bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversing with drawings and buildings: from abstract to actual in architecture
Authors: Sweeting Ben 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the various movements from abstraction to actuality in the context of design, with particular reference to architecture, first in terms of the design process and second in terms of the interpretation of architecture by observers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the designers' use of forms of representation, such as drawings, with reference to the cybernetic understanding of conversation. This account is then used to discuss the representational properties of architecture itself and to relate this back to the design process.FindingsIt is argued that the forms of representation used by designers, such as drawings and physical models, have both abstract and actual properties and that this combination is important for their representational function. The ambiguity in the interpretation of drawings and models is not only useful in generating ideas but also appropriate given the ambiguity in the interpretation of the architecture they represent.Originality/valueThe division between the abstract (understood in terms of representation) and the actual is challenged. A connection is proposed between architecture itself as a form of representation and the representation used in its design.
Human:machine:human: Gesture, Sound and Embodiment
Authors: Van Nort Doug 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an embodied view on human/machine co‐creation in general, and musical improvisation in particular.Design/methodology/approachQuestions and propositions are formed by examining personal work in intelligent, interactive system design.FindingsProper consideration of gestural representation and intentionality leads to enhanced potential for collective expression in human/machine interaction.Originality/valueThis approach extends ideas of conversation theory to improvisational contexts based on spontaneous, collective expression.
Re‐thinking metaphor, experience and aesthetic awareness
Authors: Wlaszyn Joanna 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore current questions about metaphor, experience and aesthetic awareness that persist through the variations of critical approaches and projective research in architectural theory and practice.Design/methodology/approachFurther considerations focus on the advanced technological possibilities which re‐invest the relations between principles of cybernetics and architecture.FindingsThe current between art and architecture is more than ever manifested in fields related to the computer sciences and its conceptual background: cybernetic sciences.Originality/valueThe paper re‐thinks the aesthetic value of architecture and architectural experience in this time of digital productivity.
Climate change again, MIT plans, exoskeleton, WikiLeaks
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.Design/methodology/approachThe need to reduce carbon emissions on account of the atmospheric greenhouse effect has recently been queried, but observations of effects on the oceans confirm its continuing importance. A means of viewing new buildings in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the site of origin of much of cybernetics, is indicated, as is also a remarkable development of an advanced prosthetic device. Sources of information about the recent WikiLeaks or “Cablegate” events are reviewed.FindingsEffects of acidification on ocean biota are serious. New buildings on the MIT campus are not following the example of the bizarre Stata Center. The robotic exoskeleton is a valuable development made under unusual conditions. No attempt is made to judge ethics or long‐term effects of WikiLeaks activity but it is shown to be wide ranging and to be defended eloquently by its main operative.Practical implicationsThe need to reduce carbon emissions is confirmed by studies of the oceans, probably among other factors. The exoskeleton development is a valuable addition to prosthetic technology as well as an example of what can be done with limited resources.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
The loneliness of the long distance researcher
Authors: Gannon‐Leary Pat , Fontainha Elsa , Bent Moira 
Published: September 2011

PurposePrior research has highlighted the isolation felt by some researchers engaged in academic writing. This article aims to examine whether such isolation might be partially overcome by membership of an online community of writers (CoW), hosted by higher education (HE) library services.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature was followed by an innovative piece of action research based around the authors' own long distance collaborative writing task in order to explore the issues at first‐hand. Case studies of existing online writing communities known to the authors but not currently hosted by libraries were also undertaken.FindingsThemes emerging include the importance of finding a medium for a CoW that is familiar and comfortable. Motivators to join a CoW include demands that academics be research active. Demotivators may include lack of trust and reluctance to share.Research limitations/implicationsThere are still questions to be answered and decisions to be taken about the initiation of a CoW. Further research is needed into topics such as mentoring roles and trust‐building but this work should provide a springboard.Practical implicationsHE libraries might consider a CoW as a research support mechanism.Originality/valueThe concept of a CoW is a novel one, as is the idea that such a collaboration might be hosted by HE libraries that might consider a CoW as an innovative addition to their existing portfolio of research support services.
