bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group mentoring: rapid multiplication of learning
Authors: Emelo Randy 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate group mentoring as a large‐scale form of collaborative learning.Design/methodology/approachResearchers used a 12‐question survey and personal interviews to assess the relevancy and success of group mentoring, and its impact on personal productivity/effectiveness and organizational success.FindingsA total of 93 percent said topics discussed during their group mentoring events were relevant to them and their jobs, and 96 percent reported that they could apply information gained during group mentoring directly to their role in the organization.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research with a larger survey population would be valuable, particularly as the use of group mentoring expands.Practical implicationsGroup mentoring can replace costly classroom training, allowing more people to gain useful and practical knowledge in a setting that supports large‐scale productivity and effectiveness back on the job.Originality/valueAll content in this paper is new. Readers will discover the latest research and trends in group mentoring and collaborative learning.
Process optimization with simple means: the power of visualization
Authors: Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on observations of administrative work processes in two Danish manufacturing companies. The brown paper method was applied in both cases as a visualization technique to map the process flows and to highlight improvement areas. The paper explores the process and discusses drivers as well as barriers for this form of employee involvement in optimization and change programs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on two case studies that illustrate the process of completing a brown paper exercise. Key staff along the process flow, from sales and order entry to the physical delivery of goods, participated in a structured course over a one‐month period.FindingsThe paper stresses the importance of collective learning and validation of current practices. One success factor is the ability to create an atmosphere of openness wherein staff are able to speak freely and honestly. This process provides top management with a range of areas to consider for future optimization. Top management commitment is an important factor in driving the process beyond just mapping as the two cases demonstrate.Practical implicationsImportant elements in such visualization processes are commitment and support from top management and a common understanding of the terms, techniques, and methods utilized by employees. Spending time discussing the approach and explaining why it is needed as well as providing training is believed to be vital to the success of the process. This paper has relevance for all types of private and public organizations.Social implicationsThe paper underscores the value of involving employees in assessments of existing business performance gaps, explorations of root causes for their existence, and planning activities in order to develop the business.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution to a limited number of publications that report on how companies in practice conduct common process mappings in order to identify areas for improvements.
Workplace learning evaluation: a conceptual model and framework
Authors: Paul Griffin Richard 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to address current limitations in approaches to training evaluation by presenting a conceptual model of work‐based learning and an associated evaluation framework.Design/methodology/approachThe model and framework presented in this paper are based on a critical review of current approaches to learning evaluation and insights from learning transfer research and programme theory.FindingsThis paper sets out a conceptual model of workplace learning based on five elements: a pre‐learning stage, the trigger (need) for learning, the learning event, application of learning and the impact of learning. A linked criterion evaluation framework is also described. It is proposed that this provides a scientifically robust but practitioner friendly framework for workplace learning evaluation.Practical implicationsWhile most organisations wish to evaluate the effectiveness of their investment in employee training and development, few do. One of the barriers to effective learning evaluation is the failure to ground approaches in a contemporary and comprehensive model of workplace learning. The model and framework set out in this paper aim to assist evaluation by addressing this gap in a practitioner friendly way.Originality/valueThis paper sets out a novel, flexible and comprehensive conceptual model of workplace learning along with an innovative approach to training evaluation that addresses limitations in existing approaches. It is hoped that this will contribute to the debate on appropriate evaluation methods and assist practitioners to undertake evaluation in a more credible manner.
The Retroductive Recognition of Absence (RRA) methodology
Authors: Houston Ron 
Published: May 2011

PurposeCurrent research methodologies in the field of information science employ induction or deduction, ignoring the third fundamental mode of cognition, retroduction. This paper seeks to introduce the Retroductive Recognition of Absence (RRA) methodology that expands inquiry from its current inductive and deductive bases to include the intuition‐based retroduction/abduction of Charles Sanders Peirce.Design/methodology/approachIn brief, RRA consists of an iterative performance, of its nine‐step heuristic, with each iteration narrowing the scope of the research, while increasing the depth of examination. The nine steps are: perceive a phenomenon leading to surprise; perform the fundamental and primary retroduction; synthesize the phenomenon into a hypothesis; bracket intuitive prejudices; immerse in the data; conceptualize; hypothesize; select the hypothesis most efficient to test; and test the hypothesis. The iterations continue until the researcher reaches a hypothesis testable by inductive or deductive methods. This RRA methodology incorporates a “definition heuristic” that defines any previously undefined concept, a heuristic based on Spradley and McCurdy's classification of definitions.FindingsA study of Compelled Nonuse of Information (CNI) demonstrated the usefulness of RRA in the study of phenomena from an initial “hunch” to a testable hypothesis. As such, the RRA methodology decreases subjectivity and imparts rigor to the study of absent or newly emergent phenomena that have no theoretical basis, no data, and no pre‐existing, coherent body of literature.Originality/valueThis paper presents the philosophy and practice of the RRA methodology and the retroductive philosophical inquiry postulated by Peirce.
