bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning and performance journeys
Authors: Pritchard Neville 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate the significance and potential of learning as a performance lever.Design/methodology/approachThrough experience of working within a number of organizations across varied industries the author has formulated a clear link between learning and performance. This paper intends to demonstrate an approach that ensures a collaborative responsibility between learning functions and organization management in the deployment of learning opportunities in a performance journey from current to expected levels.FindingsThe paper considers that learning and performance journeys can be combined and managed to greater effect if training is not treated as a one‐off event and that change is more likely if the responsibility for learning and performance is held by individuals and the coordination of learning opportunity support is led by specialists yet implemented in an integrated way by all.Practical implicationsThere are a number of implications: the concept of learning and performance journeys being coordinated to ensure transfer of learning to the workplace rather than a focus on single training events or interventions; the use of multi‐media approaches to the provision of learning opportunity to enable improved performance over time; the focus of measurement, reporting and subsequent adjustments to the provision of learning on performance outputs rather than measurement of training inputs.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates learning and performance journeys as a concept. It is of significant value to heads of learning and development and organization management involved in change and the achievement of strategy and vision.
Leadership in unprecedented times
Authors: Dickson Andy 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to raise awareness that successful businesses of the future will need to pay attention to more than just the traditional economic model. Social and environmental issues need to be considered when setting strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses examples from successful organizations and the benefits they have experienced.FindingsThere are sources of competitive advantage in social and environmental issues.Research limitations/implicationsSuccess for a business is not guaranteed. It depends on the market and the innovation and the courage, capability and capacity to implement.Practical implicationsAny business can do this if it is motivated to do so.Originality/valueBy looking at wider social and environmental issues businesses can move beyond compliance to exciting opportunities that can differentiate them in the marketplace. This is not about responsibility but opportunity.
How training in project management can help businesses to get back on track
Authors: Edmonds John 
Published: August 2010

PurposeIn the 1990s project management was a growing area, now it is almost impossible to go to any organization where there is not a project. This growth has been so fast that many people find themselves in charge of projects, with none of the special skills required. This paper aims to focus on the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe solution is to provide training as it is through the discipline of project management that all the enablers for change required to survive in the business world today canbe delivered. There is a de facto process based method for effective project management, widely used by the UK government and the private sector both in the UK and internationally, known as PRINCE2®.FindingsEffective project management training emphasizes structure, creativity and flexibility. The right type of training can offer multiple benefits to an organization to provide a tighter control over resources and an improved level of project risk. It can also raise the management skills of individuals, providing them with greater work satisfaction and long‐term career prospects.Originality/valueGreat project management training should be delivered by subject matter experts who can deliver training experiences that are inspirational and rewarding. Organizations from all business sectors need to invest in good project management training experts who are prepared to engage with their organization's strategic aims and objectives in a partnership rather than supplier role. Those looking to develop their way out of the credit crunch and to secure the future of their staff, customers and business should be taking a serious look at making that investment.
E‐resource helpdesk into virtual reference: identifying core competencies
Authors: Resnick Taryn , Ugaz Ana , Burford Nancy 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine core competencies, for use as a foundation for staffing and training, and necessary to provide effective electronic resource (ER) access support.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyzed 580 ER access problem reports in a large academic library system to measure the specific skill(s) required for effective problem resolution. Problem reports were drawn equally from two different reporting systems: one using web forms and e‐mail and the other featuring real‐time user interaction.FindingsAbilities fostered in reference work related to communication with users, staff, and vendors were by far the most crucial and highly used in successful problem solving, followed by the knowledge to make appropriate referrals within the organization.Research limitations/implicationsResults reported are from one institution, albeit one which serves a very large user population with diverse information needs which provided a broad range of users and problem types.Practical implicationsStaffing for an access support service should draw upon employees whose skill set includes assisting users with more traditional information access, such as reference, as well as employees with expertise in areas such as licensing.Originality/valueResolving user‐reported online access issues is a mission‐critical library service function. The paper offers an objective demonstration that the skills leading to success in access support are the same communication skills valued in reference services and that the mechanism used for providing a virtual reference service can also be used for handling user‐access problems. Identifying and ranking these skills provides structure and best practice standards for continuous training and staff assessment.
