bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of business vision, top management support, and external expertise on ERP success
Authors: Ifinedo Princely 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of such contingency factors as top management support, business vision, and external expertise, on the one hand, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system success, on the other.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model was developed and relevant hypotheses formulated. Surveys were conducted in two Northern European countries and a structural equation modeling technique used to analyze the data.FindingsIt was found that the three contingency factors positively influence ERP system success. More importantly, the relative importance of quality external expertise over the other two factors for ERP initiatives was underscoredOriginality/valueIt is argued that ERP systems are different from other information technology implementations; as such, there is a need to provide insights as to how the aforementioned factors play out in the context of ERP system success evaluations for adopting organizations. As was predicted, the results showed that the three contingency factors positively influence ERP system success. More importantly, the relative importance of quality external expertise over the other two factors for ERP initiatives was underscored. The implications of the findings for both practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Sustaining academic life
Authors: Hammond Cathryn , Churchman Deborah 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the social sustainability of academic work in Australian tertiary institutions, in addition to offering a summary of recent research on social sustainability with a particular emphasis on Barron and Gauntlett's work.Design/methodology/approachBarron and Gauntlett's principles of social sustainability are used as a lens to investigate some of the current conditions of the academic profession.FindingsIt appears that Australian universities often fail to perform in a way that complies with the principles of social sustainability. This paper identifies examples in the literature of conditions which inhibit academic staff's ability to work in socially sustainable ways.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes that universities incorporate principles of social sustainability into their planning and change management policies and processes.Originality/valueThe paper recognises the importance of social sustainability in contemporary discourses of higher education. It contributes to the debates on both social sustainability and the ways in which corporatising universities impacts academic staff.
Operationalizing sustainability education at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
Authors: Cusick John 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to further operationalize sustainability education at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) through a review of past actions and situate these in the context of Education for Sustainability themes and the UHM mission in the State of Hawai‘i.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes activities that created the conditions for introducing sustainability projects and curriculum at UHM. Through participant observation in meetings and workshops and the review and analysis of materials related to campus sustainability, the paper compiles information to consider the extent to which these inform current initiatives and the direction of sustainability education at UHM.FindingsThis case study is not an exhaustive review of campus activities since UHM has been undergoing administrative restructuring, but it indicates that campus‐wide initiatives are building the critical mass toward fulfilling the objective to become an active participant in higher education for sustainability.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on activities to inform readers interested in trends to establish sustainability research and instruction at institutions of higher education.
An international comparative analysis of sustainability transformation across seven universities
Authors: Ferrer‐Balas D. , Adachi J. , Banas S. , Davidson C.I. , Hoshikoshi A. , Mishra A. , Motodoa Y. , Onga M. , Ostwald M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key aspects of transformation of universities towards sustainability, such as the ideal characteristics of the “sustainable university”, and the drivers and barriers in the transformation, by comparing the strategies of seven universities world‐wide.Design/methodology/approachA systems transformation analysis of seven case studies has been applied through a self‐evaluation based on the tridimensional Framework‐Level‐Actors (FLA) method.FindingsThe study shows that none of the three dimensions of change is predominant over the others. The main barrier to be overcome is the lack of incentive structure for promoting changes at the individual level. The main drivers for change are the presence of “connectors” with society, the existence of coordination bodies and projects, and the availability of funding, all of which are important for progress. Enhancing interdisciplinarity is a strategic objective at almost all of these universities, while transformative learning is less present. A common characteristic for most of the institutions is establishing and supporting networks of expertise within the universities. These universities show important strategic efforts and initiatives that drive and nucleate change for sustainable development, the result of a combination of drivers.Practical implicationsThe FLA‐method has proved useful for being used at the level of comparing case‐studies through a bird's‐eye perspective.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the application of a simple tool that gives a global perspective on transformational strategies used in seven cases world‐wide in the search for commonalities and differences.
Higher education as a change agent for sustainability in different cultures and contexts
Authors: Stephens Jennie C. , Hernandez Maria E. , Román Mikael , Graham Amanda C. , Scholz Roland W. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe goal of this paper is to enhance consideration for the potential for institutions of higher education throughout the world, in different cultures and contexts, to be change agents for sustainability. As society faces unprecedented and increasingly urgent challenges associated with accelerating environmental change, resource scarcity, increasing inequality and injustice, as well as rapid technological change, new opportunities for higher education are emerging.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on the emerging literature on transition management and identifies five critical issues to be considered in assessing the potential for higher education as a change agent in any particular region or place. To demonstrate the value of these critical issues, exemplary challenges and opportunities in different contexts are provided.FindingsThe five critical issues include regional‐specific dominant sustainability challenges, financing structure and independence, institutional organization, the extent of democratic processes, and communication and interaction with society.Originality/valueGiven that the challenges and opportunities for higher education as a change agent are context‐specific, identifying, synthesizing, and integrating common themes is a valuable and unique contribution.
