bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploratory survey of the SADC e‐government web sites
Authors: Akakandelwa Akakandelwa 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) governments' web sites with regard to their language, content, currency, interactivity, and visibility.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted both content analysis and link analysis methods.FindingsThe findings show that all the SADC member states surveyed had web sites, whose statuses were at diverse development stages. The majority of the web sites were written in English while a few were bilingual and one was multilingual. Most of the web sites did not provide their dates of copyright or update. The majority of the web sites had government publications such as constitution, government reports, national development plans, and annual budgets. Only a few had information on parliamentary and presidential elections. Most web sites lacked vital statistics, calendars of forthcoming events, and facilities for feedback. Furthermore, the web sites varied with regard to their levels of interactivity and visibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was limited to English speaking SADC countries and some French‐speaking countries whose web sites had an English version.Originality/valueThe findings of this exploratory study may be used to help improve the design and development of government web sites in SADC and other countries in the Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Building open access institutional repositories for global visibility of Nigerian scholarly publication
Authors: Ezema Ifeanyi J. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of open access institutional repositories (IR) in enhancing the global visibility and impact of Nigerian scholarly publication.Design/methodology/approachThis is a literature‐based opinion paper which examines the problem of open access IR in Nigeria providing pragmatic suggestions that would address the challenges of making Nigerian scholarly publications accessible internationally.FindingsWhile the paper acknowledges several problems that impede the building of open access IR, it equally highlights some necessary requirements for the building of IR with a road map for the development of functional IR in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThe proliferation of universities and other higher institutions that are in one way or the other engaged in research activities suggests that Nigeria would have generated a lot of research to facilitate speedy development. Available evidence shows that in recent years scholarly publications in Nigeria lack viable means of global dissemination, which has reduced the global visibility of many publications from the country. This paper focuses on the current situation in scholarly publications in Nigeria and examines the need for building of institutional open access repositories and its influence in the dissemination of scholarly research from the country to the international scholarly community.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper is purely the proposal for the building of IR in Nigeria which includes creation of awareness on IR, government sponsorship of IR, development of information and communication technology infrastructure, use of effective advocacy, submission of electronic theses and dissertations, and self‐archiving mandate. The paper concludes that open access IR are the most viable means of ensuring the global visibility and impact of Nigerian scholarship.
A library management response model against the economic crisis
Authors: Kostagiolas Petros , Margiola Anastasia , Avramidou Anastasia 
Published: July 2011

PurposeLibraries in Greece are mostly financed by public sources, with private funding covering only a very small proportion of their budget. The deteriorating, slowly growing economic environment in Greece places additional pressure on the already understaffed and underfinanced public libraries. This paper aims at demonstrating that the tough economic conditions may provide a setting for innovation and quality enhancement which may lead in turn to a corresponding growth in the library sector.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative analysis is conducted in order to identify the potential of a novel management response model as a pathway for library survival within the fierce economic crisis.FindingsSpecific suggestions are made for the management of public libraries, future policies and trends in the lines of learning/education/training services; social/economic development services; electronic government and citizen participation in public affairs services; cultural identity and social cohesion services; and social inclusion services.Practical/implicationsIt is ascertained that public libraries in Greece may have an opportunity for change and innovation as a result of the current economic situation. Furthermore, it is believed that active involvement, quality, innovation and self‐finance can serve as important tools for the development of public libraries and their positive contribution and productive role into the Greek socioeconomic environment.Originality/valueThis is the only available work providing an overall management approach for public libraries within a current economic crisis such as the one in Greece.
Journal publishing in era of economic crisis
Authors: Vrana Radovan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings from the research of aspects of journal publishing in the field of social sciences in Croatia in changing working conditions caused by the rapid development of information and communication technology.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on an online survey of 79 journals in the field of social sciences in Croatia.FindingsFindings indicate a dual publishing nature of the scientific journals as they exist both in the traditional paper based and in the electronic environment. In addition to slow shift towards publishing exclusively in the electronic environment, editorial teams cope with insufficient financial support for the publication of printed versions of their journals, low‐quality of article submissions, badly formatted articles, lack of help to the editor, etc. Researched journals use the internet for the improvement of the interaction with authors, reviewers and readers and digital repositories for long‐term storage of articles. To remain relevant to the scientists in Croatia, researched journals must be led by professional editorial teams whose only job will be management of the journal they work for.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge about current developments in scientific journal publishing under the influence of information and communication technology.
