bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified atmosphere packaging and storage on sensory characteristics of ready‐to‐bake pizza
Authors: Singh Preeti , Goyal Gyanendra Kumar 
Published: June 2010

PurposeConsumer's demand for fresh, naturally preserved, food products has grown dramatically in recent years. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has proved to be most innovative growth area in food packaging. Studies have been conducted to increase the shelf life of ready‐to‐bake pizza by using MAP technique. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different modified atmospheres and refrigerated storage on the sensory characteristics of the ready‐to‐bake (unbaked) pizza.Design/methodology/approachThe most up‐to‐date and pertinent studies within the literature have been included and summated in this paper.FindingsTo determine the shelf life of MAP ready‐to‐bake pizza, the samples were subjected to four types of atmospheres (air, 100 per cent CO2, 100 per cent N2 and 50 per cent CO2/50 per cent N2) and stored for various time intervals at 7 ± 1 ○C. The shelf life of ready‐to‐bake pizza significantly increased up to 15 days (a 300 per cent increase) for the samples packaged under 100 per cent CO2 (atm 2), 50 per cent CO2/50 per cent N2 (atm 4) and 100 per cent N2 (atm 3), compared to conventional air pack (five days).Originality/valueThis paper gives a concise, up‐to‐date overview on how different gases affect the various sensory parameters of ready‐to‐bake‐pizza.
Promoting breastfeeding through drama: a preliminary study
Authors: Whelan Barbara , Kearney John M. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeIreland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe with exclusive breastfeeding rates of 44 per cent at discharge from hospital. Increased awareness and debate on breastfeeding and its issues is needed. The purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation of the piloting of a forum theatre production in increasing awareness of breastfeeding.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods approach was taken. Research participants were identified through the four organisations in which the play was performed. Approximately 160 people watched a performance of the play. Quantitative data were collected from 110 audience members who completed a postcard survey. Qualitative data were collected from 42 people prior to seeing the play and 47 people after seeing the play, through focus groups and individual interviews.FindingsOver 90 per cent of participants thought the play was a good way of discussing breastfeeding and they thought it was more effective than usual health promotion of giving out leaflets. Qualitative interviews found that the play heightened people's awareness of breastfeeding, highlighted the importance of support and engaged people in discussion and debate around breastfeeding.Originality/valueThe concept of promoting breastfeeding through drama is quite novel and this evaluation shows a potential for using such techniques in health promotion on varied nutrition‐related topics.
The perspectives of higher education faculty on Wikipedia
Authors: Chen Hsin‐liang 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to investigate whether higher education instructors use information from Wikipedia for teaching and research.Design/methodology/approachThis is an explorative study to identify important factors regarding user acceptance and use of emerging information resources and technologies in the academic community. A total of 201 participants around the world answered an online questionnaire administered by a commercial provider. The questionnaire consisted of 16 Likert‐scaled questions to assess participants' agreement with each question along with an optional open‐ended explanation.FindingsThe findings of this project confirm that internet access was related to faculty technology use. Online resources and references were ranked the first choice by the participants when searching for familiar and unfamiliar topics. The investigator found that participants' academic ranking status, frequency of e‐mail use and academic discipline were related to their use of online databases, web‐based information and directing students to information from the Web. Although the participants might often use online resources for research and teaching, Wikipedia's credibility was the participants' major concern.Research limitations/implicationsThis project is an exploratory study and more considerations are needed for this research area.Originality/valueThe paper shows that participants who used online databases more often showed a negative attitude toward Wikipedia. Those participants who used Wikipedia for teaching and research also allowed students to use information from Wikipedia and were more likely to be contributors to Wikipedia.
