bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open source software deployment in the public sector: a review of Botswana and South Africa
Authors: Mutula Stephen , Kalaote Tumelo 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review use of open source software in the public sector in Botswana and South Africa. South Africa is Botswana's neighbor and both countries are leading economies in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a survey that was carried out in information communication technology (ICT)‐intensive government ministries in Botswana in May 2008. The study sought to establish availability of policy framework, level of usage of open source software, government support, motivations for implementing open source software in government, availability of skills, attitude of it managers in government toward open source software and challenges of open source software deployment in the public sector. The population of the study consisted of information technology (IT) managers who were purposively selected from ICT‐intensive government ministries and interviewed. The study was extended to cover South Africa through review of literature on the same issues as those studied in Botswana.FindingsCompared with other countries in developed and developing countries including South Africa, there is limited use of open source software in the public sector in Botswana. However, IT managers in government of Botswana demonstrate a positive attitude toward open source software, and seem to have adequate understanding of its potential benefits. Comparatively, South African government provides support for harnessing open source software; awareness among top government officials is high and attitude toward open source software seems positive; skills are generally available and hardly any challenges of using open source software were identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to purposively selected government ministries which are ICT‐intensive in Botswana, while for South Africa, the study was based on secondary sources of data and focused on deployment of open source software in government agencies.Practical implicationsDespite the increasing deployment of open source software in government across the world, the Botswanan government is yet unlikely to put in place an enabling open source software policy to harness the potential of the Software.Originality/valueOpen source software deployment in government across the world is gaining momentum purportedly to enhance universal access, reduce costs associated with commercial software bridge the digital divide, grow indigenous IT skills, etc. Botswana and South Africa are the economic frontline states in Africa, and their leadership role in this matter among counterparts on the African continent is pertinent.
“Power tags” in information retrieval
Authors: Peters Isabella , Stock Wolfgang G. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeMany Web 2.0 services (including Library 2.0 catalogs) make use of folksonomies. The purpose of this paper is to cut off all tags in the long tail of a document‐specific tag distribution. The remaining tags at the beginning of a tag distribution are considered power tags and form a new, additional search option in information retrieval systems.Design/methodology/approachIn a theoretical approach the paper discusses document‐specific tag distributions (power law and inverse‐logistic shape), the development of such distributions (Yule‐Simon process and shuffling theory) and introduces search tags (besides the well‐known index tags) as a possibility for generating tag distributions.FindingsSearch tags are compatible with broad and narrow folksonomies and with all knowledge organization systems (e.g. classification systems and thesauri), while index tags are only applicable in broad folksonomies. Based on these findings, the paper presents a sketch of an algorithm for mining and processing power tags in information retrieval systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis conceptual approach is in need of empirical evaluation in a concrete retrieval system.Practical implicationsPower tags are a new search option for retrieval systems to limit the amount of hits.Originality/valueThe paper introduces power tags as a means for enhancing the precision of search results in information retrieval systems that apply folksonomies, e.g. catalogs in Library 2.0 environments.
Evaluating Iranian newspapers' web sites using correspondence analysis
Authors: Jowkar Abdolrasoul , Didegah Fereshteh 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate Iranian newspapers' web sites based on the criteria obtained from Alexa Search Engine using correspondence analysis.Design/methodology/approachA total of 55 newspaper web sites are selected from Iranian Magazines Information Bank (Magiran.com), the number of which, after investigating the web sites one by one, due to their print prevention, cessation or no coverage by Alexa, is decreased to 24 web sites.FindingsBased on data obtained from Alexa, Iran newspaper has the highest traffic rank and the largest number of links among others. Bashirmazandaran newspaper has the largest number of foreign users whilst Karvakargar newspaper has no foreign users. The results of the study also show that most newspaper web sites' visitors come from the USA. Correspondence analysis classifies 24 web sites into three groupings gathered based on some common attributes.Originality/valueThe results of this research will be useful not only for administrators of Iranian newspapers' web sites but anyone with a need to increase usage of a web site and an interest in analyzing the use of web site which naturally includes librarians and those in charge of library web sites.