Research behavior patterns of business students
Authors: Dubicki Eleonora 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the research needs of undergraduate and graduate business students at Monmouth University.Design/methodology/approachStudents were surveyed regarding the types of business course assignments that require research and the number of sources which must be cited for these research projects. The information‐seeking behaviors of business students used in gathering these sources were examined, looking at where these students began their research, which tools they used, and the challenges they faced in conducting research. The paper also investigated the students' preferred methods of seeking assistance in completing their research, as well as how they evaluated the credibility of sources they uncovered.FindingsStudent research requirements for homework assignments were fairly evenly distributed between very often/often and sometimes/never. Overall, students noted that presentations required research very often or often. Only 2.35 percent reported no research for short papers, with graduate students representing the largest group who indicated no research required for short papers. By contrast, 81 percent of seniors responded that they conducted research for short papers either very often or often. When preparing long papers (over six pages), students most frequently reported that research requirements were required sometimes. During the qualitative phase of the project, students revealed their frustration with doing research on very specific topics assigned by professors.Originality/valueThe results of this research can assist librarians in two important areas: collection management and instruction.
Systematic review of research methods: the case of business instruction
Authors: Manning Fiegen Ann 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the body of business instruction literature by academic librarians against evolving models for evidence‐based research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used systematic review and inter‐rater reliability of the literature of business information research instruction to test two attributes of research quality: the evidence‐based levels of evidence and the EBLIP critical analysis checklist.FindingsIntervention questions and case studies are the most popular research methods on the EBL levels of evidence scale. The majority of articles score below 75 on the EBLIP critical appraisal checklist. Prediction questions are represented by higher levels of evidence and study quality. Intervention questions paired with the cohort design and exploratory questions paired with survey design indicate strong areas of research quality. The case study method, while most popular, showes lower scores across all question types yet revealed some high‐quality benchmark examples.Research limitations/implicationsError is possible when distinguishing between cohort and case study – some articles may fall into one or the other study design. Rater training was conducted only once, and best practices for inter‐rater reliability recommend multiple rounds to achieve higher rater agreement.Practical implicationsRecommendations are presented for ways to improve the evidence base of research articles and suggest areas for professional development opportunities for librarian researchers wishing to increase the quality of research publications.Originality/valueThe paper goes beyond the narrative review of the literature of business instruction to measure the research methods employed in those publications against two evidence‐based standards. The results will show where the literature stands as a maturing discipline and provide recommendations for increasing the levels of evidence for future research.
Redirecting library instruction based on socioeconomic data
Authors: Adebonojo Leslie , Ellis Mark , Campbell Kathy , Hawkins Michael 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to utilize data collected at the national, state, and local level to analyze our library instruction (LI) program with the goal of designing a program to best suit student needs.Design/methodology/approachThe collection and analysis of national, state, and local economic and computer access and usage statistics was carried out.FindingsAlthough most incoming freshmen at East Tennessee State University have access to computers and can perform basic computer functions, they do not have the skill set necessary to do college‐level research.Practical implicationsSherrod Library needs to continue providing traditional LI classes. Furthermore, new ways to train incoming freshmen in research methods need to be developed.Originality/valueThe use of national, state, and local economic and computer access and usage statistics to create a profile of our students in order to assess LI and outreach programs.