Open card sorting and factor analysis: a usability case study
Authors: Lewis Krystal M. , Hepburn Peter 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the process, analysis, results, and implications of a card sorting usability study conducted during the planning stages of a web site redesign project at the University of Illinois at Chicago.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology was based on recommendations from usability literature. An open card sort was conducted with 14 students and one faculty member using 93 cards labeled with content from the library's web site. The subjects were asked to “think aloud” and explain their rationale for sorting the cards. The researchers used statistical analysis software to run a factor analysis on the results.FindingsThe researchers extracted 11 categories of cards that loaded together and 27 cards that did not fit a category. The categories showed evidence of clustering by shared words, format, and process or task. Cards that did not load were standalone categories, or were redundant or meaningless to the subjects.Research limitations/implicationsThe open card sort methodology and large number of cards resulted in cumbersome data that required specialized analysis. The qualitative data were critical to the interpretation of the quantitative data.Practical implicationsLibraries can use the process and analysis as a model for their own card sort usability studies. Results can be used to inform the naming of content and the creation of library web site architecture.Originality/valueThis study is unique in its use of the open card sort technique and factor analysis of the results. The results illustrate users' perceptions of library terminology and web site structure.
ICT and library operations
Authors: Adeleke A.A. , Olorunsola R. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the survey on the use of online tools and techniques for cataloguing and classification in Nigerian libraries.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed to elicit information from librarians on pertinent areas relating to the use of online tools for processing library resources.FindingsThe results of the survey reveal a high level of awareness among librarians in Nigeria about the benefits that could be derived in the use of online tools for cataloguing and classification processes. The study further reveals the need for continuing education programmes for cataloguers for effective use of the tools. The study shows that the use of online tools has advantages over manual methods. Librarians perceived the method to be useful and easy to use. The paper reveals ICT infrastructural facilities as major constraints facing libraries in the use of online tools. One of the expectations at the onset of the follow‐up study was that most of the problems identified with the use of the online tools in the Redeemer's University library study would not be different from the challenges facing other libraries. The results of this study have proved this to be true.Practical implicationsThe conclusion rests on the need for an intensive continuing education programme to teach the skills required for online operations and the provision of web‐driven facilities in Nigerian libraries.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on libraries' awareness on the use of online methods for processing library resources, their efficiency and attitude of librarians to such tools. The paper shows that libraries in developing countries like Nigeria should intensify efforts to close the gap between them and those in the developed countries in terms of ICT literacy.
Continuing professional development needs of teachers in schools for competence‐based vocational education
Authors: Seezink Audrey , Poell Rob F. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to help schools for vocational education determine teachers' continuing professional development needs associated with implementing competence‐based education programs, so that these schools can develop better attuned HR policies. It investigates which elements from the cognitive apprenticeship model and from the acquisition and participation metaphors can be identified in the individual action theories of their teachers.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted in one school for vocational education, where 12 teachers engaged in an innovation project around the development of a new competence‐based education program for pupils. They participated in concept mapping, cued interviews (based on video recordings), semi‐structured interviews, and a joint feedback session. These four sources were used for an in‐depth content analysis of teachers' action theories.FindingsNo distinctive, crystallized action theories about competence‐based vocational education emerged at the individual teacher level; let alone individual teachers' action theories well in line with the two normative frameworks on competence‐based education. The case study shows the struggle that individual teachers are going through to get their every‐day teaching repertoire more in line with new ideas on competence‐based education.Research limitations/implicationsOnly qualitative data are gathered, in one school, representing one school type, in one country only, limiting the statistical generalizability of the results. Not all respondents are able to participate in all four data sources.Practical implicationsSchools should develop HR policies that offer teachers CPD activities in the crucial area of competence‐based education; the frameworks presented in the study can be used to this end, by teacher educators as well as by HRD professionals interested in combining training programs with informal employee learning.Originality/valueThe study draws on literature from various disciplines (especially educational psychology and HRD), which traditionally have remained mostly separate. It combines insights from four separate data sources.
