bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of effective intervention in promoting the value of electronic information services in the learning process
Authors: Pickard Alison 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis research aims to produce a “mile‐deep” study of the impact of using EIS on a small homogeneous group of undergraduate students during their entire undergraduate education, a period spanning three years.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a constructivist approach, focusing on 19 in‐depth, holistic case studies to produce “rich pictures”. Data collection is achieved using interviews, focus groups, student diaries, bibliography analysis and observation. The fieldwork lasted three years in order to investigate changing behaviour over time, and measure impact.FindingsThese rich pictures reveal a variety of ways in which access to EIS can provide valuable learning opportunities in higher education. This paper focuses on the cross‐case analysis of the change in perceptions and use of EIS over a period of three years and the nature of the intervention that impacted upon this perception and use.Research limitations/implicationsThis research indicates that longitudinal studies can demonstrate the impact of resources on individuals. This was a very homogenous group of research participants, it would be very useful to apply this research design to other profiles in order to establish transferability.Practical implicationsElectronic information services provide students with opportunities to interact one another and with vast quantities of information. Research has indicated that learning and cognitive development are intricately linked to opportunities to process and interact with relevant information and the medium used to deliver this information may well have an impact on these opportunities.Originality/valueThe length and depth of this investigation is rare in performance measurement research, impact was measured over time and in depth, on an individual basis.
Evaluating the IBM and HP/PANOSE font classification systems
Authors: Doyle John R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce, describe, and critically examine the IBM and Hewlett‐Packard PANOSE systems of (electronic) font classification. Microsoft's TrueType Font (TTF) file format allows font developers the option of classifying their fonts according to one or both systems, and writing that information into a special location in the TTF file for use by other software.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive survey of 13,000 TTF files was examined for information about their use of either classification system.FindingsThe classification systems are intended to help perform font substitution, as used when (part of) a document asks to be displayed in a font that is not present on the user's computer system, in which case the next nearest font is automatically chosen. However, of the nine sources of font compendia examined, only three had supplied adequate information about their fonts’ classifications in order to make this process workable. The other six sources had almost no coverage. When a font was classified by both classification systems, the two systems mapped poorly on to each other, suggesting that at least one system must be ill‐specified. PANOSE, the more detailed and slightly more popular system, showed poor internal consistency.Research limitations/implicationsSampling of the universe of fonts was opportunistic, and avoided expensive font developers who may be more conscientious adopters of the classification systems. The reliance on historic secondary data means that it is not always possible to distinguish between limitations of the systems per se and limitations of the users of the systems. This article's arguments are based on data derived from difficult‐to‐picture distinctions.Practical implicationsFonts are rarely classified at the source of manufacture or distribution. To compensate for this shortcoming, software tools are required that can classify TTF files at the point of use (i.e. on one's own system) and fill in the information which is missing from the TTF files found there. Furthermore, a better classification of fonts is required, in particular one that does justice to the variety and richness of display fonts. This should break free from the hard‐to‐perceive minutiae of traditional, historically‐derived methods. Instead, it should be psychologically grounded in the distinctions that people (i.e. the users) see in fonts, rather than those taught to graphic designers.Originality/valueProvides an examination of font classification in TTF files from three angles and calls for an empirically‐driven font classification.
Data structuring and classification in newly‐emerging scientific fields
Authors: Juvan Simona , Bartol Tomaz , Boh Bojana 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe article seeks to address a methodological procedure based on keyword analysis and the structuring of data into information systems in the field of functional foods, a newly‐emerging scientific field within the broader scope of food sciences and technology.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment was undertaken by selection of a research field or research subject, selection of search profile, selection and processing of relevant databases, keyword analysis, and the arrangement of data (keywords) according to tree‐structures. Keyword analysis was employed to identify narrower research fields within the broader scientific field. The structuring of data into systems was used to classify the terms within the particular narrow field. Keywords with higher and lower frequency were identified. A classification tree was set up, based on keywords (thesaurus‐based descriptors) extracted from the FSTA (Food Science and Technology Abstracts) database available online. The tree was supplemented and upgraded with some additional topical terms that have not as yet been included in the existing thesaurus. To serve as a comparison a completely new classification tree was designed, based on online full‐text data.FindingsComparison of the two trees suggests that the previous existing tree is sufficiently accurate in representing the field of functional foods, provided that it is upgraded with some additional terms. A more accurate classification should improve thesauri and consequently enhance retrieval in international databases.Originality/valuePresents a methodology of database analysis which may serve to improve database patterns, especially with regard to information retrieval.
