bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge management implementation in NTPC: an Indian PSU
Authors: Goel Alok Kumar , Rana Sharma Geeta , Rastogi Renu 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the extent, strategy and imperatives of knowledge management (KM).Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was carried out with the aid of a case study of NTPC, a navratan PSU of the government of India. This paper discusses components of the knowledge management implementation plan and the KM imperatives to achieve its strategic business objectives. Information technology has been accorded an important role in much of the contemporary knowledge management literature. When these assumptions are challenged, the role of information technology in knowledge management processes also comes into question. The paper outlines this perspective of knowledge management and examines the way it characterises knowledge sharing processes and role of information technology in creating a virtual organisation for knowledge sharing purposes.FindingsThe research findings indicate that KM could improve organisational and managerial as well as the financial aspects of an organisation. The KM helped the organisation to manage and institutionalise knowledge management processes and to create organisational culture for managing and motivating knowledge workers.Practical implicationsThis is a qualitative study that could be further enriched by empirically measuring KM, person‐organisation fit and its impact on the level of engagement. What emerged from the analysis is the importance of the concept of knowledge sharing. This KM study will help other organisations as they embark on their KM journey.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the impact of KM and the approaches for competitive advantage, which can facilitate knowledge generation and knowledge sharing processes by means of a case study.
Carrefour and its competitors in India
Authors: Lapoule Paul 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the retailer Carrefour in India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares the retailer Carrefour and its competitors in India.FindingsCarrefour needed time to tie up with an Indian partner to start retail operations in India. The company also delayed its retail plans to focus on launching cash and carry (wholesale) operations. The world's second biggest supermarket group by sales is negotiating with over six Indian companies including diversified business groups, retailers and mall owners.Originality/valueThe paper provides a discussion on the Indian retail sector and the retailer Carrefour.
An analytical approach for selection of a logistics provider
Authors: Vijayvargiya Ankit , Dey A.K. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeCAPARO India Ltd., a leading player in the automotive components industry in India, has multiple logistics providers for export‐import logistics at its five manufacturing locations in north India. Dealing with multiple logistics provider restricts negotiation power, service commitments, customer satisfaction and leads to higher transportation cost and time delays due to multiple points of contact. The purpose of this paper is to document CAPARO's aim of selecting one common logistics provider for all their units in north India for export‐import logistics, warehousing, packaging and value added services in order to minimise all the above stated problems.Design/methodology/approachThis paper, in the form of case study, provides a structured decision‐making model for selection of the most suitable logistics provider using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). With this technique, several criteria like freight charges, inland charges, schedule flexibility, warehousing capacity, track and trace system, port presence and custom clearance are considered that make it possible to select a suitable logistics provider.FindingsThe case example establishes that AHP can be effectively used to analyse the logistics provider selection, which is based on real data.Research limitations/implicationsThe case extends the scope for future researchers to enhance the criteria for selection of any logistics provider.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practitioners with a systematic analysis needed to make this important decision.Originality/valueThe paper is based on real data and information.
Queuing analysis for outpatient and inpatient services: a case study
Authors: Mital K.M. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out queuing analysis to analyse patient load in outpatient and inpatient services to facilitate more realistic resource planning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an analytical approach based on real life data (e.g. not a priori or an academic one where data are mingled to fit a theoretical stance) in accordance with the service level prescribed by the hospital administration. A service level is usually specified in terms of admissible range of queuing characteristics, such as mean patient waiting time, reduction of inordinate delays, incidences of minimum delays, average queue length, etc. which the management of a health organisation may decide to aim and control.FindingsQueuing analysis reported in this case study provides a basis for estimating medical staff size and number of beds, which are two very important resources for outpatient and inpatient services in a large hospital, and all other hospital resources in one way or another depend on them.Research limitations/implicationsThe study challenges and aims to replace thumb‐rule approaches, which can be very conveniently carried out with efficient computer aids available at present for any hospital. Queuing analysis provides valuable insights into a hospital system, though it may not be the best approach as several underlying assumptions may not always hold true. In hospitals, for example, there can be several interacting queues, many of which could be cyclic with interaction among them. Accordingly, treatment of each queue individually, independent of others may not be a valid assumption.Practical implicationsMedical staff (doctors) and beds are very basic hospital resources, which largely depend on the hospital load in terms of arrival rates of patients in outpatient and inpatient services. When hospitals are adequately staffed and equipped in terms of beds and other key resources, it is unlikely that patients will turn away to other hospitals for treatment and there will be all round satisfaction with the hospital performance.Originality/valueThe authors do not claim the findings to be novel or unique but rather more well‐documented and comprehensive in coverage than available in existing literature. The practice‐based themes such as this well‐documented case study may evoke global interest as a multiplier effect for using such methodologies for resource planning in hospitals.