The need for adaptive processes of benchmarking in small business‐to‐business services
Authors: Broderick Anne , Garry Tony , Beasley Mark 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore current management attitudes towards benchmarking and its implementation within small business‐to‐business service firms in order to enhance a deeper understanding of benchmarking within such contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses in‐depth case analysis of small architectural services to collect empirical data on benchmarking initiatives, attitudes, key characteristics and constraints on benchmarking.FindingsFindings suggest that there are significant variations in the receptiveness of small business‐to‐business firms towards the adoption of benchmarking. There may be an inherent distrust of benchmarking, as it is primarily perceived as being a tool for larger organizations, where productivity improvements are the main driver. Evidence of perceived constraints in both the implementation of benchmarking and in the definition of what constitutes best practice highlighted a cultural difficulty for small architectural firms when adopting a business process orientation. Traditionally, when evaluating their services, architectural practices are oriented towards professional design criteria, often with creative rather than business process priorities. Results suggest less cumbersome measurement models than key performance indicators (KPI) are needed to allow organically developing firms, such as architectural services, to apply benchmarking and quality ideas flexibly.Originality/valueResearch on current management attitudes towards benchmarking or actual implementation of benchmarking techniques in small business‐to‐business service firms is scarce. This paper addresses this by developing a deeper and richer contextual understanding of benchmarking within such contexts.
Evolution of strategic sales organizations in business‐to‐business marketing
Authors: Piercy Nigel F. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on changes in the way in which business‐to‐business companies are responding to customer and market pressures for higher service and relational investments, and the need for new capabilities in managing the business risk in the company's customer portfolio. The paper seeks to propose a model of the strategic sales organization as a basis for management review of how to realign sales, account management, and marketing processes around customers to achieve and sustain superior customer value.Design/methodology/approachThe study traces the emergence of new pressures and mandates which are changing management thinking about the “front‐end” of organizations and edging companies towards a revolution in the role of sales, account management and marketing comparable to earlier reinventions in operations and supply chain strategy.FindingsThe outcome of the review is a model of the imperatives for the strategic sales organization.Practical implicationsThe model produced in the review provides a tool or framework for executive consideration of the strategic sales issue, both in evaluating the strategic role and performance of the existing sales and account management structures and in designing new roles for delivering competitive strength in the future.Originality/valueWhile the strategic role of the sales organization has been discussed in the literature, this paper provides a practical framework for executives to use in addressing the potential role of the strategic sales organization. The framework also highlights promising research directions for marketing and sales scholars.
The archaeology of habit: excavating past practices in technical services
Authors: Heinrich Helen , LaFollette Donna 
Published: June 2010

PurposeWhile laying the foundations of any libraries' collections, technical services (TS) play an important role in the expenditure of a library's materials and personnel budgets. Budgetary crises, increased user expectations, and growing workloads create challenges for TS to continually do more with less. When old practices cannot survive weakening budgets, it is time to dig into the layers of established procedures and see how they stand the test of relevance. This paper aims to address the issues regarding TS workflows.Design/methodologyapproachThe paper describes a study into TS at California State University Northridge (CSUN) Oviatt Library.FindingsExamination of long‐established procedures and workflows reveals a treasure trove of superfluous traditions, outdated mechanisms, and a visible failure to adopt the progress of the past decade. The discovery led to the reorganization of the department, the redesign of existing workflows, and the introduction of innovative technologies. Consequently, TS reduced processing time throughout the supply chain of information, improved service, and saved money. In addition, the reliance on vendors to assist in data management can greatly increase the efficiency of technical services.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how continued revision should keep technical services' workflows and procedures fresh and relevant.
Exceptional service during and after deep serial cuts
Authors: Throumoulos Mary K. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how Olin Library has maintained exceptional service to its users before, during and after a periodicals review resulting in deep subscription cuts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a review of activities at the Library during a time of financial restraints.FindingsAlthough Olin's cancellation project is not entirely completed, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence that the exceptional service has not deteriorated. At some point, soon after the cancellations are in place, a survey should be initiated to confirm this assumption about exceptional service.Practical implicationsSeveral guidelines are presented and discussed that may be useful for other libraries faced with having to make tough periodicals decisions after being directed to cut budgets by their administrations.Originality/valueThe paper provides guidelines that should greatly benefit librarians in facilitating a periodicals review and the resulting cuts during difficult economic times while still providing the service to which users are accustomed.
