bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Keen to be green” organizations: a focused rules approach to accountability
Authors: Dwyer Rocky J. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to outline and discuss how to incorporate a practical‐focused rules approach to guide strategic processes to enhance competitiveness and growth, while improving performance measurement and accountability of green organization initiatives.Design/methodology/approachAn examination of theoretical perspectives was undertaken to determine the relevance of the theory to guide business flexibility and decision making to enhance competitiveness and growth, while enabling the implementation of a green agenda, in a changing business environment.FindingsUnderstanding the importance of flexibility, strategic processes would enable individuals and organizations to better respond to green factors associated with changing business opportunities and customer demands.Practical implicationsThe paper advocates that an understanding of the focused rules concept can enable business leaders to create green yet practical business strategies to build organizational flexibility, which in turn will lead to enhanced competitiveness and growth opportunities.Originality/valueThe paper presents an overview of the literature which enhances both personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels, enabling business leaders to gain insight into the inherent factors that may be influenced to advance organizational environmental goals and objectives.
The China connection: challenges and opportunities in linking Asian libraries
Authors: Wei Karen T. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeChina's rise as a major player in world affairs has contributed significantly to the global interest in the study of Chinese language, society, and culture. Its emerging importance has also increased the need for China‐related library materials and information provision to China scholars and the general public in recent years. This paper seeks to trace the historical transformation and renewed interest in China studies and the growing demand placed on Asian or East Asian libraries that support China studies in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a general review of the issues and challenges facing libraries in the West, which serve Chinese scholars, with the increasing demand for China‐related library materials and information resources, as well as for delivery of such information resources.FindingsThe paper identifies the issues and challenges facing libraries in the West that serve China scholars. The importance of collection building in China studies, the role of Chinese studies librarians, professional support for East Asian studies librarians in North America, and the changing outlook of academic libraries is highlighted.Practical implicationsIn a world that is increasingly more global, Asian or East Asian libraries must gain better understanding if the issues and best practices to effectively provide information service through collaboration and resource sharing with partners in Asia to achieve true global collections.Originality/valueThe paper presents possible measures that can be undertaken to bridge the difference between the East and West. Specifically, the paper addresses concerns libraries outside China encounter and proposes suggestions regarding resource sharing, balancing a Chinese collection in a networked environment, financial challenges, continuing education, and bibliographic control.
A survey study of the 2007 Chinese e‐books consortium
Authors: Huarng Kun‐Huang , Winnie Wang Hui‐Chuan 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to share the successful experiences and suggestions from the 2007 Chinese e‐books consortium.Design/methodology/approachA survey of the participant libraries of the 2007 Chinese e‐books consortium was conducted. Survey results were analyzed.FindingsThe consortium improved the Chinese collections with perpetual ownership, and demonstrated the bargaining power that exists through a consortium. Most participants would consider joining the consortium in the future.Research limitations/implicationsSince the 2007 Chinese e‐books consortium has only just been completed, the usage statistics have not been compiled. It will be interesting to see how readers adapt to the Chinese e‐books in the future.Practical implicationsThe results have practical implications for the operation of library consortia.Originality/valueThis study provides the latest opinions and suggestions from the consortium participants, which can be valuable to those who are interested in initiating new library consortia. The study results can also be of value to librarians who are considering joining any library consortia.
Electronic Resources Australia: a national approach to purchasing
Authors: Missingham Roxanne 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide information and analysis of a national purchasing consortium for Australian libraries, Electronic Resources Australia (ERA).Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the political and library community factors, which influenced the development of a national approach to purchasing. It outlines the needs of users as expressed to a parliamentary inquiry, the four‐year national consultation and results of the first two years of operation of the consortium.FindingsERA now provides access to quality online resources for approximately 8.5 million Australians. The work has led to careful consideration of issues including subscription periods, governance, funding models, “best price” and collaboration with vendors for marketing and promotion. Further work needs to continue on marketing and product range to ensure the long‐term success of the consortium.Research limitations/implicationsWhile a comparison is made with the New Zealand model, EPIC, comparisons are not made with other consortia models.Practical implicationsKey issues in consultation could be applicable to library sector or national collaboration.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into a model for which very detailed policy and practical development was required.