Evaluating open source GIS for libraries
Authors: Donnelly Francis P. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of free and open source (FOSS) geographic information system (GIS) software within the broader contexts of the open source software movement and developments in GIS, and pose the question of whether libraries and academic departments should consider adopting FOSS GIS.Design/methodology/approachThe process of creating a basic thematic map was used to test six FOSS GIS software packages, as it is a multi‐step process and a good example of a common task GIS users would want to perform. The test demonstrates what the process of creating a thematic map using FOSS GIS involves and how it compares to proprietary software like ArcGIS.FindingsEach of the individual FOSS GIS packages had their own particular strengths and weaknesses and some performed well for thematic mapping. The FOSS packages generally were weaker compared to ArcGIS in terms of support for various projection and coordinate systems, joining attribute data to GIS files, and automatic labeling, but their advantage is that they were free in terms of cost and licensing restrictions. When coupled with plug‐ins and helper applications the viability of the FOSS GIS packages increased.Originality/valueThere is little published research to date on the capabilities and applications of FOSS GIS despite the fact that it is a growing movement. This research provides a practical, application‐based overview and critique of FOSS GIS.
Using an institutional repository to address local‐scale needs: a case study at Purdue University
Authors: Carlson Jake , Ramsey Alexis E. , Kotterman J. David 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the practical implications of using an institutional repository to address researchers' needs at a local‐scale.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on the process and results of a collaborative research project undertaken by the libraries and an interdisciplinary research center at Purdue University to identify and address the real‐world needs of the center using the libraries' institutional repository.FindingsThe paper finds that the local‐scale projects that address the more immediate needs of researchers have the potential to increase the utility of institutional repositories and attract the submission of new content. However, engagement in local‐scale projects requires a significant commitment of time and resources, and should not be undertaken lightly.Practical implicationsA thorough description of how the project was carried out offers a potential model for others to develop similar projects to address local‐scale needs.Originality/valueAlthough much has been written about content recruitment for institutional repositories, there are few reports or descriptions of institutional repositories being used to satisfy the local‐scale needs of researchers.
Shuratic decision‐making practice, a case of the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Almoharby Darwish 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the distinctive decision‐making style of Alshura (participative approach) and its role in governance of Muslim states to provide insight of this pioneering democratic approach to decision making. The paper provides further knowledge of an issue that is not so known to many readers outside the Islamic world.Design/methodology/approachReview of literature of both Western and Muslim countries and exploration and interpretation of Quranic citation and practical life of the prophet of Islam.FindingsAlshura is an essential decision making process initiated by Islam more than 14 centuries ago. It peruses a participative approach to decision making, depending on its practice on consultation in order that more appropriate decisions are made. This system is legislative, comprehensive, flexible, and gives people opportunities to create and develop necessary laws to satisfy the specific needs of a certain period of time.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper can be developed further through empirical research to provide a much more focused picture about the practicality of Alshura method.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the shuratic process to decision making is important to managers operating in Muslim countries. Muslims have a firm belief that Alshura is a more systematic approach to worldly matters that may bring about more fruitful implementation of decisions and results.Originality/valueThe research is important because it extends knowledge of traditional methods of decision making in an Arab/Muslim state.
Strengthening and improving the liquidity management in Islamic banking
Authors: Ismal Rifki 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the present liquidity management in the Indonesian Islamic banking industry. It also proposes an integrated and comprehensive program of liquidity risk management which captures and assimilates the whole aspects of the issue and brings the industry into a better way of managing liquidity risk based on sharia principles.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first examines the organizational structure of Islamic banks and Islamic windows in managing liquidity. Second, it investigates the characteristics of the depositors, their investment behaviors and expectations followed by the banks efforts and policies to manage the liquidity. Then, it identifies the potential liquidity problems and Islamic liquid instruments. Finally, it proposes an integrated and comprehensive program for managing liquidity.FindingsThe paper suggests institutional deepening; restructuring the liquidity management on the liability and asset sides; and revitalizing the usage of the Islamic liquid instruments, in the integrated program.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first paper to propose a liquidity management improvement program in the Indonesian Islamic banking industry.