Learning outcomes for sustainable development in higher education
Authors: Svanström Magdalena , Lozano‐García Francisco J. , Rowe Debra 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper sets out to discuss the commonalities that can be found in learning outcomes (LOs) for education for sustainable development in the context of the Tbilisi and Barcelona declarations. The commonalities include systemic or holistic thinking, the integration of different perspectives, skills such as critical thinking, change agent abilities and communication, and finally different attitudes and values.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of LOs that are proposed in the Tbilisi and Barcelona declarations is conducted, showing specific issues for the commonalities presented. Examples of LOs from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) in Mexico, as well as various associations from the USA is shown. A brief discussion is done on the means to achieve these LOs and learning evaluation.FindingsIn the example sets of LOs shown, the commonalities presented in the paper's first section appear in the LOs proposed by the institutions. Based on current knowledge and perception, sustainability is properly addressed in the examples.Practical implicationsThe paper can be used to foster a wider discussion and analysis of LOs for sustainability education, also further work on teachers' capacity building for sustainability, as well as the assessment needed for future professionals in higher education institutions.Originality/valueThe paper presents the onset of discussing and comparing commonalities among higher education institutions regarding sustainability LOs.
LibQUAL+TM in Iran: a subgroup analysis by gender
Authors: Hariri Nadjla , Afnani Farideh 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality of the central library of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS) from the viewpoints of female and male users of the library.Design/methodology/approachThe study was done using a LibQUAL+™ survey, consisting of 22 core questions. The research sample included 361 users of the library and the results were interpreted on the basis of gap analysis. The mean values of gap scores for female and male users were compared statistically.FindingsThe mean score for the overall adequacy gap for women was 0.08 while this score for men was −0.08. The overall and dimensions superiority gap for both genders were negative. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences between mean values of gap scores for female and male users. The desired level of service quality, as in most LibQUAL+™ surveys in non‐Iranian libraries, was not met by this library.Practical implicationsThe similarity in some results of LibQUAL+™ in different socio‐cultural contexts implies that perhaps customer expectations from library services are somehow global.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the translated version of LibQUAL+™ , can be reliably implemented in different countries. Furthermore, though LibQUAL+™ is a web‐based survey, in the case of the countries where ICT facilities are not still completely established, its printed version can reliably be utilized.
An approach to evaluating Latin American university libraries
Authors: Reyes Pacios Ana , Lubisco Nidia 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the current evaluation processes and experiences among Latin American university libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on the results of a questionnaire sent to 31 libraries in seven countries.FindingsIt was found that most libraries evaluate some aspect of their services, but the frequency of these actions does not appear to be very consistent. They seem to have an acceptable level of computerization, but some of them neither take advantage of nor make the most of it. Only a few libraries perform an evaluation to improve their management and few libraries have enough historical data sets to permit comparative studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe response rate is limited, with just 51.6 percent of surveyed institutions (16 questionnaires returned of the 31 sent).Practical implicationsThe paper can aid Latin American university libraries to analyze their evaluation needs in a common forum and to reach agreements as to what are the most appropriate indicators to measure their performance. This will help them in the long term to improve the quality of their services and the value of their role in the performance of the university.Originality/valueThis survey is the first to be carried out to discover the existing situation in Latin America.
User perceptions of digital libraries: a case study in Italy
Authors: Tammaro Anna Maria 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the findings of a survey promoted and financed by Fondazione Rinascimento Digitale about users' perceptions of digital libraries in Italy. The primary objective of the survey was to obtain feedback from users on their perceptions of digital library services and to give them an opportunity to make suggestions. A secondary objective was to establish and test a collaborative methodology with which to evaluate best practice for digital libraries.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires and interviews were used to gather the data. A questionnaire was also distributed to the managers of those cultural institutions involved.FindingsThe results of the survey indicated that users have different perceptions with regard to digital libraries and that they tend to use the services of more than one cultural institution. Overall, there is a positive attitude towards digital libraries, but the survey also underlines that users often do not know how to use the libraries and are unaware of all of the services offered. The accessibility of the interface was considered important, but as it becomes more sophisticated offering more services more staff assistance will be required.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey has had limitations of time and resources available. The focus was on on‐site users at the cultural institutions and not remote users and non‐users.Practical implicationsThe results of the survey have identified user priorities, but users are rarely involved in the design of digital libraries. The Fondazione Rinascimento Digitale aim was to stimulate a culture of excellence in the different cultural institutions involved, focusing on users' expectations.Originality/valueThe survey served to test experimental quality indicators and inquiry methodologies that focused on library users. This paper considers the implications of these results for digital libraries in general, and the value of a cooperative approach to the identification and evaluation of digital library users in particular.
