bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chat reference evaluation: a framework of perspectives and measures
Authors: Luo Lili 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a holistic view of the current practice of chat reference evaluation and to suggest a framework that could help reference practitioners evaluate chat reference services in multiple contexts.Design/methodology/approachA thorough review of the literature on chat reference evaluation is conducted and the evaluation studies are grouped by their evaluative perspective and measures. Based on the literature review, a framework of perspectives and measures for chat reference evaluation is proposed.FindingsChat reference evaluation has incorporated a number of new elements that do not exist in desk reference evaluation. All the evaluation perspectives and measures reported in chat reference literature are incorporated into a final framework except for one variable – “cost‐effectiveness” – which lacks the support of empirical studies in the literature.Practical implicationsThe analytical review of the literature provides a holistic view of how chat reference is being measured for its value to both libraries and users, thus furthering the professional understanding of chat reference performance in the library environs. The framework of evaluation perspectives and measures resulting from the literature review is applicable in multiple chat reference contexts and can be customized to serve different evaluation purposes. In turn, this framework gives chat reference evaluators a clear idea of what to look at and how.Originality/valueThis paper fills the need to provide reference practitioners with both a critical view of current chat reference practice, and a tool that could help them design and develop a chat reference evaluation project.
ERIC database alternatives and strategies for education researchers
Authors: Strayer Jean‐Jacques 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to address scholarly concerns related to the performance of the “new” Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database and provides education researchers and those who teach education research (at the Reference Desk, in a lab or “chatting” with a student at 2.00 am) a means of evaluating and selecting alternative databases based on their relative coverage of major education journals. Alternative research strategies are discussed in light of ERIC's loss of position and importance as a single, comprehensive education resource. Broader implications regarding the role of librarians as educators are presented.Design/methodology/approachThe journal indexing coverage of ERIC (old and new) and alternative databases were checked against two recent Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) Journal Citation Reports (most cited journals in 2004 and 2005) in three categories: Education and Educational Research, Special Education, and Educational Psychology. The results are presented to show the percentage of journals indexed by each database in each of these three categories.FindingsThe “new” ERIC database is not indexing and keeping up to date with the same number of major education journals as the “old” ERIC. Other databases are performing better and provide researchers with more comprehensive coverage of scholarly education sources.Originality/valueAimed at academic reference librarians and those who teach research methods to education students, this comparative study provides an objective scale to assess the current state of education research indexing and offers advice to meet the information needs of education students and scholars at all levels. It is intended to answer these practical questions: will education researchers need to use other databases to supplement or replace the “new” ERIC? And, if so, what are the better options for varying research needs?
A framework for purchasing transport services in small and medium size enterprises
Authors: Holter Andreas R. , Grant David B. , Ritchie James , Shaw Nigel 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a framework for purchasing transport services to enable small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to improve relationships with logistics service providers (LSPs) and enhance their own competitive advantage and profitability. Many SMEs lack competence in purchasing transport services and a subsequent lack of “purchasing power” may cause SMEs to be treated as “order takers” rather than “order makers” by LSPs, who have more leverage in the purchasing process.Design/methodology/approachThis research stemmed from a knowledge transfer research project between the focal company and a university comprising a longitudinal single case study using action research for developing and implementing the framework.FindingsA framework using several tools for purchasing transport services and improving transport performance has emerged from this research. Benefits from using this framework were enjoyed by both the focal company and its LSPs and the focal company improved the relationship power balance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research and resulting framework are based on a single case study and have not been tested in other firms or markets. However, the proposed framework may be applied in other contexts, entirely or in parts.Practical implicationsThe research offers practical insights to a frequently‐encountered logistics issue for SMEs through developing and applying specific processes for practical transport purchasing.Originality/valueThe paper contributes by synthesising the literature relating to the transport purchasing process generally and in SMEs. It also provides a framework for SMEs to improve their transport purchasing efforts, thereby enhancing economic and operational efficiency.