A longitudinal study of changes in learners' cognitive states during and following an information literacy teaching intervention
Authors: Walton Geoff , Hepworth Mark 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the changes in cognition associated with becoming information‐literate, specifically, in relation to the evaluation of information. Additionally, it puts forward a model for a teaching and learning intervention that engages the learner and leads to higher order information literacy (IL) thinking. From a theoretical perspective the research integrates ideas from the fields of IL, teaching and learning, e‐learning and information behaviour (IB).Design/methodology/approachThree interventions were designed to develop the information literacies of first‐year undergraduates studying Sport and Exercise at Staffordshire University, to teach and test IL. Interventions took a blended approach and combined face‐to‐face and online social network learning (OSNL) – also referred to as social media learning (SML) – and focused on one aspect of information literacy: the ability to evaluate source material. Data were captured via interviews, focus groups and from the online discussion that was analysed thematically and categorised using task, behaviour, cognitive states, affective states, cognitive states and knowledge. This helped to evaluate the efficacy of the interventions and provided data for further analysis. This paper focuses on the cognitive data and their transitions during the interventions and, in particular, among those respondents who experienced OSNL.FindingsThe changing cognitive states, associated with IL learning were modelled and made evident key cognitive states and transitions. This is represented in the paper in diagrammatic and mathematical notation. The findings indicate the complexity of the information behaviours associated with IL including the cognitive, behavioural, cognitive and affective elements. Although the cognitive transitions are the focus of this paper, an insight is also given into an IL intervention that fosters the capability to interact critically and reflectively with information. The pedagogy that underpins these changes is indicated. The intervention, which incorporated OSNL, proved the most successful.Research limitations/implicationsUndergraduate students' IB can be changed and IL developed. Additional long‐term data would have indicated whether this intervention had a lasting impact on the undergraduates.Practical implicationsIL practitioners should consider incorporating OSNL and assessment in their interventions. Incorporating discussion, reflection and peer‐to‐peer assessment is likely to lead to deeper learning when teaching IL.Originality/valueThe research adds detail to the understanding of the cognitive, behavioural, affective and cognitive states associated with IL and makes explicit how these may change, as the learner becomes information‐literate.
Toward supporting information‐seeking and retrieval activities based on evolving topic‐needs
Authors: Wu I‐Chin 
Published: May 2011

PurposeSeeking and retrieving information is an essential aspect of knowledge workers' activities during problem‐solving and decision‐making tasks. In recent years, user‐oriented Information Seeking (IS) research methods rooted in the social sciences have been integrated with Information Retrieval (IR) research approaches based on computer science to capitalize on the strengths of each field. Given this background, the objective is to develop a topic‐needs variation determination technique based on the observations of IS&R theories.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, implicit and explicit methods for identifying users' evolving topic‐needs are proposed. Knowledge‐intensive tasks performed by academic researchers are used to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed methods. The paper conducted two sets of experiments to demonstrate and verify the importance of determining changes in topic‐needs during the IS&R process.FindingsThe results in terms of precision and discounted cumulated gain (DCG) values show that the proposed Stage‐Topic_W (G,S) and Stage‐Topic‐Interaction methods can retrieve relevant document sets for users engaged in long‐term tasks more efficiently and effectively than traditional methods.Practical implicationsThe improved precision of the proposed methods means that they can retrieve more relevant documents for the searcher. Accordingly, the results of this research have implications for enhancing the search function in enterprise content management (ECM) applications to support the execution of projects/tasks by professionals and facilitate effective ECM.Originality/valueThe model observes a user's search behavior pattern to determine the personal factors (e.g. changes in the user's cognitive status), and content factors (e.g. changes in topic‐needs) simultaneously. The objective is to capture changes in the user's information needs precisely so that evolving information needs can be satisfied in a timely manner.