Is the magic of “feel good” and “look great” at Giordano still working?
Authors: Saxena Ravindra P. , Khandelwal Pradeep K. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to present the strategic moves and success story of a company which started its operations as a small manufacturer of casual clothing in the 1970s and is now recognized as one of the world's most renowned apparel retail brands.Design/methodology/approachThe authors explore the relationship between a company's mission and its supporting pillars; which are built by corporate values and brand values. Further, through these values how a company can develop its core competencies and differential advantages, is analysed. For structuring this case study, the authors collected secondary information from library resources and internet sources. The information available at company's web sites and the financial data disclosed by them in their interim reports was collected and used appropriately by the authors in understanding the business model of the company and evaluating its performance.FindingsGiordano, a small manufacturer of casual clothing in the 1970s, is today one of the world's most renowned, apparel retail brands. It presently has a network of over 2,000 stores in over 30 countries. The segmentation, targeting and positioning approaches used by the company, and the way it has grown internationally, by redefining its markets and its repositioning approaches, while focusing in the same mission, are the key findings of this study.Originality/valueThe relationships the authors explore show how a company's value system, its strategic analysis and ability in decision making can lead it on the road to success.
Diversification plans of Prime Technologies
Authors: Gautam Taruna , Agarwal Raveesh 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain an insight about the strategy of diversification adopted by the company, Prime Technology, to increase its profits. The study is made so as to understand the essential aspects which any firm should consider before deciding to venture into a new business so that it may not end in failure.Design/methodology/approachThe case is basically a narration of the business strategy adopted by Prime Technology and the aftermaths of the decisions taken in haste.FindingsThe paper showcases the experience of Prime Technology related to the correctness of the decisions taken related to the brand positioning and logistics involved with the import of a perishable commodity. It suggests that proper ground work while importing a product like chocolates plays a vital role in deciding the fate of an importer's fortune. Thus correct timing, packing and marketing are all close knit parameters for success.Practical implicationsThe case provides traders with an insight in understanding the vitality of the decisions related to logistics and brand positioning while importing a product that is not very popular in the domestic country, and especially if it is a perishable commodity.Originality/valueThis case is an original attempt to illustrate the core drivers and capabilities for achieving success in a diverse field. The insights from the case demonstrate the value of proper planning, strategies to companies that are open to expand and recognize the need to focus the use of scarce value‐adding resources.
Early learnings from the National Library of New Zealand's National Digital Heritage Archive project
Authors: Knight Steve 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a brief description of the digital preservation programme at the National Library of New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a description of the legislative and strategic context for digital preservation in New Zealand, details are provided of the system for the National Digital Heritage Archive (NDHA), developed with help from Ex Libris, and marketed as Rosetta. A small survey of staff attitudes to the NDHA was also carried out.FindingsKey factors to be considered by others developing a digital preservation programme include: definition of strategic drivers; choice of a suitable business model; defining the exact purpose of the digital preservation programme; deployment and implementation; staffing aspects; and how to get started.Originality/valueThe National Library of New Zealand has been a leading organisation in digital preservation and its experiences will be of relevance to many other libraries throughout the world.
