bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Context dependent learning: its value and impact for workplace education
Authors: Lynch Richard , Leo Soon , Downing Kevin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how a management development programme based on situated learning theory resulted in change for individuals, organisational culture and performance. The case study illustrates how new understandings about learning in the workplace and in higher education points towards the need to take account of the context in which learners utilise their knowledge and skills.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative and qualitative strategies were used to provide an evaluation of the impact of a management development programme in a group of companies. A questionnaire, focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data on three cohorts of supervisors and middle managers at different stages of the programme. A triangulated approach was adopted towards data analysis that illuminated a broad and deep change process.FindingsPositive cultural change was a significant benefit to the host organisation from the training programme. It was apparent that training can move beyond individual development to bring about organisational gains.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research might adopt a longitudinal design and facilitate a co‐researcher approach using students' learning logs of workplace experiences.Practical implicationsSituated approaches to learning in higher education and the workplace need to be developed further to enhance workplace performance. A proposal is made for “learning consultants” to move between the two environments and facilitate knowledge exchange and improve understanding of the variety of learning contexts in business and educational settings.Originality/valueA data driven case study on the relationship between training, culture and organisational performance suggests that new approaches to learning require partnerships between the worlds of work and university that traverses theory, practice and personnel.
Entrepreneurial characteristics amongst university students
Authors: Gürol Yonca , Atsan Nuray 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the entrepreneurship profile of Turkish university students and to make an evaluation for their entrepreneurship orientation by comparing them with non‐entrepreneurially inclined students.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, six traits, namely need for achievement, locus of control, risk taking propensity, tolerance for ambiguity, innovativeness and self‐confidence, are used to define the entrepreneurial profile of students. The study is conducted on a random sample of fourth year university students (n = 400) from two Turkish universities. The question “what are you planning to do after graduation?” was asked to students in order to discriminate between those who are entrepreneurially inclined and those who are not. Respondents who have a response saying that “I'm planning to form my own business venture” are accepted as potential entrepreneurs. Then, the entrepreneurial traits of these students are subjected to a comparative analysis with other students who do not plan to start their own businesses, and thus are not included in the group of potential entrepreneurs. In short, a 40‐item questionnaire is administered to students, with questions related to demographic variables, entrepreneurial inclination, and six entrepreneurial traits above cited (with Likert type items).FindingsThe results of the t‐tests showed that, except for tolerance for ambiguity and self‐confidence, all entrepreneurial traits are found to be higher in entrepreneurially inclined students, as compared to entrepreneurially non‐inclined students. That is, these students are found to have higher risk taking propensity, internal locus of control, higher need for achievement and higher innovativeness.Research limitations/implicationsThe study comprises fourth year students only, and the percentage of students in the sample who wish to be entrepreneurs is quite low (18 per cent). Also, there are only two universities included in the sample. Further study can be conducted on a wider basis to lead to more general conclusions.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight into entrepreneurship education, as to which entrepreneurial characteristics can be developed to raise good entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the differences between characteristics of entrepreneurially inclined and non‐inclined students at the edge of graduation.
Temporary work and human resources management: issues, challenges and responses
Authors: Burgess John , Connell Julia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue volume that examines a range of concerns, challenges and responses relating to temporary workers and human resource management (HRM).Design/methodology/approachThe paper highlights eight key research questions and describes the structure of the issue. The various articles investigate six main areas: the rationale for using temporary workers rather than permanent workers; factors determining types of temporary work arrangements; the rationale for temp workers entering into temporary employment; the nature and extent of the relationship between TWAs and user firms; the relationship between employment regulations and an organisation's labour use patterns of temporary workers and the HR challenges associated with ongoing and extensive use of temporary workers.FindingsFindings varied according to the main focus of each paper. It is evident, however, that no one perspective, public policy or organisational strategy is likely to fit all situations in relation to temporary work and HRM. Many differences exist in the skill levels of temp workers, their demographic characteristics and reasons for undertaking temp work. Likewise, as pointed out by many of the authors included in this volume, there are also differences within user firms with regard to their reasons for employing temps.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of literature examining temporary work and HRM and this issue endeavours to fill that gap and may prompt further research.