An ideal model for an information system for fiction and its application
Authors: Hypén Kaisa , Mäkelä Eetu 
Published: May 2011

PurposeLibrary Director Jarmo Saarti introduced a wide or ideal model for fiction in literature in his dissertation, published in 1999. It introduces those aspects that should be included in an information system for fiction. Such aspects include literary prose and its intertextual references to other works, the writer, readers' and critics' receptions of the work as well as a researcher's view. It is also important to note how libraries approach a literary work by means of inventory, classification and content description. The most ambiguous of the aspects relates to that context in cultural history, which the work reflects and is a part of. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachSince the model consists of several components which are not found in present library information systems and cannot be implemented by them, a new way had to be found to produce, save, process and present fiction‐related metadata. The Semantic Computing Research Group of Aalto University has developed several Semantic Web services for use in the field of culture, so cooperation with it and the use of Semantic Web tools were a natural starting point for the construction of the new service. Kirjasampo will be based on the Semantic Web RDF data model. The model enables a flexible linking of metadata derived from different sources, and it can be used to build a Semantic Web that can be approached contextually from different angles.FindingsThe “semantically enriched” ideal model for fiction has hence been realised, at least to some extent: Kirjasampo supports literature‐related metadata that is more varied than earlier and aims to account for different contexts within literature and connections with regard to other cultural phenomena. It also includes contemporary reviews of works and, as such, readers' receptions as well. Modern readers can share their views on works, once the user interface of the server is completed. It will include several features from the Kirjasto 2.0‐application, which enables the evaluation, description and recommendations of works. The service should be online by the end of Spring 2011.Research limitations/implicationsThe project involves novel collaboration between a public library and a computer science research unit, and utilises a novel approach to the description of fiction.Practical implicationsThe system encourages user participation in the description of fiction and is of practical benefit to librarians in understanding both how fiction is organised and how users interpret the same.Originality/valueUpon completion, the service will be the first Finnish information system for libraries built with the tools of the Semantic Web which offers a completely new user environment and application for data produced by libraries. It also strives to create a new model for saving and producing data, available to both library professionals and readers. The aim is to save, accumulate and distribute literary knowledge, experiences and silent information.
Sustainability in supply chain management: suggestions for the auto industry
Authors: Xia Yu , Li‐Ping Tang Thomas 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe auto industry in the USA is facing tremendous challenges – plunging demands due to economic downturn, the gloomy trend in technology development, and fierce global competition. This article aims to examine the challenges of supply chain management and to propose a triple‐C (cease‐control‐combine) remedy for the North American auto industry's supply chain management.Design/methodology/approachThe authors applied management theories, collected information from managers at different levels of the auto industry's supply chain management, and developed a novel theoretical model of sustainability in supply chain management for the auto industry.FindingsIt is argued that outsourcing to low cost countries – the current supply chain strategy – is not only unsustainable but also irresponsible for the auto industry and society. A triple‐C (cease‐control‐combine) remedy is proposed for the auto industry's supply chain management.Practical implicationsThe proposed triple‐C strategy will save the auto industry money in R&D investment, reduce quality cost and inventory waste, help the industry go through the volatile economy, and achieve sustainable development. With close relationships and strong supports from suppliers, the industry can speed up technology development, introduce new gas efficiency models quickly, and become less dependent on gas price. Finally, the triple‐C strategy will help the industry keep jobs and generate new jobs in the USA. These activities lead to public support and restored corporate image.Originality/valueThe current business environment is analyzed, problems of current supply chain strategy discussed, and a new supply chain strategy remedy for the North American auto industry proposed.