Crisis management of the pricing mistakes committed by Dell
Authors: Chi Der‐Jang , Hung Hsu‐Feng 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThere are two purposes of this study. First, it aims to discuss some measures managers would take on the basis of an empirical case study – Dell's pricing mistakes on the web site – and find out the underlying motivation regarding consumers' attitude toward Dell. Second, there appears to be a fruitful opportunity to explore whether consumers' requests or different degrees of compensation will have any impact on organizational reputation (intangible assets).Design/methodology/approachThe survey investigates consumers' attitude toward the Dell crisis case, including how and why it affected the reputation of the company. The main questionnaire survey was conducted after the Dell pricing mistakes. In total, 433 samples were found valid and kept for further examination. The study tests the proposed hypotheses by structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsBy taking Dell's pricing mistake on the web site as an example, the study finds that managers sometimes opt for solutions unfavorable to the whole organization, in order to ensure self interest, including over quota coupons to reimburse consumers, which would be harmful to other stakeholders. Managers face not only consumers' interests but also other stakeholders' as well as corporate intangible assets. Also, consumers have different backgrounds and these characteristics will exercise influence on perceived crisis management.Originality/valueAlthough the academic literature has given much attention to the internet issues or crisis management, little attention seems to have been paid to the crisis potential coming from the internet. The power of consumers may hugely increase in the internet age and make the crisis graver, because the internet changes the ability of external commentators to make their opinions widely known, and hurts the reputation of corporations more deeply. A major theoretical contribution of this study is comprehension and filling the gaps in the existing literature. Agency theory and stakeholders' view provides a logical explanation of how and why these things happened.
The influence of organizational factors on successful ERP implementation
Authors: Dezdar Shahin , Ainin Sulaiman 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to examine organizational factors (i.e. top management support, training and education, enterprise‐wide communication) that may influence the enterprise resource planning system implementation success in Iran.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were collected via a survey questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to selected managers of companies adopting ERP systems in Iran.FindingsThe results indicate that the companies' top management must provide full support and commitment to the project if the system is to be successful. In addition, management must also ensure the plans are communicated and understood by the entire company. Finally it is also illustrated that adequate training and education pertaining to the systems must be given to all users to ensure that they are able to use the system effectively and efficiently thus contributing to their satisfaction which will subsequently influence the implementation success.Research limitations/implicationsThe ERP implementation success dimensions were measured using subjective and perceptual measures. This was due to the difficulty in securing the related factual data from the participating organizations.Practical implicationsThe findings may help companies planning to implement an ERP system to strategise their efforts and process to ensure successful implementation.Originality/valueThis study examines how organizational factors, namely top management support, training and education as well as enterprise wide communication among ERP users, affect ERP implementation success in Iran.
Ambidexterity and total quality management: towards a research agenda
Authors: Moreno Luzon Maria D. , Valls Pasola Jaume 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to expand on the existing theory of ambidexterity by analysing its implications for organisations that employ total quality management.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis of relevant theoretical and empirical studies on ambidexterity and total quality management enables us to reflect on the common elements, facilitating factors and synergy that exists between both fields.FindingsThanks to the synergy between its principles and practices, total quality management can act as a platform in creating an ambidextrous context, in addition to generating ambidextrous management capabilities and ambidextrous organisational skills. However, no relationship has been found between the application of TQM and structural ambidexterity.Research limitations/implicationsAn analysis of existing studies has enabled the extraction of some proposals which could be used in future research.Practical implicationsThe synergy between TQM principles and practices, their disparate influence on ambidexterity, the range and depth of applying TQM principles and practices – above all those that are included in a human context and the opening of new markets – means that these factors are key elements to bear in mind for those organisations that wish to maximise the potential of TQM in order to foster ambidexterity.Social implicationsGiven the extent to which this type of management has been applied over the last 20 years the social impact of this study is relevant.Originality/valueThis study opens up a new line of research into ambidexterity and, despite the subject having been analysed extensively in conceptual and empirical terms, until now its relationship with total quality management has yet remained unexplored.