The nature and experience of agency working in Britain
Authors: Forde Chris , Slater Gary 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine the experience of agency employment for workers and employers' use of agency workers in Britain to evaluate competing claims made about this form of work.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on results from three recent representative surveys of employment in Britain to examine the current nature and experience of agency work: the Labour Force Survey; the Workplace Employment Relations Survey and the Working in Britain, 2000 Survey.FindingsThe findings indicate that there is little evidence of the purported association between agency work and the emergence of the “knowledge economy”, as suggested by some. Turning to employers' use of agency labour, it is found that this has been driven by pressures relating to labour costs, possibly reflecting short‐term considerations. As for workers' experience of agency employment, this paper reports their dissatisfaction with many aspects of agency work, resulting in low levels of commitment and high anxiety about their work situation.Practical implicationsWhilst the use of agency workers may provide short‐term benefits for organisations there is considerable evidence that, in the absence of remedial action, a number of challenges are likely to emerge for human resource practitioners. In particular, organisations may incur longer‐term costs through extensive utilisation of employment agency labour.Originality/valueAgency work has grown rapidly but little is known about short‐term experiences or longer term implications. The paper fills a gap in knowledge about the current nature of agency work, and provides an empirical assessment of competing claims about this form of work
Human resource solutions?
Authors: Stanworth Celia , Druker Janet 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe article seeks to explain the rapid increase in the use of agency “temps” by employers during the 1990s. It tests the thesis of profound change in employers' labour use decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe data was from in‐depth interviews with human resource/line managers in 12 work organisations in the UK responsible for decisions on use of temporary agency labour. Organisations were chosen to include a variety of industrial sectors, sizes and locations.FindingsAlthough there were common trends in organisations, including declining numbers of permanent jobs and waves of restructuring, organisations varied in their approach: it was not always profound change. The paper finds four distinct types of agency labour use and developed a 2 × 2 typology, depending on whether employers were acting strategically or reactively, and whether they were using temps for supplementation, or more far‐reaching substitution, for permanent workers.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is based on UK data and is a “snapshot” of the situation. However, the typology can be used to analyse temporary agency labour usage in other settings and time periods.Practical implicationsThe findings could be used by human resource managers to assist them in making decisions on use of agency workers.Originality/valueThe paper makes associations between external and internal contexts within which organisations operate and how these affect decisions on temporary agency labour usage.
The changing world of the temporary worker: the potential HR impact of legislation
Authors: Biggs David , Burchell Brendan , Millmore Mike 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTemporary workers have many human resource and labour market implications. These consequences are further influenced with the introduction of new legislation relating to temporary workers. The purpose of this article is to present research on the impacts of the legislation – Fixed Term Employees Regulations and Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations – on temporary workers in the labour force.Design/methodology/approachInformation from 24 Labour Force Surveys, conducted between December 1997 and November 2003, were analysed with two longitudinal Labour Force Surveys. Qualitative data was also gathered from six temporary worker employers and 17 agency workers.FindingsAnalysis of data demonstrated that the utilisation of temporary workers had declined in the labour force: Temporary workers had decreased in real terms by 24 per cent and agency workers who were less regulated by only 11 per cent. Also, an increased take‐up of permanent work by temporary workers was found post‐legislation (27 per cent) compared with pre‐legislation (22 per cent).Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations exist in the study using National Statistics and qualitative data to analyse labour force dynamics. Further research is warranted in this area investigating how strategic decisions in utilising temporary workers are formed and how recent legislation has influenced these policies.Practical implicationsChanges in temporary worker legislation have direct consequences to the labour force.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the decline of temporary workers in the labour force between 1997 and 2003 and examines specific legislation, which may have influenced this phenomenon.