Freedom, justice and peace possible only with correct wealth measurement with a unit of wealth as currency
Authors: Rab Hifzur , Anjum Syeda 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the process of price determination by the market in the existing variable fiat money regime and its consequences.Design/methodology/approachScientific knowledge pertaining to units and measurement has been applied to study the issue of wealth measurement and to arrive at the consequences of monetary manipulation. As regards Shariah perspective it may be described as guided application of science to the issue of currency and wealth measurement to analyze and solve economic problems.FindingsManipulation of currency that is manipulation of quantity of what determines purchasing power of money does not allow market to determine just prices implying lack of justice in exchange. Profitability of economic activities no longer relates to their utility for the economy implying gross inefficiency in profit driven investment. Market fails to maintain economic balances. These amount to extreme losses. It has led to massive economic uncertainty, instability, disparity, corruption and conflicts. Economic growth, justice and peace become unattainable. It is a serious crime as currency being unit of wealth is the most important unit and it is strictly prohibited in Shariah. Unless corrected for monetary manipulation financial modes recommended by Shariah seem to be unjust and impractical.Research limitations/implicationsApplication of scientific approach and scientific knowledge to economic issues especially the issue of wealth measurement needs higher emphasis, efforts and resources.Practical implicationsGovernments ought to be persuaded not to manipulate money. Right solution is to link currency with a standard basket of national products with sufficient weight for gold and silver having most stable purchasing power. Unless accounting is corrected for monetary manipulation preferred Islamic modes of finance seem to be unjust and impractical. Where currency is manipulated Shariah/justice requires accounting for dues, capital, profit and loss to be corrected for this manipulation and in present scenario relative change in Consumer Price Index and Whole Sale Price Index may be used as a measure of currency manipulation.Originality/valueMonetary manipulation has been clearly defined and extreme severity of the problems it creates has been established. It is most important for researchers, academics, government functionaries, social workers and all those who are concerned with economic growth, justice and welfare.
The role of technology spillovers in convergence
Authors: Junaid Khawaja M. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of human capital technology spillovers across countries in converging their growth rates.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a closed form mathematical endogenous growth model and applies it to a small open economy using simulation and calibration techniques.FindingsThe paper finds that human capital technology spillovers play an important role in convergence in growth rates across countries regardless of tax policy and that there will be non‐convergence in levels if saving rates are differentially distorted across countries because of taxes. In addition, the exploration of the optimal tax reveals that such a structure is a consumption tax.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper implies that higher levels of human capital are important in attaining higher levels of per capita income.Originality/valueThis paper shows that some implications for the endogenous growth model are equivalent to those from the Solow model. This implies that some empirical tests commonly used will not resolve which model is more appropriate.
Factors affecting adoption of product virtualization technology for online consumer electronics shopping
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Forsythe Sandra 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of product virtualization technology (PVT) for online shopping small consumer electronics by applying a modified electronic technology acceptance model (e‐TAM) and tested model invariance male/female shoppers in the overall adoption process.Design/methodology/approachOnline surveys are completed by a US national panel of online shoppers. The data are analyzed using single‐ and multiple‐group structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results provide empirical support for e‐TAM in the context of PVT acceptance for online small consumer electronics shopping. In addition, two external constructs – technology anxiety (TA) and innovativeness (INN) – show significant influences on the beliefs (perceived usefulness, ease‐of‐use and entertainment value). There is no significant gender difference in the overall adoption process of PVT.Research limitations/implicationsMore specific consumer characteristics such as time‐consciousness, opinion leadership or age differences under different categories may be useful to investigate.Practical implicationsPVT may provide a valuable tool that online retailers can use to enhance their consumers' purchase behaviour, either by reducing the perceived risk through better online product evaluation or by enhancing consumers' enjoyment of the shopping process on their web site by increasing the number of unique and repeat traffic visitors to the site and ultimately establish an online competitive advantage.Originality/valueInclusion of TA and INN in e‐TAM for PVT acceptance and the equivalence test of the hypothesized model across gender make the research unique, adding to the explanatory and predictive power of the e‐TAM.