Logistics and financial performance
Authors: Töyli Juuso , Häkkinen Lotta , Ojala Lauri , Naula Tapio 
Published: February 2008

PurposeTo explore the present logistics performance of Finnish small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and to analyse the relationship between logistics performance and financial performance in these firms.Design/methodology/approachThe dataset comprises 424 SMEs that participated in a nationwide Finnish logistics survey in 2006. Logistics performance measures were derived from the survey data, and based on these values logistically top‐performing firms were identified within different industry groups. The financial performance of these firms was then examined vis‐à‐vis their industry peers using financial reports‐based data.FindingsThe results imply that the overall level of logistics performance among the examined companies might be at such an elementary level that no statistically observable positive linkage between logistics performance and financial performance exists. The group of firms for whom logistics is a key source of competitive advantage in this sample is small and therefore statistical analysis at an industry level might be too aggregate to reveal this linkage. It is also surprising that service level and logistics cost efficiency are positively related; thus, companies who have a relatively high‐service level tend to have relative low‐logistics costs. These findings might imply that logistics is just starting to gain more attention among SMEs in Finland and at least in the short‐term, it might be relatively easy for SMEs to gain competitive advantage by focusing more on logistics performance.Originality/valueThis study is the first large‐scale attempt to focus on the logistics performance of SMEs and analyse the linkages between financial and logistics performance among the companies using both self‐reported data and financial reports‐based data. In addition, a theoretical framework of the linkages between logistics performance and financial performance is suggested and revised based on the findings of the study. The revised framework requires testing as a part of future research.
A flare incident at an oilfield
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, flare design and operational oil companies with an overview on the flare incidents.Design/methodology/approachThe design and operation of flares have been the subject of research and concern to the academicians and to flare design and operational oil companies. The flare incidents have been collected from several sources such as the technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The flare incident types and causes have been reviewed. This paper presents an overview on the flare incidents. The paper presents a flare incident at an oilfield. The paper summarizes the causes and the results of the incident.FindingsA lesson was learned that a flashback scenario could occur at the high‐pressure flares unless the flare system was designed properly. A flare system should be designed according to the standard codes. American Petroleum Institute API 521 recommended guidelines on the design of the relief system. John Zinc Company and GKN also recommended guidelines for the installation and protection of flares.Originality/valueThis paper presents the flare incident types and causes. The paper also presents an overview on a flare incident at an oilfield. The paper summarizes the causes and the results of the incident. This information can be beneficial in order to prevent similar flare incidents.
An overview on the offshore emergency response planning in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim , Ahamadun Fakhru'l‐Razi 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide some definition and foundation principles regarding emergency and emergency management and to give an overview on the emergency response effectiveness at an offshore installation in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe primary approach used is retrieval of the archived historical complex B emergency drills exercise records from 1997 to 1999. Retrieval of the historical records was made aimed at establishing a baseline information on the level of compliance with the required standards on emergency drills exercise of all the exercise conducted in the complex B for the three years. The secondary data required to complement the primary data are the level of competency gained by the complex B platform personnel as a result of their participation in their platform emergency drills exercise. A questionnaire survey was conducted where the objective of the survey was to map out the sample of general attitude profile and knowledge competency.FindingsThe emergency drills on the Baram B complex are only partially adequate in nurturing effective emergency response preparedness. To achieve completeness and effective emergency drills performed as a conditioning process for an emergency response, the human resources knowledge and competency must be maintained and continuously enhanced. Continuous review for improvement purposes is required. The continuous improvement process should be parallel, covering both human resources and physical infrastructure.Originality/valueThis paper presents an overview on the emergency response effectiveness at a complex B offshore platform. Benefits can be gained from the Malaysian experience.