Assessing the intention to use e‐book among engineering undergraduates in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Authors: Letchumanan Malathi , Tarmizi Rohani 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the intention of using e‐books as learning material among undergraduates from an engineering department by using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and gender as its external variable.Design/methodology/approachA survey through questionnaire was conducted to collect data from the respondents. Data from 169 respondents who had experience in using e‐book were analyzed in terms of factor analysis and structural equation modeling.ResultsThe analysis shows that perceived ease of use is positively related to perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness has significant effect on attitude and intention to use e‐books. Meanwhile, attitude has significant effect on intention to use. However, perceived ease of use has no significant effect on attitude towards using e‐books. In addition, gender appeared to have no significant effects either on perceived ease of use or perceived usefulness.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not utilize the entire TAM where actual technology use is not included in this study.Practical implicationsThe study is important in terms of obtaining better understanding of e‐book reading intention among engineering undergraduates who are the real users of e‐books. By obtaining the respondents' perception on their intentions, action can be taken on how to motivate the non‐users of e‐books to form the intention to use e‐books.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first published study of engineering undergraduates' intention on using e‐books in Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Interior library GIS
Authors: Coyle Andrew 
Published: September 2011

PurposeGeographic information systems (GIS) are used in business and government and have potentially powerful applications to the library, specifically “interior GIS” mapping of the collection itself. This paper seeks to argue for the implementation of GIS software in library collection analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains GIS history, the technology, design with spreadsheet and ILS database, statistical advancements, power of the GIS connection, and the importance of “democratizing” technology for libraries.FindingsGIS is a powerful tool for any business or organization that keeps inventory and monitors transactional usage. GIS is going to be implemented in libraries sooner rather than later. The libraries that implement GIS early will have an intellectual advantage over those coming on‐board late. GIS should be part of collection librarian technology.Practical implicationsLibrarians can benefit from visually analyzing the collection and its use trends. GIS will allow librarians to forecast demand for future allocations, uncover collection strengths and weaknesses, and monitor statistics in a way that is impossible with current spreadsheets. Managers will be able to track interlibrary loan trends, branch and neighborhood use volumes and will be able to match use maps with building layout and design for better functionality and loss prevention.Social implicationsGIS will revolutionize statistical analysis in every field it enters. It is argued in the paper to be the first modern tool for the twenty‐first century librarian, the first piece of technology to serve the librarian first, with system and user as beneficiary of the product of GIS analysis.Originality/valueThis paper introduces GIS to a new audience and to those familiar with GIS, applies GIS in a new direction, to the interior space of the library and its items as subject.
Global approaches to the service business in manufacturing companies
Authors: Kucza Gunther , Gebauer Heiko 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe article aims to investigate how product manufacturing firms can configure their global service approach.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, multi‐case research design was employed.FindingsThe following four global service approaches could be identified: integrated and ethnocentric; integrated and polycentric; separated and polycentric; and separated and geocentric.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are limited in generalizability because of the qualitative research approach.Practical implicationsExploring global forms of and supply chain configurations for services supports the efforts of manufacturing firms in developing new service‐based and relationship‐based value propositions.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the debate on integrating versus separating the service organization. It offers a complementary explanation on integrating and separating the service business, through a differentiation into central and local (market) organizations.
The service function as a holistic management concept
Authors: Kowalkowski Christian 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis article aims to introduce the service function concept, as well as why and how it can be a useful concept for addressing service management challenges in industrial firms.Design/methodology/approachTwo in‐depth case studies of global industrial firms enabled a thorough understanding of the roles of the service function entities and interdependencies between them.FindingsAlthough the service organization is most likely the key entity, it is only one part of the service function; other organizational entities are to be seen as part‐time service functions.Research limitations/implicationsA finer‐grained conceptualization would enable a better understanding of the front‐ and back‐office entities involved in the service processes.Practical implicationsThe concept can be useful when communicating the importance of services and the inter‐relatedness between the service organization and other parts of the firm, which generates a better internal understanding of the service processes. The alignment between service offering and organization can be elaborated by mapping where service development, sales, and production take place, what the ideal configuration would be, and the roles played by different parts of the service function.Originality/valueThe service function is a novel concept and is particularly relevant for industrial firms that offer services. It highlights the fact that it is erroneous to equate services with the activities of the service organization. Instead, a more holistic approach to the management of service offerings is needed.