The effectiveness of a university's single‐session information literacy instruction
Authors: Lei Hsieh Ma , Holden Hugh A. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper it to determine the effectiveness of “single‐session” information literacy instruction as it was integrated into the curriculum of a general education course at Monmouth University, New Jersey.Design/methodology/approachTwo types of assessment instrument were used: a pre‐ and post‐test to measure any changes in learning outcomes of information literacy (IL) concepts after an IL instruction (ILI) session, and a student survey conducted after the post‐test. Installed on the course management system, these assessments were administered by teaching faculty over three semesters.FindingsSingle‐session ILI had a positive if not dramatic impact on learning outcomes. The pre‐ and post‐test instrument was able to show specific strengths and weaknesses in the students' comprehension of IL concepts. And the survey revealed that most students believed that their ILI was valuable.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper did not employ a control group – a common practice in similar studies – although doing so could result in richer data and would conform the paper to general practices.Originality/valueThe results of this assessment study concur with other research that supports the position that single‐session ILI has a measurably significant positive effect on student learning outcomes.
User satisfaction with electronic reference: a systematic review
Authors: Lasda Bergman Elaine M. , Holden Irina I. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to systematically review research that analyzes satisfaction with electronic reference services, paying particular attention to how user satisfaction is measured. The application and value of evidence‐based methodologies for library and information science (LIS) research are explored.Design/methodology/approachDatabase searches identified research concerned with electronic reference. Articles with a variable of user satisfaction were extracted and subjected to a critical appraisal. The remaining research was analyzed for similarities, differences, and consistency.FindingsA wide variety of methods are used to measure user satisfaction. There was almost no overlap in specific questions considered although there were some similarities in methodologies used. The results of this analysis show a lack of standardization in LIS research on this topic.Research limitations/implicationsThere may be some bias in the selection of research in that the reviewers were only able to obtain published findings. The lack of consistency in reporting results further limited the articles eligible for review and precluded a meta‐analysis.Practical implicationsBy synthesizing the research conducted on this topic, practicing librarians should be able to see patterns in user satisfaction with electronic reference, and become aware of common pitfalls in undertaking user satisfaction assessment. Those conducting or planning LIS research will be able to identify the characteristics of sound research and thorough reporting of results.Originality/valueSystematic review is an underutilized methodology in LIS research. As evidence‐based librarianship gains traction, it will become a more important tool for LIS researchers. The synthesis and analysis of previous research bring together disparate findings and show patterns and/or differences in providing these services, and brings into focus the lack of consistency in LIS research on this topic.
The relationship between motherhood and professional advancement
Authors: Brown Lorra M. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and realities regarding professional advancement following motherhood. Results show great conflict between work and home life regardless of employer support or family‐friendly policies. The paper also seeks to assess conflicting societal attitudes relating to work/family responsibilities and roles, with a focus on the stereotyping and discrimination towards women endemic in the workplace following motherhood.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilized a survey with Likert‐type options and open‐ended questions to measure both perceived and real impact of motherhood on a woman's professional advancement. The sample was purposive featuring working mothers in professional fields at the managerial level and above, all of whom have children who require some level of childcare.FindingsMore than 90 working mothers responded to the survey. The results show a contrast between qualitative and quantitative data and indicate a contradiction between a working mother's expected response and her reality.Research limitations/implicationsFindings indicate that flexible work arrangements do not support working mothers seeking advancement. Limitations may include the size and selection of population.Practical implicationsWorking mothers who strive to continue an upward career track following motherhood acknowledge that motherhood has an extreme impact on professional advancement. Many mothers chose to slow down their career path, even when employer policies are family‐friendly.Originality/valueOne of the most compelling findings in this paper is the disparity between women's perception of their situations and the reality of their actual experiences and behaviors, as indicated in the contrasts between the qualitative and the quantitative findings.
