of CAD models.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is conducted on only one component manufactured by an electronic switches manufacturing organization. Although it appears to be a limitation of this paper, the nature of the design process carried out in this traditional organization mimics that of any other design practices carried out in the world. Hence, the contributions of this paper are applicable in traditional manufacturing environment.Practical implicationsThroughout the conduct of this research, the practitioners' views are gathered. Their views are favorable towards the successful usage of CAD model in achieving design agility.Originality/valueFor many years, CAD has been used for carrying out complex design projects. However, it appears that it has not been used in its simplest form to visualise and bring out new models electronically for achieving design agility. This simple approach is presented in this paper which may be used by both theorists and practitioners.
Special issue on creative methods of inquiry in arts marketing
Authors: Larsen Gretchen , O'Reilly Daragh 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this Editorial is to introduce the reader to the changing environment of arts marketing, which poses challenges to researchers and necessitates creative methods of inquiry.Design/methodology/approachThe Editorial introduces the papers in this special issue.FindingsIt was found that creative inquiry in arts marketing includes the use of both established and innovative interpretive methods.Originality/valueThe Editorial explains how the application of creative methods of inquiry can aid our understanding of the relationship between art and the market.
Before method: axiomatic review of arts marketing
Authors: Bradshaw Alan 
Published: March 2010

PurposeFor the purpose of reconsidering arts marketing methodologies, this paper seeks to contemplate the axiomatic foundations of alternative arts marketing scholarship, to ask what conversation between arts and marketing they herald and to explore the consequent conceptual issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews and evaluates the arts marketing literature.FindingsThe paper develops and presents four categories of arts marketing: the consumption of art; marketing as art; art as marketing; and marketing interpreting art.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to arts marketing paradigmatic and methodological debates by exploring the axiomatic foundations of this nascent field.
More than words? Conversation analysis in arts marketing research
Authors: O'Sullivan Terry 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Conversation Analysis methods in arts marketing research.Design/methodology/approachEight telephone interviews are conducted with members of the audience of a regional UK symphony orchestra who self‐identified as users of online message boards (“web forums”). The interviews are transcribed and interpreted using techniques from Conversation Analysis, an approach to qualitative data analysis which pays close attention to the details of language‐in‐use as a form of activity by and between speakers.FindingsConversation Analysis‐led interpretation suggests that motivations for participation in web forums are more complex than literal analysis of interview data might reveal. Conversation Analysis' detailed attention to how communicators manage their interaction emphasises the co‐production of data between respondent and interviewer. The manner of emotion and meaning (re)construction through such exchanges provides valuable cues for researchers in interpreting respondent motivations. Because of the personalised nature of arts experience, this highly specific, context‐oriented approach to understanding respondent meanings offers particular potential to arts marketing researchers.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of produced data (interview transcripts) rather than naturally‐occurring data (spontaneous talk) in Conversation Analysis is controversial, but the paper defends this choice.Practical implicationsInsights from Conversation Analysis enrich the interpretation of interview data to enhance qualitative research in the arts.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the extra value scholars can leverage from qualitative data interpretation by Conversation Analysis, and thus adds to an understanding of arts consumers.
Art, ideology, and introspection
Authors: Patterson Anthony 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore introspection in marketing research, its controversial origins, its positioning as an art form, the possibilities and the pitfalls of research based on this method, and how to successfully enter into its creative spirit.Design/methodology/approachAlthough its overall approach is broadly conceptual, in a similar fashion to the dramatic device of a‐play‐within‐a‐play, the paper makes a habit of using introspection to reflect on introspection.FindingsWhile it is clear that well‐written introspections can deliver rich stream‐of‐consciousness accounts of marketing‐relevant goodness from beginning to end, they provide more than just frivolous entertainment. The innermost imperative of introspection equates well with consumption, creativity and aestheticisation, the corner‐stones of arts marketing.Research limitations/implicationsThe inherent mucky‐mindedness of introspection as a formal method lays its success or failure on the shoulders of the paper's author.Practical implicationsWhatever their interpretive methodology of choice, arts marketers, indeed all marketers, should give serious thought to integrating introspection into their research approach.Originality/valueWhile many of the ideas in the paper are pilfered from other sources (see long list of references), the author is proud to assert that precisely these words have never been written in precisely this order.
Immersion, emergence and reflexivity: grounded theory and aesthetic consumption
Authors: Goulding Christina , Saren Michael 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest grounded theory as a potential methodology within the field of arts marketing and the creative industries in general, particularly if the research aims to gain insights into consumer experiences.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory is a general, qualitative methodology that is concerned with social processes and interactions. The paper looks at the fundamental processes that grounded theory must follow and provides an example of applying grounded theory in the context of researching the Goths, an aesthetic subculture.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper suggests that within the creative industries there is scope for the wider application of inductive, theory‐building methodologies that aim to provide deeper understanding of behavior.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in detailing a systematic methodology that scholars may apply across the spectrum of creative and cultural marketing from music festivals to museums.
The social shaping of the early business schools in The Netherlands
Authors: van Baalen Peter , Karsten Luchien 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an alternative explanation for the rise of modern management schools at the turn of the twentieth century. It is to be argued that these schools were not just responses of the higher education system to the demand of industrializing companies for a new class of professional managers, like Chandler suggests.Design/methodology/approachThe historical‐actor approach is applied to explain the rise of academic management schools, prior to the Second World War. Data were collected from the archives of different management schools and professional organizations of the engineers and accountants.FindingsTo legitimize their position in the higher education system, abstraction appeared to be the dominant strategy of the professions. By abstraction they could distinguish themselves from the lay public and other professional groups in the domain of management. At the moment the new professions had a foot in the higher education system the engineers and the accountants contested for the new management domain. Abstraction appeared also the successful strategy of the accountants to distinguish themselves from the engineers and to establish a sound base for the development of the Dutch variant of business economics.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents a full account of the Dutch situation but the findings cannot be generalized to other countries. More comparative research is needed. The rise of management schools is mostly explained as an educational response to an economic demand.Practical implicationsThe history of the Dutch business schools may provide researchers and administrators of universities insight into the dynamics of disciplines and into setting up professional schools.Originality/valueThis research is based on original documents from the archives of schools and professional organizations. The main contribution of the paper is that it shows how emancipatory and social status motives mediated between the demand and supply side.
Barnard on leadership development: bridging action and thinking
Authors: Isomura Kazuhito 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore an effective educational method for leadership development.Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve the objective of the paper, Chester Barnard's insights on leadership and its development are reviewed: the gap between action and thinking; practitioners' ways of thinking and moral senses; combinations of abilities and qualities for leaders; and an educational method for leaders.FindingsThe paper concludes that when business school students write their own cases and explain them comprehensibly for others who did not experience the situation, they can enhance their abilities to observe and deeply analyze situations and are given opportunities to reflect and share their experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper proposes the idea of the educational method, so, in the future it would be possible to show how to implement this method concretely.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that it would be effective to develop an educational method based on practitioners' ways of thinking and sensing.Originality/valueThe paper indicates that practitioners develop their own ways of thinking and sensing that are different from researchers' ways of scientific thinking. Practitioners' ways of thinking and moral senses can be learned in educational institutions by using rich cases including participants' intentions and interpretations.