Theory, research, and practice in library management 7
Authors: Gwyer Roisin 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the literature on influencing upwards in organisations for practical approaches, which can be used in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe literature is examined to see if there is any agreement on which factors are successful when influencing upwards within organisations. Both management and library literatures are examined and a list of possible influencing behaviours is complied.FindingsAlthough there is little specific library literature on this topic there is enough in the management literature to suggest influence strategies and behaviours which librarians might consider using in order to increase influence within organisations. Influence of the core group in particular is looked at as is the correlation between influence and leadership style. As well as identifying specific influence strategies there is some discussion of the underpinning values of librarianship and how these can be used to influence the organisation more widely.Originality/valueThis paper provides food for thought for library practitioners on how they might work within organisations to take the library's agenda forward.
Predicted earnings and the propensity for self‐employment
Authors: Hammarstedt Mats 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the predicted earnings differential between self‐employment and wage‐employment on self‐employment propensities in Sweden using a large data set from the year 2003.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis in the paper is based on the presumption that the individual chooses to work in either the self‐employed or the wage‐employed sector. The separate earnings functions for the self‐employed and the wage‐employed are estimated in order to predict an individual's earnings in each sector. In order to overcome selectivity problems a Heckman approach is used at this stage. Finally, a structural probit model, where the difference in predicted earnings from the two sectors is included as an independent variable, is estimated.FindingsThe main result is that the predicted differential between self‐employment and wage‐employment earnings plays an important role for the self‐employment decision and that an increase in this earnings differential will lead to a higher self‐employment rate and to an increase in total employment in Sweden.Originality/valueThe policy relevance of this question is evident since previous research has shown that self‐employed individuals do not only create jobs for themselves but also for others. Thus, an increase in the earnings from self‐employment relative to the earnings from wage‐employment will increase the self‐employment rate as well as total employment.
The effects of training on performance in service companies
Authors: Danvila del Valle Ignacio , Ángel Sastre Castillo Miguel , Rodríguez‐Duarte Antonio 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to determine whether the effort invested by service companies in employee training has an impact on their economic performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study centres on an intensive labor sector, where the perception of service quality depends on who renders this service. To overcome the habitual problems of transversal studies, the time effect has been considered by measuring data over a period of nine years, to give panel data treatment with fixed effects.FindingsThe prepared models give clear empirical support to the hypothesis that training activities are a positive influence on company performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe results obtained contribute empirical evidence about a relationship that, hitherto, has not been satisfactorily demonstrated. However, there may be some limitations related to the use of a training indicator based on effort and not on results obtained, with low representation of what happens in the smaller companies that lack structured training policies, or with no differentiation between generic or more specific training.Practical implicationsThe results obtained can contribute towards increased manager awareness that training should be treated as an investment and not considered as an expense.Originality/valueThe main contributions can be resumed in three points: a training measurement has been used, based on three dimensions, which presumes to be an improvement on the more frequent method of measuring this variable. A consistent methodology was used that previously was not applied in the analysis of this relationship, and clear empirical evidence has been obtained concerning a relationship that, frequently, is mentioned with theoretical arguments, but which needs more empirical evidence.
Communicating a holistic perspective to the world: Kautilya on leadership
Authors: Jain Neera , Mukherji Shoma 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to cull out leadership lessons from one of India's oldest books on statecraft and economics – The Arthashastra by Kautilya – and present an Indian model of leadership which may be used by scholars and practitioners for leadership development in modern global context.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of Kautilya's teachings is done based on English translation of his original works by two eminent scholars. A model of leadership is derived on the basis of Kautilya's writings.FindingsKautilya presents a holistic perspective as he synthesizes the Eastern and Western approaches on leadership. His skill‐based and strategic approach gets support and direction from his value‐based, ethical considerations. Also, an in depth study of his writings shows that he was a precursor to a few leadership theories developed in the Western world in modern times.Originality/valueScholars have studied The Arthashastra as a treatise on economics, politics, diplomacy and statecraft. Lessons have also been drawn on a few aspects of management and leadership. There is no comprehensive commentary available on his views on leadership. In this paper, an attempt is made to develop a leadership model which integrates the Eastern and the Western approaches on leadership and can be used for leadership development in modern times.