Against all odds: a strategic analysis of the fall of Hong Kong, 1941
Authors: Ciocirlan Cristina , Chung Ed , McLarney Carolan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to build on a model from extant literature which utilized a similar historical analysis approach in a study of strategic decision making. Using the (unsuccessful) defence of Hong Kong in World War II as the historical case, the paper seeks first to apply Chung and McLarney's model in the analysis, and then extend the model so as to better handle the unique sequence of events that took place in 1941.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a historical case event in an analysis of competitive strategies. The first section provides a descriptive historical account of the battle of Hong Kong. The second section describes the decision‐making model, while the third section applies the model to explain three sets of decisions: the decision to defend the colony, decisions made during the battle and the decision to surrender. The fourth section draws implications for strategic decision making in organizations, while the last section presents conclusions.FindingsOrganization theorists seem to be fascinated with planning and strategy formulation, at the expense of strategy implementation. While designing organizational strategy is often more glamorous than execution, it is the execution of strategy that ultimately determines an organization's competitive advantage. Clearly, the strategy of the Allied Forces in Hong Kong was not hard to figure out (Mintzberg). However, there is growing research on how lower organizational levels have a tremendous contribution in fundamentally changing, formulating organizational strategy and sometimes even obstructing strategy formulated at the top. The decision to defend Hong Kong in the face of the Japanese invasion, decisions made during the battle and the decision to surrender were all major, critical decisions, especially susceptible to such biases as overconfidence, problem framing, availability heuristics and confirming‐evidence. Overconfidence is particularly dangerous.Originality/valueThe study not only modifies and extends the model, but also contributes to the literature by augmenting the validity of previous case research.
Impact of using information technology in central university libraries in India
Authors: Peyala Venkataramana 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present the results of a research study conducted to assess the perceptions and opinions of 100 staff working in libraries on the impact of using IT on library housekeeping operations and information services, in eight central university libraries in India.Design/methodology/approachData gathering tools used include questionnaire, observation and informal interviews with selected library professionals.FindingsIinformation technology had a tremendous impact on the efficiency of library operations and the delivery of information services. Use of IT has facilitated networking and resource sharing, eliminated duplication of effort, improved the speed of operations, increased access to information resources and improved the quality of information services.Originality/valueThis is a pioneering study on the impact of using IT in the central university libraries in India. The findings of the study would help practising librarians, policy makers, management and the University Grants Commission to promote the use of IT in libraries.
Anti‐proliferative effects of pandan leaves (Pandanus amarylfolius), kantan flower (Etlingera elatior) and turmeric leaves (Curcuma longa)
Authors: Hueh Zan Chong , Rahmat Asmah , Abdah  , Banu Mohd. Alitheen Norjahan , Othman Fauziah , Ee Cheng Lian Gwendoline 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to screen cytotoxic activities of commonly used culinary plants in Malaysia, Pandanus amaryllifolius (daun pandan), Curcuma longa (turmeric leaves) and Etlingera elatior (kantan flower) against selected cancer cell lines.Design/methodology/approachPlant samples were extracted exhaustively with ethanol and concentrated under rotary evaporator. Cytotoxic evaluation was carried out with plant extracts (0‐100 μg/ml) using 72‐h MTT assay.FindingsExposure of plant extracts reduced cell viability of HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HT‐29 (colon carcinoma), MDA‐MB‐231 (non‐hormone‐dependent breast cancer), MCF‐7 (hormone‐dependent breast cancer) and HeLa (cervical cancer); 50 percent inhibitory values (IC50) were obtained for MDA‐MB‐231, HepG2, HT‐29. Extracts within the concentrations of 10‐100 μg/ml were found not to be effective against proliferation of MCF‐7 and HeLa.Originality/valueThe paper shows how culinary plants – daun pandan, turmeric leaves and kantan flower displayed selective cytotoxic effects towards liver, colon and breast cancer in vitro.
Active packaging of food products: recent trends
Authors: Singh Preeti , Abas Wani Ali , Saengerlaub Sven 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the recent trends in the development of active packaging (AP) for foods.Design/methodology/approachThe most up‐to‐date and pertinent studies within the literature have been included and summated in this paper.FindingsFresh foods are widely consumed and are becoming a major component of the international food market. During the last decades, the social and scientific modernization, the boom in customer's needs and demands, along with the major changes in the way food products are manufactured, distributed and retailed, led to the development of alternative or novel methods for the production and preservation of food products. This review will present the most comprehensive and current overview of the widely available, scattered information about the different AP technologies for the control of various critical parameters responsible for the quality and shelf life of fresh foods with an interest to stimulate further research to optimize different quality parameters.Originality/valueThis paper offers a holistic view that would guide a reader to identify the recent developments in the field of AP.