Portfolio design for investment companies through scenario planning
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Kazazi Abolfazl , Jalili Bolhasani Azam 
Published: May 2011

PurposeScenario planning has significant applications in the field of strategic management and facilitating decision making under uncertainty, and hence this study aims to integrate scenario planning and the preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) method to propose a new methodology to design a portfolio.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology has been designed in two stages, the first of which identifies the investment environment in Iran and defines possible scenarios for the future based upon the opinion of experts and uncertainties established in the identified environment. In the second stage, the views of experts are elicited on business area performance within each scenario. The business areas are subsequently ranked based on their final performance scores in each scenario area using the PROMETHEE method. Through use of a linear programming model, the percentage of investment in each business area is then determined according to the net flow of the area (i.e. the priority of a certain area relative to others).FindingsThe portfolio design in an Iranian investment company has been considered as a case study. The building industry and cement industry have been selected as preferable strategic business areas based on hypothetical scenarios for investment environment in Iran over five years (2008‐2012) and the strategies of the investment company.Originality/valueThe integration of scenario planning and multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) holds great potential for strategic decision support due to the complementary nature of these two approaches. In this article, the authors provide a methodology to apply scenario planning alongside other MCDA methods to portfolio design, focusing on an innovative use of the PROMETHEE method with scenario planning.
Innovation speed and radicalness: are they inversely related?
Authors: Banu Goktan A. , Miles Grant 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe objective in this study is to examine the relationship between innovation speed, and radical product and process innovations.Design/methodology/approachA survey of firms in the high‐tech (semiconductor, audio video equipment and computer hardware) industries was conducted. Hypotheses were tested using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe results revealed a significant positive relationship between innovation speed and both radical product and radical process innovations. Radical product and process innovations were highly correlated in the sample.Research limitations/implicationsResponse rate was relatively low to the survey, however, control variables were included to ensure accuracy of results. This study empirically tested inter‐innovation relationships within the high‐tech industry.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that firms should not avoid radical innovations with the fear of being late to market. In addition, based on these results, product and process innovations are closely linked to one another, and to innovation speed.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies to examine inter‐innovation relationships at the firm level.
A robust optimization approach to allocation of marketing budgets
Authors: Albadvi Amir , Koosha Hamidreza 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe main purpose of this research is to find an optimal allocation of marketing budgets which maximizes customer equity in an uncertain environment. Since markets are naturally uncertain environments, the aim is to incorporate uncertainty into the model.Design/methodology/approachResearchers have developed a mathematical programming model which employs customer equity as an objective function in order to allocate marketing budgets. The robust optimization approach is employed to tackle the proposed model, which deals with uncertainty.FindingsThe solution of the robust model is shown to be feasible and satisfactory in all uncertain situations. The robust solutions (of the presented model) are stable in volatile situations; while if the solution of deterministic models is used, it may be suboptimal or even infeasible. Sensitivity analysis of the deterministic solution only describes how stable is the suggested solution, but a robust optimization approach always provides a stable solution.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented model will be most effective where uncertainty is high; if uncertainty is not a matter of concern or estimates are reliable, deterministic models are also effective.Practical implicationsCompanies periodically decide on marketing budgets in order to achieve predefined marketing targets in future periods. The results of this research may be useful and applicable in marketing departments for allocating marketing budgets, especially in uncertain environments.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this research lies in providing an approach to allocate marketing budgets in uncertain environments. Unlike previous studies, the presented method takes into account the uncertainty of parameters in a systematic way. Hence, in case of high degrees of uncertainty, the use of robust optimization is strictly recommended.
Strategic management of business model transformation: lessons from Nokia
Authors: Aspara Jaakko , Lamberg Juha‐Antti , Laukia Arjo , Tikkanen Henrikki 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a conceptualization of how and why corporate level strategic change may build on historical differentiation at business unit level.Design/methodology/approachMethodologically, an historical case study of Nokia Corporation's drastic business model transformation between the years 1987 and 1995 is reported.FindingsThe conceptual and historical work results in a process model of business model change, demonstrating how central business units feed strategic alternatives and capabilities to the corporate‐level transformation process.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the importance of corporate level “market mechanisms' that allow promising strategic alternatives to emerge and select out inferior options. In this process, a key mechanism is the exchange of executives and cognitive mindsets between business units and corporate headquarters (CHQ).Originality/valueThe reported research offers an original contribution by showing the dynamic interplay of cognitive and organizational change processes, and highlighting the importance of building on existing capabilities and competencies despite the pressure to demonstrate strong turnaround activities.