Information uncommon: public computing in the life of reference
Authors: Hein Karen K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a perspective on the role of public computing in the daily operations of reference services at an academic library.Design/methodology/approachAn overview of approaches to managing and supporting public computing workstations in academic libraries, in general, is provided. Specific aspects of operations at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Library are presented.FindingsChallenges and opportunities associated with reference's role in providing support for technology are identified.Practical implicationsOther academic libraries may find this helpful as they consider the management and support required when providing public computing workstations to patrons.Originality/valueThis paper provides a public service perspective on managing technology in an academic library. Specifically, an alternative approach to other management models is highlighted using the University of Nebraska at Omaha Library as an example.
Teaching faculty's perspectives on business information literacy
Authors: Wu Yuhfen Diana , Lee Kendall Susan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeEffective integration of information literacy skills into the business curriculum requires the development of collaborative partnerships between teaching faculty and librarians. Developing a good partnership requires an understanding of the teaching faculty's perspectives. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachA survey was sent to business teaching faculty at California State Universities to determine their expectations in regards to student information literacy skills.FindingsWriting a report or project that required in‐depth research is one of the major expectations. All faculty surveyed expect students to use library research for their assignments.Originality/valueBusiness faculty and librarians will be able to use these findings in developing guidelines to integrate information literacy into coursework, assignments and research tools.
Using humor in library instruction
Authors: Walker Billie E. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo demonstrate that humor can be used as a teaching technique by instruction librarians.Design/methodology/approachSince some students have what Constance Mellon refers to as library anxiety, humor can be used as a teaching tool to help reduce this feeling. Using the literature of higher education, this article seeks to provide practical advice on ways to use humor in the library instruction setting.FindingsThe use of real‐life humorous examples demonstrates that teaching librarians can reap the benefits of using humor in the classroom. The article dispels the myth that one must be a comedian to use humor in the classroom.Practical implicationsThe teaching librarian can add the use of humor as a teaching tool along with other techniques to assist in reducing library anxiety, promote classroom environment and help students to get more comfortable with the library's many resources.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the discussion on the use of humor in library instruction as one method to help reduce library anxiety in students. It offers practical help to the instruction librarian.
New forms of information literacy
Authors: Leigh Matoush Toby 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide an overview of innovative information literacy programs at San Jose State University King Library which may serve as models for future academic library information literacy programs.Design/methodology/approachNew and innovative information literacy programs at the San Jose State University King Library are discussed and analyzed. These programs include freshman and transfer student literacy programs and a proposal for campus dormitory information literacy.FindingsAnalyzes innovative and multi‐faceted character of San Jose State King Library information literacy programs. Discusses successes, lessons learned, and ongoing challenges of the freshman information literacy program and presents goals and objectives of the transfer and campus dormitory information literacy programs.Practical implicationsThis paper may serve as a guide for both academic and joint‐use academic and public libraries interested in assessing or expanding their information literacy programs.Originality/valueThis paper discusses innovative information literacy programs within the context of a merged or joint‐use academic and public library and will be of value to both future joint‐use libraries and academic libraries interested in expanding and evaluating their information literacy programs.
Communication in academic libraries: an East Asian perspective
Authors: Zhang Li 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo discuss library services with attention to effective communication between public service professionals and East Asian library clientele.Design/methodology/approachA wide range of library literature (1984‐2001) about serving international students is reviewed to provide a portrait of efforts made by librarians and researchers. This article then focuses on East Asian students as a unique group based on shared cultural values, applies literature of East Asian/Western communication styles to library reference services, and discusses how cultural‐specific communication styles can cause misunderstandings in information delivery processes. Recommendations are made to assist information professionals in their efforts to communicate effectively with international students and meet their information needs.FindingsDifferences in communication styles can often create barriers to having messages understood correctly. As a result, the information conveyed does not necessarily reflect the intention and may even cause misunderstandings. The key to successful cross‐cultural communication is knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should be conducted in addressing how cultural awareness affects effective and appropriate communication.Practical implicationsThis paper will be helpful for public service professionals in enhancing their understanding of East Asian cultures and improving communication skills when assisting customers of East Asian backgrounds.Originality/valueThis paper separates East Asian students from the entire international student body, examines cultural‐specific communication styles, and explains why misunderstanding occurs when Western librarians communicating with East Asian students.