Bridging the theory to application gap in value‐based selling
Authors: Töytäri Pekka , Brashear Alejandro Thomas , Parvinen Petri , Ollila Ilmari , Rosendahl Nora 
Published: September 2011

PurposeIncreasing pressure to reduce costs and skepticism of promised value‐added are forcing suppliers to produce tangible proof of the monetary value they create for customers. The academic literature on the practical activities related to value‐based selling remains sparse. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the abundant theoretical customer value frameworks and implementation practices to create a practical foundation for value‐based sales activities in firms that aim to become value creators.Design/methodology/approachBased on two case studies, the authors map the best practices in customer value quantification from the point of view of industrial customers, and study value‐based sales processes to uncover the value‐based sales activities for implementing and profiting from customer value.FindingsThe results suggest a customer‐focused sales process that centers on creating value, quantifying the value created, and creating a situation where customer and supplier maximize their utility through value sharing.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the findings is limited to the industrial and service selling context.Practical implicationsSuccessful industrial and service requires tangible proof and evidence of the value and utility of the suppliers' business impact on the customer's operation. The paper aims to contribute to the value quantification knowledge and practices.Originality/valueThe academic literature on the practical activities related to value‐based selling remains sparse, while the importance of the value quantification knowledge and value selling process is growing rapidly.
Mapping B2B value exchange in marketing relationships: a systematic approach
Authors: Albadvi Amir , Hosseini Monireh 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper's main purpose is to provide a systematic approach for mapping the value exchange in B2B relationship marketing. This approach affords a preliminary analysis in order to distinguish business customers' different value dimensions (tangibles and intangibles) and to set sights on determining suitable metrics to evaluate and quantify the value of each customer.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a combination of qualitative research approaches, namely an exploratory case study, in‐depth interviews, and consensus expert opinion. The empirical study took place over three months to maximize the proposed approach's expediency in the practitioners' B2B environment and to increase the validity of the research findings.FindingsIn addition to developing a new framework originating in the value network approach for mapping, modeling and analyzing business customers' value network (BCVN), the findings posit a proposed systematic approach for practitioners and marketing scholars to scrutinize the multi‐dimension values of business relationship marketing.Practical implicationsFor companies and their business customers alike, the benefits of the systematic approach proposed in this paper are an efficient analytical system giving an opportunity to B2B marketers and managers to understand their business customers' network in detail.Originality/valueThe implicit concept of maximizing customer lifetime value within the business customers' network appeals for an applied approach to better understand and analyze the real value of business customers to retain them.
Networking and developing collaborative relationships: evidence of the auto‐part industry of Brazil
Authors: Pimentel Claro Danny , Borin de Oliveira Claro Priscila 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis study aims to assess the moderating effect of the business network on the effects of between relational behavior and the effects of transaction‐specific investments on joint actions.Design/methodology/approachThe study was a survey based field study designed using theoretical support from marketing channels, transaction cost economics and network perspectives.FindingsThe results show the importance of relational behavior and the network in coordinating joint actions, and this has relevant managerial implications for the coordination of a collaborative relationship. The characteristics of the relationship, its length as well as the size of each partner affect the collaborative efforts of the partners.Practical implicationsFirms and managers should understand not only the dyadic relationships they are in but also the network structure. Dyadic characteristics affect collaboration, while the network also has effects on the collaboration of partners in vulnerable positions.Originality/valueThe paper points out the role of the network as a countervailing safeguard for dyadic TSIs and network stability. Dyadic relationships are supported by the network.