Managing library image as a resource
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of managing the library's and the director's images.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to introduce the idea of image as a resource and then discuss how it should be properly managed.FindingsThe findings are that the library's image is closely related to that of its director and an image of great service is a key to the library's general health.Originality/valueThe value of this article is in learning how to cultivate the proper image as a director and for the library in order to reap the benefits of better funding and other types of support.
Fighting back through talent innovation
Authors: McCartney Claire 
Published: June 2010

PurposeEarly last year, the CIPD released survey findings exploring how talent management strategies are being affected by the current uncertain economic backdrop and how important talent management is to organizations when things get tough. The reason for surveying on this topic was not to further contribute to the negativity awash in the media, but rather to focus on some of the positive measures that organizations can take in response to the economic challenges.Design/methodology/approachThis research pulls together the experiences of ten diverse organizations (including International Personal Finance, BT, Tesco, the National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare, Gala Coral Group, Stanza, NPIA, National Express, Standard Chartered and the Borough of Tower Hamlets).FindingsAlthough the current economic climate has heightened the focus on short‐term business critical needs there is a strong recognition by all of the organizations featured, that short and longer term perspectives need to be carefully balanced. What's more organizations need to develop a sustainable approach to talent management which by its very nature, should be focused on developing the current but also the future talent and capability of the organization.Originality/valueThis second phase of research once again validates the messages from the “War on Talent”, namely that talent management becomes more not less important in a downturn. All of the organizations included in this research recognise the importance of talent management at this time more than ever in enabling them to meet both their immediate and longer‐term business critical needs.
Workplace spirituality versus workplace politics: what's wrong with becoming a “NON”?
Authors: Marques Joan 
Published: June 2010

PurposeExamines ways to rise above organizational politics by redefining success and progress.Design/methodology/approachDraws out the differences between workplace spirituality and workplace politics, demonstrating why the former is generally more positive than the latter.FindingsContends that success should be synonymous with happiness rather than with affluence, while the real definition of human progress entails something that our civilization radically defies: acceptance of our legitimate place as members of a community that consists of human beings, as well as species different from – yet not inferior to – the human.Practical implicationsAdvances the view that many workers choose to leave highly political workplaces, and become NONs (no fiefdom, outsider, no fit).Social implicationsSuggests that the NONs, once courageous enough to step outside the organizational box, move on in different settings, often entrepreneurial or smaller organizations, and are able to display greater performance excellence, success in the form of greater contentment, and progress in the form of acceptance of the self and others.Originality/valueAdds to the growing literature on workplace spirituality.
The key role of employees in making customers more loyal
Authors: Herstein Ram , Zvilling Moti 
Published: June 2010

PurposeDetails the key role of employees in improving customer loyalty at Discount Bank, Israel.Design/methodology/approachExplains why strategic change was needed at the bank and how its management settled on the concept of direct banking relationships as the foundation for the reforms.FindingsDescribes the three levels of loyalty that managers identified – first creating good feelings toward the bank, then moving towards satisfied and finally appreciative clients – and explains the steps that managers took to achieve these levels of loyalty in practice.Practical implicationsReveals that the strategy helped the bank to recruit more than 300,000 new customers in three years.Social implicationsHighlights how service organizations can benefit from drawing customers into a close relationship with their employees.Originality/valueClaims that direct banking relationships are new in the financial‐services sector.
Creating the right environment for improvement
Authors: Eaton Mark 
Published: June 2010

PurposeExplains the importance of organizational environment and reveals how to align it with organizational success.Design/methodology/approachDefines organizational environment, explains how it can fail to match the environment the organization actually needs, provides examples of what happens when the two are not synchronized, and shows how to align them.FindingsHighlights the importance of: linking actions and improvements to what really matters; making quality improvement everyone's responsibility; being responsive and flexible; communicating well, and adapting to changing circumstances.Practical implicationsArgues that creating the right organizational environment can be a long process.Social implicationsReveals a way in which most organizations can be made to perform better.Originality/valueContains interesting examples of what happens when the organizational environment is not aligned with organizational success.