Graduate entrepreneurship in the developing world: intentions, education and development
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , Liñán Francisco 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue by positioning and examining some of the key issues, tensions and challenges in graduate entrepreneurship in the developing world.Design/methodology/approachThe paper recognises the complexity and diversity of approaches considered by the different authors, highlighting a range of issues and challenges in their contributions. The paper is divided into the following sections: entrepreneurial intentions, attitudes and motivations; the role of higher education; and contextual cases, opportunities and challenges in graduate entrepreneurship.FindingsThe paper suggests that there is a lack of research in the field of graduate entrepreneurship in the developing world, and that further research in developing countries may help to understand and shed light on the issues evolving around graduate entrepreneurial intentions, business start‐up and education. Some preliminary themes emerge from research included in this special issue. First, entrepreneurial intentions seem to be higher in developing countries when compared with developed ones. Second, economic and institutional frameworks tend to be unfavourable to entrepreneurial activity. As in developed countries, entrepreneurship seems to be experiencing an upsurge. This could be a tremendously powerful force to accelerate economic growth and development. In this sense, higher education in general, and entrepreneurship education in particular, may be key instruments to help promote entrepreneurial activity.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insight into entrepreneurial intentions and related education and training in developing countries. This should be of interest to researchers, policy‐makers, and higher education institutions.
The journey to develop educated entrepreneurs: prospects and problems of Afghan businessmen
Authors: Muhammad Ali , Akbar Saeed , Dalziel Murray 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to examine self‐perceived entrepreneurial problems and prospects in a post‐war scenario. It aims to present a holistic and historical account of Afghan graduates and their ability to transform into educated entrepreneurs. The study further aims to highlight entrepreneurial characteristics of the Afghans and link them to the unique livelihood strategies they adopt.Design/methodology/approachGiven a lack of archival data, this study relies on semi‐structured interviews and historical data from different sources. The findings are mainly based on life narratives of graduate entrepreneurs in different sectors. Descriptive questions about entrepreneurial problems and prospects in the post‐war era were asked.FindingsLong wars and internal turmoil have pushed both educated and uneducated Afghans into entrepreneurship. The study finds that entrepreneurs rank entrepreneurial characteristics as major prospects available while adverse security conditions and widespread corruption are the major problems faced. The problems discourage them from entering a formal business domain. Despite emerging opportunities such as niche markets, entrepreneurial problems outweigh the prospects.Practical implicationsThis research has implications for entrepreneurship educationists and policy‐makers. Economic growth can be made possible only when entrepreneurial problems are replaced with prospects. Afghan graduates could then serve as entrepreneurial drivers for real economic growth. Moreover, this strategy of entrepreneurialism may help in reducing extremist tendencies in the long run.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence of the effectiveness of the long entrepreneurial struggle of university graduates in war‐like conditions. Entrepreneurs' motivations suggest developing a viable entrepreneurship‐education program in the future.
A more accurate benchmark for daily electricity demand forecasts
Authors: Jun Jongbyung , Tolga Ergün A. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a simple regression‐based method of forecasting daily electricity demand, which may serve as a more accurate benchmark for short‐term forecasts.Design/methodology/approachIn order to make more efficient use of the calendar effects in electricity demand, including weekend, and seasonal effects, while maintaining the parsimony of the forecasting model, the authors match the demand on each day of an entire year with the average of the corresponding days in recent years. This matching‐day approach substantially simplifies the modeling procedure of complex periodicity in electricity demand without loss of information.FindingsWith daily data on electric power system load in New England, the authors' method provides quite accurate forecasts. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) (2.1 percent) is significantly lower than those of the seasonal ARIMA and exponential smoothing method, and also comparable to the performance of more sophisticated methods in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors' method needs to be modified or augmented by other techniques when the periodicity is not stable due to time trends, economic crises, and other factors.Practical implicationsThe management of electric utility providers as well as professional forecasters may use this method as a handy benchmark.Originality/valueWhile previous studies focus mainly on accuracy of forecasts, the method presented in the paper is developed with the balance between accuracy and ease of use in mind.