Collaboration nation: the building of the Welsh Repository Network
Authors: Knowles Jacqueline 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to disseminate information about the Welsh Repository Network (WRN), innovative work being undertaken to build an integrated network of institutional digital repositories. A collaborative approach, in particular through the provision of centralised technical and organisational support, has demonstrated improvement in the use and curation of digital repository content across Wales.Design/methodology/approachThe vision of the WRN has been delivered using two project phases; the first establishing technical infrastructure followed by a phase focussing on user engagement, content generation and enhancement of repository interfaces. The methodologies used have involved gathering technical requirements and procurement and installation of repository solutions, including a cash injection of £4,000 per institution to purchase suitable hardware. The current phase explores experimental approaches to stimulate engagement, embed solutions and generate content to populate the repositories. Collaboration is the overarching theme driving the approach.FindingsThe WRN is now a physical entity offering complete national coverage. Vitally, the WRN is also functioning as a virtual network. The variety of technical repository solutions implemented reflect the variety of institutions with makeup, current computing infrastructure and staffing levels all influencing the chosen infrastructure. Current challenges focus on organisational aspects of engagement; culture change, strategic buy‐in and policy issues have all proved significant.Originality/valueThe WRN demonstrates that collaboration results in success. The model can inform and lead others considering repository matters and has provided findings of interest and value to many wider communities from repository specific, through information and research management to the information profession as whole.
Accessibility and use of web‐based electronic resources by physicians in a psychiatric institution in Nigeria
Authors: Adewale Oduwole Adebambo , Oyewumi Olatundun 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis study aims to examine the accessibility and use of web‐based electronic databases on the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) portal by physicians in the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro – a psychiatry health institution in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachCollection of data was through the use of a three‐part questionnaire developed by the researcher. A total of 28 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents out of which 20, representing 67 per cent response rate, were completed, returned and used for the study.FindingsThe result revealed that physicians working in a psychiatry health institution have access to and use the HINARI database. The study further revealed that the majority (60 per cent) of the physicians access the portal once every two weeks from the internet cafés in and around the institution. PubMed is the most widely used database in the HINARI portal. Information retrieved is used mostly for clinical decision making. However, respondents are faced with inadequate time for research because of their busy schedule, poor internet access and inadequate information retrieval skills.Practical implicationsThe study recommends the development of a library portal/gateway and the setting up of links between the resources to which they subscribe as well as training and retraining of physicians in the use of the HINARI portal so as to justify the huge amount of effort and money spent by the World Health Organization (WHO) to make the resources freely available to scientists in developing countries.Originality/valueThis study has collection development and practical implications for the providers of the databases, such as WHO through the various publishers, as well as librarians in the various institutions. The study recommends training or retraining of physicians in the use of the HINARI portal as well as improvement in information technology and communication infrastructure and extension of internet services to offices of physicians at the hospital.
NUMERIC: statistics for the digitisation of European cultural heritage
Authors: Poll Roswitha 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present results of NUMERIC, a project of the European Commission that started out to define measures and methods for assessing the current state of digitisation in Europe's cultural institutions (archives, libraries and museums). The central task of the NUMERIC project was to develop a framework for the collection of statistical data that would be most suitable to give a national overview of digitisation.Design/methodology/approachThe project developed definitions and data collection methods for the intended survey. After testing the survey in a number of archives, libraries and museums, the project team collaborated with nominated experts in each member country for choosing an adequate sample of cultural institutions throughout Europe.FindingsIn spite of all differences between countries and institutions, the project attempted an estimate of the present state of digitisation in Europe. According to the statements of the responding institutions in the sample, only about 19 per cent of the analogue collections in cultural institutions have as yet been digitised, for about 30 per cent the institutions do not plan digitisation, and at least 50 per cent of the analogue collections in cultural institutions are still waiting digitisation.Research limitations/implicationsAs many questions in the survey could only be answered by some of the institutions, some results – especially usage data – are not statistically valid. Different samples of cultural institutions in the countries, different completion rates of answers for each question and differing interpretations of “digitisation” have affected the results.Originality/valueThe paper acquaints professionals in culture statistics and in digitisation projects with the set of well‐defined statistical data that was tested in the NUMERIC project. It also shows the problems and limitations of these data.