Exploring the potential of the union equality representative
Authors: Bennett Tony 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative study of the views of a cross‐section of union regional activists and officers on the potential of a newly developed equality representative role in promoting greater equality in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachFindings are based on an analysis of interview data incorporating the views and experiences of 32 officers and activists currently promoting equality in a region of the UK.FindingsFindings suggest that this is an equality initiative whose time may have come. This conclusion, however, is tempered by respondents' belief that the equality representative project can only fulfil its potential if the role is mainstreamed into branch structures, policies and processes and, crucially, that the same statutory recognition enjoyed by other union representatives is granted to the equality representative.Research limitations/implicationsThe project is at an early stage of development. Therefore, findings are based on the views of significant proponents of union equality initiatives in the region of study. Further research is needed to assess the actual impact of the new representatives as they become active in their branches and organisations.Practical implicationsThere are clear implications for management in terms of allowing representatives facility time and thus sharing the potential benefits of this new source of equality expertise. For the unions, the challenge is to mainstream the new role at all levels of the union and negotiate adequate facility time for the equality representative.Originality/valueThe research is one of the few studies focussing on this new union strategy for better addressing the equality needs of their members and offers a clear insight into its potential success.
Apprenticeship training: for investment or substitution?
Authors: Mohrenweiser Jens , Backes‐Gellner Uschi 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to derive an empirical method to identify different types of training strategies of companies based on publicly available company data.Design/methodology/approachUsing a ten‐year panel, the within‐firm retention rate, defined as the average proportion of apprentices staying in a company in relation to all apprenticeship graduates of a company over several years, was analyzed. The within‐firm retention rate is used to identify these companies' training strategies.FindingsIt was shown that companies' motivation for apprenticeship training in Germany is not homogeneous: 19 percent of all companies follow a substitution strategy and 44 percent follow an investment strategy. The determinants of the substitution strategy were estimated and, for example, sizeable differences were found between sectors with different skill requirements and between firms' coverage of industrial relations.Research limitations/implicationsThe method is well suited to classify substitution‐motivated training firms but it is less precise in identifying the investment motivation. Moreover, very small firms which train only one apprentice need longer panel duration for precise results and therefore the classification results are less precise for very small firms.Practical implicationsThe classification can be used to identify determinants of company participation in apprenticeship training and to predict changes in demand for apprentices.Originality/valueA simple and innovative method of identifying different types of training motivation with publicly available company data was derived, which has so far been possible only with very detailed company‐specific apprenticeship surveys.
The role of size in firms' training: evidence from Spain
Authors: Castany Laia 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse why small firms provide less training to their employees than their larger counterparts. The hypothesis is that large firms are endowed with certain firm characteristics that require more training and with some that allow them to obtain larger returns from this investment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the individual contribution of these characteristics to explain the gap between small and large firms in the probability of providing training and its extent using the Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition.FindingsSmall firms face greater obstacles in accessing training and the main reasons for that are related to their technological activity and the geographic scope of the market in which they operate. Together, these variables explain about half of the training gap in both the participation and the quantity decisions.Practical implicationsThe limited access to training of small firms prevents them from becoming more competitive by using a tool that would permit a better adoption of new technology and access to foreign markets.Originality/valueThe paper exploits the data on training expenditure and relates this investment with other firms' strategies, such as innovation or internationalization. It also suggests estimating this type of data by means of a two‐part model.
How does job‐training increase firm performance? The case of Morocco
Authors: Dumas Audrey , Hanchane Saïd 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of job‐training programs, initiated by the Moroccan government and called “special training contracts”, on the performance of Moroccan firms.Design/methodology/approachTwo databases (MICT, OFPPT) of Moroccan firms were considered. Matched databases were completed using a questionnaire survey. Panel data with 322 firms from 2001 to 2003 were obtained.FindingsThe paper highlights that “special training contracts” is an efficient measure of public policy. Indeed, job‐training programs increase the competitiveness and performance of Moroccan firms. Additionally, it was shown that firms have different perceptions of the role of public policy. It was emphasised that training effects are higher when training is considered as part of a human resources development strategy. On the contrary, when firms view public policy as just a financing opportunity, they do not get any returns from training.Practical implicationsA better understanding of the role of STC may increase training efficiency.Originality/valueThe case of an emerging country, Morocco, was studied. The conclusion of the analysis could provide solutions linking human resources management to issues of growth and long‐term development.