User role and perception of requirements in a web‐based community of practice
Authors: Tang Jih‐Hsin , Yang Heng‐Li 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between users' role and users' perception of requirements in a web‐based community of practice.Design/methodology/approachOnline survey and social network analysis were adopted in this study.FindingsThe study classified user roles as advisors and two types of regular users (both aware of advisors and not); each type of user demonstrated different sets of requirement perceptions. The findings showed that user roles and the level of user involvement did have a significant effect on users' perceptions of requirements. Advisors paid less attention to the interface, communication and recommendation links than the regular users.Practical implicationsIt implies that high involvers (core members) are more appropriate for requirement elicitation, even though high involvers might not be the only candidates for requirements elicitation.Originality/valueFew articles discuss the relationship between user roles and requirements; therefore, the originality of this study is high.
Researching ERP adoption: an internet‐based grounded theory approach
Authors: Oliver Dave , Whymark Greg , Romm Celia 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis research seeks to investigate the introduction of new information and communication technology systems and to describe the development of a conceptual model of enterprise resource‐planning systems adoption based on the published rationales organizations use to justify their adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a grounded theory approach to building the conceptual model from electronically distributed documents. These documents were selected from a sample of universities which adopted enterprise resource‐planning systems.FindingsThis paper reports on the use of grounded theory in the internet context. The study found that there were strong similarities between justifications and reported motives. The study noted that justifications concerning financial, work‐life and organisational‐mission issues were relatively minor.Research limitations/implicationsThis model is built on published justifications, which should not be confused with motives. This picture may distort reality by over‐emphasising some rationales and under‐representing others.Practical implicationsThis paper may be of interest to researchers considering the use of grounded theory in their research project.Originality/valueThis paper describes how grounded theory was used to construct a model of the rationales for adopting enterprise resource‐planning systems from electronically sourced documents. The paper is of interest to researchers in information systems and those conducting grounded theory research on the internet.
Intellectual capital
Authors: Pike S. , Fernström L. , Roos G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the ICS intellectual capital methodology was developed starting from the underpinning academic theory.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is founded upon a number of theoretical strands. The basic intellectual capital approach is based on a development of the resource based theory of the firm. Most intellectual capital approaches have problems with meaningful measurement. ICS addresses the valuation of intellectual capital resources by using axiology and multi‐attribute value theory to produce a valuation framework and measurement theory to ensure that the results are reliable.FindingsThe ICS intellectual capital approach generates navigators (maps) of how resources are used in companies which have proven to be very useful. It has also demonstrated the value of deeper analysis of the intellectual capital resources. The measurement part, which is often used independently (known as the Conjoint Value Hierarchy (CVH), is shown as a powerful aid to decision making as well as to more straightforward valuation.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations are that the navigator and its associated analyses are non‐rigorous while the CVH is rigorous, transparent and auditable. This mismatch can lead to problem and the challenge is to integrate them.Originality/valueWhile parts have been reported previously, this paper is the first integrated review of ICS’ methodology.
An integrated framework for visualising intellectual capital
Authors: Boedker Christina , Guthrie James , Cuganesan Suresh 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to trace the techniques and consulting methods developed and deployed by an Australian project team during an investigation of a client organisation's intellectual capital management, measurement and reporting (ICMMR) practices. The article aims to highlight the benefits of adopting an integrated approach to investigating intellectual capital (IC) and proposes the Intellectual Capital Value Creation (ICVC) framework as an analytical model for extending the breadth and depth of existing management consulting and research practices into ICMMR.Design/methodology/approachThe methods deployed by the project team during the consulting project included semi‐structured interviews and content analyses. Furthermore, the ICVC framework was developed and deployed as an analytical model to facilitate the investigation of the client organisation's ICMMR practices.FindingsTo the client organisation, the ICVC framework proved beneficial in that it enabled senior management to visualise their knowledge resources and how these contribute to organisational value creation. To the project team, the ICVC framework facilitated the identification of organisational knowledge management gaps, highlighting weaknesses in the client organisation's utilisation of its knowledge resources. The framework provides a structured approach for investigating organisations’ ICMMR practices and locating and analysing these within a strategic context.Originality/valueThe paper highlights to management consultants and others the importance of investigating client organisations’ ICMMR practices in an integrated manner and demonstrates to organisations the strategic significance of making “visible” their invisible sources of value creation.