Flood hazard mapping in developing countries: problems and prospects
Authors: Osti Rabindra , Tanaka Shigenobu , Tokioka Toshikazu 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the major causes of massive destruction due to floods in developing countries and to elaborate the usefulness of flood hazard maps under the framework of community‐based flood management.Design/methodology/approachThis paper elaborates the usefulness of flood hazard maps and their application.FindingsIt is a clear perception that flood risk management cannot be treated in isolation – rather it should be a part of community development. In this context, it is essential to build a community's capacity to understand their vulnerabilities, strategies, activities and the role they could play in managing flood risks without relying on external entities. Therefore the proposed community‐based flood hazard‐mapping technique can be a good solution for addressing current issues. The approach will not only focus on the effective development and application of FHM but also it will correct the defects of the top‐down approach in disaster planning and also encourage all stakeholders' participation in an integrated and sustainable manner.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, it is strongly recommended that agencies should adhere and incorporate the idea while developing programs and projects for communities. In addition, It is simple to understand and easy to implement by the community.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the idea will be beneficial and a catalyst to promote a community's response for flood disaster management in developing countries, thereby helping agencies to develop an operational strategy in advance.
Health literacy: an essential skill for the twenty‐first century
Authors: Kickbusch Ilona 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of low health literacy and identify how this can have detrimental effects on citizens and their health. It looks at the current overload of information about health in today's society, how that leaves many confused and unsure of the correct advice to follow, and how governments and other decision makers can take steps to address this problem.Design/methodology/approachPrevious research and statistics have been examined and the author offers ideas on how the situation can be changed.FindingsThe paper notes that a substantial proportion of the thousands of marketing messages each person receives every day concern health and it is a topic about which citizens proactively seek information. This variety of sources and their respective advice can lead to confusion and too much information, which can prevent action being taken. Health literacy is fundamentally important to maintaining a population's health, but levels are often low. The paper concludes that action is needed in three areas: increasing health literacy of citizens, improving communications skills of professionals, and increasing readability of systems. Many can contribute to this goal, but there is a special responsibility for governments, for example in implementing health literacy programmes in schools and special support for people with low health literacy. Citizens must also become more active to build an essential life‐skill that provides a building‐block for health.Originality/valueThis paper contains new thoughts and conclusions and is of value to a variety of agencies, including government, as well as individuals looking to increase health literacy levels.
Stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS among college students in China
Authors: Zhang Liying , Li Xiaoming , Mao Rong , Stanton Bonita , Zhao Qun , Wang Bo , Mathur Ambika 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that HIV/AIDS‐related stigma has persisted world‐wide for decades. However, studies on the linkage between stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and misconceptions about HIV transmission routes in the general population, especially among youth in China, are sparse – a gap this study is intended to fill.Design/methodology/approachCross‐sectional data from 1,839 students from 19 colleges were collected by trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire in Jiangsu province of China.FindingsThis study reveals that there is a high proportion of college students having both stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission routes. Multilevel logistic regression analysis results show that having stigmatizing attitudes towards PLWHA is positively associated with having misconceptions about HIV transmission routes. Participants with high misconception scores were more likely to possess stigmatizing attitudes towards PLWHA.Originality/valueTo reduce stigmatizing attitudes towards PLWHA, HIV/AIDS education should be strengthened among the general population, especially among youth.
Collecting metadata from institutional repositories
Authors: Dunsire Gordon 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to review metadata issues identified in recent research carried out in Scotland on services based on metadata aggregation via OAI‐PMH, and to examine the role of collection‐level description in managing ingest to harvested repositories, subsequent harvesting by secondary aggregators, and the contextualisation of institutional and aggregated repositories in the wider information retrieval environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the output of several projects involving institutional repositories and collection‐level description in Scotland.FindingsCollection‐level description is a useful tool for aggregator services, but further work is required to accommodate information about the manipulation of metadata sets. Communities need to consider how best to incorporate structured collection information within the OAI‐PMH for their specific purposes.Originality/valueThe paper shows the importance of recent developments in collection description metadata for implementors of OAI‐PMH services, building on the simple placeholders for such metadata allowed by the protocol.