From the “most fateful” to the “most fatal” social force? Conservatism and democracy reconsidered
Authors: Zafirovski Milan 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reconsider the impact of conservatism on political liberty and liberal democracy in contemporary society. It applies Weber's description of capitalism as the “most fateful” social force in modern society to analyzing conservatism in relation to political liberty and liberal democracy. The paper posits and finds that conservatism primarily (with secondary variations) negatively impacts political liberty and so modern liberal democracy. Alternatively, it argues and shows that conservatism almost invariably generates political repression and elimination or subversion of liberal democracy and society. It concludes that conservatism, especially in America, becomes from the “most fateful” to the “most fatal” social force on the account of its adverse impact on political liberty and democracy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of conservatism and its essentially destructive effects on political liberties and liberal democracy in contemporary society.FindingsThe paper finds that conservatism, especially in America, becomes from the “most fateful” to the “most fatal” social force on the account of its adverse impact on political liberty and democracy.Originality/valueThe paper posits and finds that conservatism primarily (with secondary variations) negatively impacts political liberty and so modern liberal democracy. Alternatively, it argues and shows that conservatism almost invariably generates political repression and elimination or subversion of liberal democracy and society.
Age group conflict or cooperation? Children and pensioners in Russia in crisis
Authors: Kanji Shireen 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis research aims to illustrate the differential treatment of children and pensioners in Russia and to explain why this has not led to age group conflict through an illustration of age group interdependency.Design/methodology/approachAge group conflict is revealed through analysis of the government's policies to age groups and expenditure preferences. Interdependency is analysed by the calculation of poverty rates and contribution of age specific benefits, using nationally representative sample survey data.FindingsThe Russian government treated pensioners preferentially to children, even though children were at higher risk of poverty. However, within each age group poverty rates are mediated by household structures. Pensioners who live with children face higher poverty rates than the average for pensioners and those who co‐reside with lone mothers face the highest poverty rates of all pensioners, while their pension contribution to the household is of vital significance. Children living with one grandparent face higher poverty rates than average, whereas and those living with two grandparents face lower poverty rates.Research limitations/implicationsThe structure of intergenerational relationships and financial solidarity between generations provide essential context for understanding individual welfare in Russia.Practical implicationsChildren's downgraded status in Russian society needs to be urgently addressed. Lone mothers, their children and their parents face the highest poverty rates and need of support. Amongst pensioners, women pensioners are particularly at risk.Originality/valueThe originality is in using two opposing perspectives on relations between age groups to show that preferential treatment of pensioners coexists with a high degree of financial linkage between generations.
Perceptions of adolescents' adulthood entry and sexual initiation in Nordic countries
Authors: Räsänen Pekka 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine public opinions about the timing of adolescents' adulthood entrance and sexual debut in four Nordic countries. The research questions concern the appropriate ages when young people become adults and when young people are old enough to engage in sexual activities.Design/methodology/approachThe data utilised are derived from the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish sections of the third European Social Survey (n = 7,078) conducted in 2006. By comparing the ages reported for boys and girls, the paper focuses on the disparities of responses between population groups.FindingsThe results reveal that there are notable differences in the appropriate ages reported for girls and boys. There is also variation in the responses by country. However, socio‐demographic information can predict respondents' opinions only partially.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is based on cross‐sectional data. Subjective measures are used as the dependent and independent variables.Originality/valueThe results reveal interesting tensions in the Nordic welfare societies regarding people's perceptions of adulthood entrance. It is discussed to what degree the observations regarding the appropriate timing of adulthood entry and coital initiation may underline culturally defined stereotypes between sexes.