Data envelopment analysis as method for evaluating intellectual capital
Authors: Leitner Karl‐Heinz , Schaffhauser‐Linzatti Michaela , Stowasser Rainer , Wagner Karin 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a consulting and management tool that fulfils the requirements of quantitatively and comprehensively evaluating and benchmarking the efficiency of intellectual capital (IC).Design/methodology/approachDEA is applied for a sample of input and output data of all technical and natural science departments of Austrian universities. Correlation and factor analyses are carried out to select appropriate variables of the sample. DEA estimates the production function of the units under evaluation in relation to peer units, which are identified as fully efficient.FindingsResults illustrate the existence of scale efficiencies of Austrian university departments and show a large heterogeneity within and among universities as well as between different fields of study with respect to their efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsDEA is mainly appropriate for larger samples inside an organisation or among different organisations. The method can be easily transferred to similar management situations in other types of organisations or industries, where the efficiency of IC should be assessed.Practical implicationsThe results reveal detailed improvement or reduction amounts of each input and output of the evaluated organisational units and indicate areas for managerial action at Austrian universities.Originality/valueFor the first time DEA is applied for evaluating and benchmarking IC of Austrian universities. DEA is proposed as consulting and management tool for evaluation IC performance.
Knowledge valuation analysis
Authors: Housel Thomas J. , Nelson Sarah K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of an analytic methodology (knowledge valuation analysis, i.e. KVA), based on complexity and information theory, that is capable of quantifying value creation by corporate intellectual capital. It aims to use a real‐world case to demonstrate this methodology within a consulting context.Design/methodology/approachThe fundamental assumptions and theoretical constructs underlying KVA are summarized. The history of the concept, a case application, limitations, and implications for the methodology are presented.FindingsAlthough well‐known financial analytic tools were used to justify IT investment proposals, none provided a satisfying result because none offered an unambiguous way to tie IT performance to value creation. KVA provided a means to count the amount of corporate knowledge, in equivalent units, required to produce the outputs of client core processes. This enabled stakeholders to assign revenue streams to IT, develop IT ROIs, and decide with clarity where to invest.Practical implicationsWhen stakeholders can assign revenue streams to sub‐corporate processes, they have a new context for making IC investment decisions. “Cost centers” and decisions based on cost containment can be replaced. Concepts such as a knowledge market, the knowledge asset pricing model, k‐betas, and a sub‐corporate equities market can be developed and applied. Some of the limitations related to real options analysis can be resolved.Originality/valueThis paper introduces an approach to measuring corporate intellectual capital that solves some long‐standing IC valuation problems.
Strategic use of IC reporting in small and medium‐sized IT companies
Authors: Claessen Eggert 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on how IT sector organizations in all five Nordic countries have worked together to start a project on using intellectual capital (IC) reporting to improve strategy formulation in SMEs in the IT sector. The project, called PIP (Putting IC into Practice), is partly funded by the Nordic Innovation Centre (www.nordicinnovation.net).Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on the existing literature as well as the experience from the Nordic project.FindingsThe objective of the project is to produce, implement and disseminate harmonized indicators for realising intangible values in companies. Results from the project include the identification of common indicators for intangible values and how they can be used as supportive evidence for IC reporting. By using these indicators with strategy maps and scorecards, the companies are provided with tools and information to improve their strategy formulation process and develop further their competitive advantage.Practical implicationsThe project aims to provide ways to put IC into practice as a tool for management in order to improve performance. Providing an open source framework for assisting the knowledge transformation process within companies is an important step is this respect. If successful, this will affect the management and reporting of IC.Originality/valueThis paper reports on the practical application of the resource‐based view of strategy, where intangible resources play a major role in the internal development path of a company. Even though the scope is limited to SMEs in information technology in the Nordic countries, the results are of interest, especially in terms of practical value to other types of companies and industries.