ePrints@IISc: India's first and fastest growing institutional repository
Authors: Jayakanth Francis , Minj Filbert , Silva Usha , Jagirdar Sandhya 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share NCSI's experiences in using GNU EPrints.org software to create and maintain the open‐access institutional repository of IISc, ePrints@IISc.Design/methodology/approachThe GNU EPrints.org is the first generic software for creating Open Access Initiative (OAI)‐compliant repositories, which enables the researchers to self‐archive their research publications thus facilitating open access to their publications. NCSI has been using this software since early 2002. Some amount of customization and value additions to the software are being done periodically by NCSI to meet the local requirements. In this paper, authors are sharing NCSI's experiences in using GNU EPrints.org software.FindingsGNU EPrints.org software is an excellent tool for creating and maintaining OAI‐compliant repositories. The best thing about it is that it can be set up easily even by those who are not too knowledgeable about computers. New features are being introduced on a regular basis. Also, the technical support for the software from the developers and the user community has been very encouraging.Originality/valueOutlines the work and history of the Indian Institute of Science and the development of the open access movement.
Islamic work ethic: a critical review
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Al‐Owaihan Abdullah 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a coherent but critical treatment of Islamic work ethic (IWE). It explores the nature of IWE in the context of cultural and political evolution and offers a cultural and religious perspective pertaining to organization and management.Design/methodology/approachIt briefly investigates the economic and cultural conditions that facilitate the emergence of work ethics and the centrality of trade in Islamic culture. The paper, then, reviews the pillars and foundations of IWE and investigates various empirical studies conducted in various countries.FindingsIWE has economic as well as moral and social dimensions. These along with basic elements of IWE seem to provide the faithful with a sense of worthiness and strengthen organizational commitment and continuity. That is, work is viewed not as an end in itself, but as a means to foster personal growth and social relations.Practical implicationsOffers managers and consults various avenues on how to design teamwork and new methods of change that focus on producing results which reinforce existing commitment and enthusiasm. As justice and generosity in the workplace are considered virtues, issues of a hiring and firing become part of a broader concern with consequences far beyond the organization.Originality/valueIWE is a multidimensional concept. It links an organization's prosperity and continuity to societal welfare. Its four elements – effort, competition, transparency and morally responsible conduct – have the promise to strengthen commerce and economic progress in today's world.
Hispanic professionals after 11th September: a move toward “American” identification
Authors: DelCampo Robert G. , Blancero Donna M. , Boudwin Kristie M. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeOrganizational researchers commonly use racioethnic identity or acculturation measures as predictors for various phenomena, however, rarely do they attempt to investigate events or situations that might impact reports of identity. This study aims to determine the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 on reports of Hispanic identity in Hispanic business professionals as well as the varying degree of impact by physical distance from the event.Design/methodology/approachSixty‐seven respondents were tracked longitudinally both pre‐ and post‐9/11 with reports of Hispanic identity. Additionally, cross‐sectional data from both time periods reporting Hispanic identity were analyzed.FindingsResults show that Hispanic identity reports are significantly lower post‐9/11 in both the longitudinal and cross‐sectional sample. Further, distance from event impacted the magnitude of the difference. Data on perceptions of the impact of 9/11 on work‐life are also presented.Research limitations/implicationsSample size in the longitudinal portion of this particular study is relatively small. Additionally, future research could focus on other traumatic events (either at the personal level, i.e. death of a family member, layoffs, etc.; or community level, i.e. impact of natural disasters, etc.) on reports of racioethnic identification for other groups (i.e. Anglo, Asian‐American, Impatriates, Expatriates, foreign nationals, etc.).Practical implicationsManagement literature shows us that racioethnic identification has a significant impact on one's perceptions, work, and otherwise. Individuals may perceive a more hostile or discriminatory work environment based on this identity. In this vein, it appears that traumatic events bond individuals together in a collective culture. After a traumatic event an organization may have an opportunity to redefine an organization and improve value congruence and strength of organizational culture.Originality/valueThis study is unique in that it contains both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data for racioethnic identity both pre‐ and post‐9/11 using identical measures. Not only does it add insight into the impact of these tragic events on the American populous, it fills a gap in Hispanic professional literature by attempting to describe the unique nature of these employees.