Introducing employment relations in South Eastern Europe
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros G. , Wood Geoffrey , Szamosi Leslie T. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the employment relations context in South Eastern Europe from a variety of capitalism perspectives. Particular attention is accorded to the uneven nature of change at both the levels of institutions and practice. This is followed by a review of the individual papers that make up this special issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is primarily a theoretical one, providing a review of the papers that make up this special issue and giving an overview of the foundation being provided.FindingsWhile the term “transitional” has often been deployed to describe employment relations across the region, the process has been an extremely protracted one. There is little doubt that the nature and form of employment relations in the countries encompassed in this review is still coalescing, with further ruptures likely as a result of the 2009 depression. At the same time, the papers in this special issue point to long‐standing continuities with employment.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the papers that make up this special issue may present the most recent research in the region, they also point to future areas for research. First, there is particularly little research that has been undertaken on peripheral areas of a generally peripheral region. Not only do we know very little about, say, Albanian employment relations, but we know little about employment relations in peripheral areas of large countries such as Turkey. Second, the 2009 depression is likely to accelerate trends to downsizing and insecure work, in the short term at least. Finally, there is a growing consensus that a sustainable economic recovery from the current crisis will depend, at least in part, on new social compromises both globally and regionally.Practical implicationsEmployment relations in the region are undergoing an extended transition. In the short term, the most likely trend will be towards a further weakening of the bargaining position of employees, and towards more insecure working. However, a sustained recovery is likely to see a reversal of this, with employers being more likely to be forced to contemplate new social compromises.Originality/valueThis study applies the comparative capitalism literature to the South Eastern European region context. It also introduces some of the most recent applied research in the region.
Evaluating the nature of undeclared work in South Eastern Europe
Authors: Williams Colin C. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the nature of undeclared work in South East Europe and the rest of the European Union and in doing so, to evaluate critically the validity of depicting the character of undeclared work as being the same everywhere.Design/methodology/approachA 2007 survey of undeclared work is reported, conducted in 27 European Union (EU) member states involving 26,659 face‐to‐face interviews. This paper focuses on the results of the 2,432 interviews conducted in five South East European countries, namely Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Slovenia.FindingsIn South Eastern Europe, more undeclared work is found to be waged employment and conducted by marginalised population groups out of necessity compared with other EU regions. Nevertheless, and similar to other EU regions, most undeclared work is conducted on an own‐account basis, rather than as waged employment, for close social relations, rather than anonymous employers, and out of choice rather than necessity, although different mixtures prevail in different places and populations both within South Eastern Europe and across the EU as a whole.Research limitations/implicationsThis recognition of the multifarious work relations and motives involved in undeclared work, and different mixtures in varying populations, displays the need to move beyond treating undeclared work as everywhere the same and towards nuanced spatially sensitive representations.Practical implicationsGiven the proportion of undeclared work conducted on an own‐account basis and for closer social relations, this paper reveals that if South East European governments continue to seek its eradication, they will deter with one hand precisely the entrepreneurship and mutual aid that with another they are seeking to nurture.Originality/valueThis is the first evaluation of undeclared work in South East Europe and the EU.
A comparative analysis of employment practices among post‐communist and capitalist countries in South Eastern Europe
Authors: Sahadev Sunil , Demirbag Mehmet 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the level of convergence in employment practices among firms in the post‐communist countries and capitalist countries in South Eastern Europe. Firms from a total of ten countries were included in the post‐communist block and firms from Greece and Turkey were included in the capitalist block. The main purpose was to verify whether employment practices in firms in the post‐communist countries now resemble that of firms in the capitalist countries after almost a decade of transition.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyzed the employment practices in terms of the skill ration, employment of temporary workers and the education level of employees of about 8,000 firms in the region.FindingsIn terms of skill ratio and the education level significant levels of divergence was found between firms in post‐communist countries and capitalist countries. However, in terms of employing temporary workers significant levels of convergence was detected.Research implications/limitationsThe research shows that there is some convergence in the employment practices of post‐communist countries and capitalist countries. This shows that several post‐communist countries in South East Europe have completed the transition from a communist society to a capitalist society.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first, which compares the employment practices of post‐communist and capitalist countries in the region. By showing some levels of convergence, the study argues that the transition period in the post‐communist economies is finally ending and thus firms in post‐communist countries finally resemble those in capitalist countries at least in employment practices.