Management consulting practice on intellectual capital
Authors: Marr Bernard 
Published: January 2007

PurposeWith intellectual capital and intangible assets high on the agenda of executives around the world, and little practical evidence of good practice in measuring and managing these assets, there is a great need for help. This editorial to a special issue on the topic introduces the problem and highlights key issues. The special issue provides an overview of how management consulting companies acting in this space suggest tackling the problem. The purpose is therefore to bring together the approaches of different management consulting firms and to make their differences explicit.Design/methodology/approachAll major general management consulting firms as well as specialist consulting firms focusing in the area of intellectual capital and intangible assets were directly invited to submit a paper for this special issue. The call for papers was also made publicly available in the journal and through e‐mail campaigns by Emerald. All submissions underwent a double‐blind refereed selection process.FindingsEven though many submissions were received for this special issue, most of the authors were not able to demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the constructs nor were they able to justify the tools and methodologies developed. Reviewers were made aware of the practical background of many of the authors and it was ensured that sufficient and constructive feedback was provided. Even with various rounds of reviews many papers had to be rejected as they resembled marketing brochures rather then logical discussions. This unfortunately shows that there still is a massive skills gap in the industry and companies should be careful before they engage with any management consulting firm to help them measuring or managing their intangibles.Practical implicationsThe focus of potential papers was not academic rigor (as opposed to the Special Issue Vol. 5 No 2) but the provision of an overview of the state of the art in intellectual capital consulting practice. The papers therefore provide practitioners with good insights into current practice.Originality/valueThis special issue is the first to bring together in a structured and rigorous format different management consulting approaches to the measurement and management of intellectual capital and intangible assets.
Integrated building systems: strengthening building security while decreasing operating costs
Authors: Taylor Mike 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper details the benefits that integrated systems offer facility managers and owners who seek to improve security – and overall building performance – despite limited resources. And it provides a general roadmap for making integration a reality.Design/methodology/approachCombining real‐life examples with general industry knowledge, this paper examines how facility managers and owners can integrate technology like surveillance cameras, access control readers and smart card technology to improve security and the company's bottom line. Additionally, it explains organizational steps needed to successfully integrate these technologies, and tie them into core building functions and enterprise systems.FindingsThere is innovative technology emerging in the security market that offers significant improvements for facilities and security managers, as well as end users. But the real power lies within managing these technologies as part of an integrated security and building solution. With an integrated system, silos are eliminated, information is shared between departments and important building functions can be centralized – increasing safety and improving efficiency.Practical implicationsAn informative paper that gives facility managers and owners a general understanding of integration and its associated benefits, and the necessary elements to make it happen.Originality/valueWhile the concept of integration is not new, institutional practices often prevent companies from implementing and taking advantage of an integrated system. This paper goes beyond explaining the general features and benefits of integration, and informs the reader how to assess organizational needs and successfully make the transition.
An evolutionary approach to the architecture of effective healthcare delivery systems
Authors: Towill D.R. , Christopher M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to show that material flow concepts developed and successfully applied to commercial products and services can form equally well the architectural infrastructure of effective healthcare delivery systems.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on the “power of analogy” which demonstrates that healthcare pipelines may be classified via the Time‐Space Matrix.FindingsA small number (circa 4) of substantially different healthcare delivery pipelines will cover the vast majority of patient needs and simultaneously create adequate added value from their perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe emphasis is firmly placed on total process mapping and analysis via established identification techniques. Healthcare delivery pipelines must be properly engineered and matched to life cycle phase if the service is to be effective.Practical implicationsThis small family of healthcare delivery pipelines needs to be designed via adherence to very specific‐to‐purpose principles. These vary from “lean production” through to “agile delivery”.Originality/valueThe proposition for a strategic approach to healthcare delivery pipeline design is novel and positions much currently isolated research into a comprehensive organisational framework. It therefore provides a synthesis of the needs of global healthcare.