Loyalty marketing and loyalty cards: a study of the Italian market
Authors: Cedrola Elena , Memmo Sabrina 
Published: March 2010

PurposeLoyalty programmes are an important tool with which retail companies manage relationships. While the last 15 years have seen a broad dissemination of loyalty programmes in new sectors and new countries, since the early 2000s, both in the academic and managerial world, the power of loyalty programmes to stimulate retention and support loyalty, has been brought into question. The purpose of this paper is to focus on these elements, analyzing data collected on a sample of loyalty cardholders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of an exploratory study focused on a sample of loyalty cardholders by means of telephone interviews.FindingsThe empirical data demonstrate that loyalty is not created and supported by a loyalty programme and prove how weak and limited such programmes are, especially point collection programmes. Programme effectiveness can however be achieved if there is a continuous search for differentiation and through reduced loss (discounts) and extra gain (prizes) initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of what customers expect and how they behave towards programme innovations needs further empirical detail. For the future, qualitative research should be provided, as well as analyses of a higher number of socio‐demographical variables and life‐styles.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical data on customer behaviour and opinion towards loyalty programmes.
Entrepreneurial competencies: a literature review and development agenda
Authors: Mitchelmore Siwan , Rowley Jennifer 
Published: March 2010

PurposeEntrepreneurial competencies are seen as important to business growth and success. The purpose of this paper is therefore to undertake a literature review of research on entrepreneurial competence in order to: provide an integrated account of contributions relating to entrepreneurial competencies by different authors working in different countries and different industry sectors and at different points in time; and, develop an agenda for future research, and practice in relation to entrepreneurial competencies.Design/methodology/approachThe article starts with a review of the development of the concept of competence, with particular reference to its use in the context of management competencies. It then draws together views on the notion of entrepreneurial competence before exploring and summarising research on the link between entrepreneurial competencies and business performance and growth. A core section then compares the models of entrepreneurial competencies cited in the literature, and on this basis proposes a set of entrepreneurial competencies which can be used as the basis for further research and practice. Finally, the different perspectives adopted by researchers to the measurement of entrepreneurial competencies are reviewed.FindingsConclusions suggest that although the concept of entrepreneurial competencies is used widely by government agencies and others in their drive for economic development and business success, the core concept of entrepreneurial competencies, its measurement and its relationship to entrepreneurial performance and business success is in need of further rigorous research and development in practice.Originality/valueThis article integrates previous models of entrepreneurial competencies towards the development of an entrepreneurial competency framework.
Broadening the management team: an evolutionary approach
Authors: Breslin Dermot 
Published: March 2010

PurposeResearch has shown that the assimilation of managers into the growing small business is a process fraught with difficulty. The purpose of this paper is to use the evolutionary approach to shed new light on the process in which the management team broadens in a growing small firm.Design/methodology/approachThe paper puts forward a conceptualisation of the units of analysis, namely habits and heuristics. Then using a case study approach, these concepts are operationalised to describe the process in which the management team broadens in a growing porcelain company. An analysis of the findings is then be organised around the evolutionary mechanisms of variation, selection and retention.FindingsIt was seen that existing habits, routines and heuristics acted in a policing fashion to resist variation introduced by the newly arriving manger. This resistance led to the failure of the firm to vary practices in line with changes in the marketplace.Research limitations/implicationsBy focusing on the evolution of habits, routines and heuristics, and the fit between these concepts and the changing external world, new insights can be gained on the broadening process and ultimately the survival of the organisation.Originality/valueIt is argued that the approach taken in this paper promotes more theory‐driven research with a strong focus on process and context, and can build on both the behaviour‐based and learning‐based approaches by allowing multi‐level analysis of the process in which the management team broadens.