Retrospective conversion of serials and card catalogue records
Authors: Darko‐Ampem Kwasi 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate the application of project management principles to retrospective conversion of a library catalogue and to share the experience with other libraries.Design/methodology/approachPresents the case of retrospective conversion involving the conversion of card catalogue records and the serials automation at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Library of the University of Botswana.FindingsHighlights project management concepts as a means of managing library projects for the optimum benefit of the institution, staff and patrons.Research limitations/implicationsThe project involved the conversion of 10,000 manual records and the automation of 250 current journals.Practical implicationsIdentifies constraints such as staffing, training and retraining; equipment malfunction and access to online resources; and conflict of work priorities.Originality/valueA case study of project management applications in academic libraries. Both projects involved project scheduling, staff training, scheduling of duties, and writing of in‐house manuals, all based on project management principles.
A review of factors affecting individual performance in team environments
Authors: O'Connor Matthew 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis review aims to compile an interdisciplinary inventory of factors affecting individual performance in team environments.Design/methodology/approachResearch focusing on the performance of the individual within a team from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, business, and library science was analyzed and synthesized. Five online aggregators and a combination of keyword/subject terms were used to locate the research originating primarily from journal literature.FindingsAfter exploring the research, 12 different performance factors emerged in two primary categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic factors included collective efficacy, social rewards and sanctions, social dilemmas, social loafing, future interdependence, and social identity. Intrinsic factors included individual identity, desire to achieve, member role differences, team size, individual status attainment, and member commitment.Originality/valueThere is a substantial amount of research concerning team motivation and production, but there is an apparent dearth related to individual performance factors. This review provides valuable insight for library administrators currently working with teams in their organizations or for those considering it.
Complaining intentions and their relationships to complaining behavior of academic library users in South Korea
Authors: Oh Dong‐Geun 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influences of the selected antecedents on each type of complaining intentions and its relationship to complaining behavior of 582 university library users in South Korea.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a survey, using a convenience sample of 582 dissatisfied university library users from five major universities located in Taegu Metropolitan City and Kyoung‐pook Province in South Korea. The sample was proportionate to general users in the university libraries in these areas.FindingsPerceived severity of dissatisfaction and personal norms had significant influences on the choice of negative word‐of‐mouth intention, direct and indirect voice intentions, and third‐party complaint intention. Societal benefits had significant influences on the choice of exit, negative word‐of‐mouth intention, and direct and indirect voice intentions. Difficulty of complaining and service importance had significant influences on negative word‐of‐mouth intention, and likelihood of success had significant influences on the direct and indirect voice intentions. There were significant relationships between experiences of doing the same types of complaining behavior before and the same types of complaining intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was exploratory inorder to separate complaining intentions from the complaining behavior itself. Some variables, including external attribution and loyalty, which were not proved to be critical variables for complaining intentions, need to be investigated further to investigate whether or not they can be a useful variable for complaining behavior and intentions of academic library users. Some results from this study did not confirm the results of the study on the public library users that measured the complaint behavior and intentions together. Compared with the results of the study on the public library users, the values of adjusted R square in the regression of each dependent variables were much higher in this study except for the case of exit intention.Practical implicationsThis study proved that the complaining intention model, separated from complaining behavior, could successfully be applied to academic library services.Originality/valueOpines that feedback information through complaints can solve many problems and/or improve performance and service quality – and eventually help libraries satisfy their customers.