The internationalization of Indian SMEs in B‐to‐B markets
Authors: Javalgi Rajshekhar (Raj) G. , Todd Patricia , Granot Elad 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe study aims to examine the effect of market orientation on the international performance of Indian SMEs in the business‐to‐business market; assess the potential moderating effect of environmental uncertainty, along with market orientation, on SMEs' performance; and discuss implications to guide SME owners/managers in their efforts to successfully expand internationally in turbulent markets.Design/methodology/approachSurveys were sent to a random cross‐sectional industry sample of SMEs located in India. The data consisted of 150 responses.FindingsMarket orientation and international orientation are positively related to export performance and the relationship between the market orientation and international performance of Indian SMEs is moderated by market turbulence.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected at a single point in time, and therefore do not allow the determination of cause and effect or the impact of changes over time. Data were collected with a reliance on self‐reports for all of the research variables.Practical implicationsThe positive relationship between market orientation, international orientation, and the degree of internationalization of the firm would suggest that the upper management of Indian SMEs should place a priority on promoting behaviors consistent with a positive international orientation, especially in turbulent markets.Originality/valueStudies focused on market orientation have been done primarily in the context of advanced economies. The significant economic contribution of SMEs is well understood, but their business practices in emerging economies have not been studied extensively. This study extends the literature concerning factors that impact business success in an important emerging market such as India.
Organisational culture
Authors: Devi Ramachandran Sharimllah , Choy Chong Siong , Ismail Hishamuddin 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe main objective of this paper to study the organisational culture (OC) in private and public higher education institutions (HEIs) from the perspective of faculty members in order to provide empirical insights on the differences and consequently pave an avenue for cross‐learning.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 594 faculty members (33.9 per cent from public HEIs and 52.8 per cent from private HEIs) using the competing values framework (CVF).FindingsThe factor analysis results reveal an important confirmation of the theoretical findings in the literature with respect to the four OC types (i.e. clan, adhocracy, hierarchical, and market) that were originally developed for use in the corporate sector. The independent samplet‐test results suggest that the faculty members perceive all the four OC types as being significantly different between public and private HEIs.Practical implicationsThis paper raises awareness and provides initial guidelines to both public and private HEIs in formulating strategies on how to deal properly with their OC from the perspective of their faculty members for the attainment of organisational goals and vision.Originality/valueThis article extends knowledge on OC differences between the public and private higher education – an enabler for change management of sorts. Being among the first of its kind, it further opens up new lines of future research possibilities.
Exploring the relationship between organizational learning and career resilience among faculty members at Qatar University
Authors: Abu‐Tineh Abdullah M. 
Published: September 2011

PurposeTwo main purposes guide this study. The first is to assess the level of individual, group, and organizational learning at Qatar University (QU), and the level of career resilience among its faculty members. The second is to explore the relationships between these levels of learning at QU and the career resilience of its faculty members.Design/methodology/approachThis study is quantitative in nature and was conducted using a survey methodology as its research design. A variety of statistical techniques were utilized in this research. A multiple regression model, the Pearson production‐moment correlation coefficient (r), means, and standard deviations were used as the main statistical techniques.FindingsThe findings of this study indicated that faculty members at QU practice three different levels of learning – i.e. individual learning, departmental learning, and university learning – separately or combined in a moderately high way. Further, the results clarified that faculty members at QU perceived themselves to have a moderately high level of career resilience. In terms of the relationship between career resilience and the three different levels of learning, the results of the Pearson production‐moment correlation coefficient (r) and the coefficient of determination, R2, statistically confirmed the positive, modest, and significant relationship between career resilience and the three levels of learning combined.Originality/valueA hypothesized correlation between career resilience and organizational learning is affirmed. The results of this study confirm the feasibility of connecting two emerging frameworks, i.e. organizational learning and career resilience. Therefore, studying the organizational learning of faculty members is a device that can be used to predict the possibility of faculty members adopting the characteristics and values of a learning organization in their academic life individually or organizationally, while displaying minimal dysfunctional behavior through their career resilience.