Innovations and applications of the Cybaman replicator from Traki‐iski Ltd
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the features and capabilities of a computer‐aided design (CAD)‐based programmable manipulator for subtractive and additive manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe technical milestones in the development of the Cybaman replicator are reviewed, and then various applications are described.FindingsA six‐axis fixed‐datum manipulator allows cutters, grinders, polishing heads, and even laser deposition to be combined in one set of automated processes. The CAD‐based approach simplifies both hardware and software and makes the machine simple to operate. The replicator is particularly useful in small‐batch component production, including medical and dental implants and jewellery manufacture. The high‐accuracy 3D manoeuvrability of the manipulator makes it a valued tool at the ISIS facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.Originality/valueThe paper draws attention to a unique and powerful programmable manipulator for accurate positioning and small‐batch production.
Shape‐memory materials: a review of technology and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the technology and applications of shape‐memory materials (SMMs).Design/methodology/approachThis paper initially considers various classes of SMMs and their properties. It then discusses applications and concludes with a brief review of recent research and future prospects.FindingsSMMs include shape‐memory alloys (SMAs), ferromagnetic SMAs (FSMAs) and shape‐memory polymers (SMPs), which change shape when influenced by temperature and other stimuli. SMAs comprising nickel‐titanium alloys were discovered and commercialised first and find uses in fittings, seals, valves, actuators and medical devices due to their thermoelastic properties. Their pseudoelastic properties are exploited in spectacle frames and other deformable metal products. FSMAs and SMPs were discovered more recently and are at an early stage of commercialisation and remain the topic of on‐going research. Pilot applications are being investigated in the healthcare, aerospace, automotive and other industries. All classes of SMMs have prospects for more widespread uses in the future.Originality/valueProvides a detailed review of SMM materials, products and application and an insight into future developments.
Assembly on moving production line based on sensor fusion
Authors: Chen Heping , Zhang George , Eakins William , Fuhlbrigge Thomas 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an intelligent robot assembly system for the moving production line. Moving production lines are widely used in many manufacturing factories, including automotive and general industries. Industrial robots are hardly used to perform any tasks on the moving production lines. One of the main reasons is that it is difficult for conventional industrial robots to adjust to any sort of change. Therefore, more intelligent industrial robotic systems have to be developed to adopt the random motion of the moving production lines. This paper presents an intelligent robotics system that performs an assembly process while the object is moving, using synergic combination of visual servoing and force control technology.Design/methodology/approachThe developed intelligent robotic system includes some rules to ensure the success of the assembly processes. Also visual servoing and force control are used to deal with the random motion of the moving objects. Since the objects on the moving production lines are moving with random speed, visual servoing is adopted to tracking the motion of the moving object. Force control is also integrated to control the motion of the robot and keep the robotic system compliant with the moving objects to avoid the damage of the whole system.FindingsThe developed intelligent robotic technology has been successfully implemented. The wheel loading process is used as example.Research limitations/implicationsSince the developed technology is based on the low‐level motion control, safety has to be considered. Currently, it is done by motion supervision.Practical implicationsThe developed technology can be used to perform assemblies in the moving production lines. Since the developed platform is based on the synergic combination of visual servoing and force control technology, it can be used in other areas, such as seam tracking and seat loading, etc.Originality/valueThis paper provides a practical solution of performing assemblies on the moving production lines, which is not available on the current industrial robot market.
Monitoring and controlling the complex product assembly executive process via mobile agents and RFID tags
Authors: Sun Huibin , Chang Zhiyong , Mo Rong 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to solve the asynchrony problem between the logistics stream and the information stream in the complex product assembly executive process.Design/methodology/approachStates of assembly and logistics are described by transitions, and implemented via logistics agents and assembly agents. Events in the assembly executive process are described by places, and mapped to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags' states. An agent‐based complex product assembly framework is proposed. Mobile agents are used to encapsulate task and data, and RFID tags' states are able to trigger dispatching of assembly agents and executing of assembly tasks. Assisted by mobile agents' retraction mechanism, on‐site data are carried back when assembly tasks are finished.FindingsAn assembly executive process Petri net and a mobile agent‐based complex product assembly framework are proposed.Originality/valueDynamic matching mechanism between assembly tasks and materials is achieved, and controlling and monitoring methods of complex product assembly executive process are enhanced.