How a quantity surveyor can ease cost management at the design stage using a building product model
Authors: Matipa Wilfred M. , Kelliher Denis , Keane Marcus 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe role of the professional quantity surveyor is to provide information with regard to the initial and future costs so that sound financial factors – inter alia – are considered by the design team. However, it has always been very difficult to produce conceptual estimates because they require the ability not to count the bricks, windows, doors and fixtures but the ability to visualise these components. This problem stifles quantity surveyors' capability to meet the demand for “value for money” (VfM) throughout sustainable building development. The purpose of this paper is to describe results from a case study of deploying a building product model on a commercial project in Ireland, with a view to easing the cost management duties of the quantity surveyor.Design/methodology/approachThe paper comprises a case study of the Environmental Research Institute project and a questionnaire survey of quantity surveying business in Ireland.FindingsQuantity surveying still encounters serious data compatibility problems in integrated teams because most software available on the market run proprietary file formats. It is concluded that there is a huge business potential for quantity surveying to facilitate designing to a budget within integrated teams, and that software interoperability could have a negative impact on professional fee structures, which could trigger more robust appraisal strategies for building products if quantity surveying is to maintain a leading role in providing cost management services to the construction industry.Research limitations/implicationsSome case study data could not be made public.Practical implicationsQuantity surveyors might be encouraged to be innovative when using computerised systems that could produce better cost models; hence meet the demand for VfM throughout sustainable building development.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable information to built environment stakeholders working in integrated teams so as to optimise whole life resources expendable on a constructed facility.
Perceptions of the impacts of organizational culture and information technology on knowledge sharing in construction
Authors: Issa Raja R.A. , Haddad Josef 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to expand understanding of the factors that affect knowledge sharing in construction organizations. The outcome of this study will enable further understanding of knowledge sharing in construction and will therefore contribute towards successful implementation of knowledge sharing as part of organizational knowledge management (KM) initiatives in construction organizations.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted of the 2005Engineering News RecordTop 400 US contractors to assess their perceptions of how factors such as organizational culture (OC), trust and information technology (IT) impact knowledge sharing in their construction organizations.FindingsThe survey respondents strongly agreed on the perception that a proper organizational culture will enhance mutual trust in the organization. The respondents also perceived that IT will assist but not motivate people in sharing their knowledge and that not all types of knowledge can be shared using IT.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are limited to the respondents' perceptions of how knowledge is shared in large construction organizations. By encouraging the participation of a larger number of construction companies, a higher confidence level can be achieved for the responses.Practical implicationsKnowledge sharing is one of the key processes in KM and, as such, understanding the perceptions of how knowledge is shared in large construction organizations is very important in their implementation of KM.Originality/valueVery few studies have been conducted in the USA on the perceptions of management level employees about knowledge sharing in large construction organizations. The study is an important first step in collecting such data.
Ontology‐based information and knowledge management in construction
Authors: Anumba Chimay J. , Issa Raja R.A. , Pan Jiayi , Mutis Ivan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThere is an increasing recognition of the value of effective information and knowledge management (KM) in the construction project delivery process. Many architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organisations have invested heavily in information technology and KM systems that help in this regard. While these have been largely successful in supporting intra‐organisational business processes, interoperability problems still persist at the project organisation level due to the heterogeneity of the systems used by the different organisations involved. Ontologies are seen as an important means of addressing these problems. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of ontologies in the construction project delivery process, particularly with respect to information and KM.Design/methodology/approachA detailed technical review of the fundamental concepts and related work has been undertaken, with examples and case studies of ontology‐based information and KM presented to illustrate the key concepts. The specific issues and technical difficulties in the design and construction context are highlighted, and the approaches adopted in two ontology‐based applications for the AEC sector are presented.FindingsThe paper concludes that there is considerable merit in ontology‐based approaches to information and KM, but that significant technical challenges remain. Middleware applications, such as semantic web‐based information management system, are contributing in this regard but more needs to be done particularly on integrating or merging ontologies.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the detailed exploration of ontology‐based information and KM within a design and construction context, and the use of appropriate examples and applications to illustrate the key issues.
The impact of office layout on productivity
Authors: Haynes Barry P. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact office layout has on office occupiers' productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper evaluates the literature that claims to make a linkage between the office layout and the effect on office occupiers' productivity. Two main themes are developed. First, the literature that links office layout to work patterns is evaluated, and second, the open‐plan office vs cellular office debate is developed.FindingsThe review of the literature reveals that the connection between the three major components of office layout, office occupiers' work patterns and productivity is not clearly established.Originality/valueThe paper establishes that there is a requirement to link together office layout to the work patterns of office occupiers. It is only when the connection is made between the office layout and the office occupiers' work patterns that productivity gains can be achieved. To support the different work patterns undertaken, the facilities manager can create office environments that consist of a balance between private space and communal shared space. The amount of balance will be very much dependent on the mix of the work patterns in the office.
On the performance evaluation of sustainable student housing facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a post‐occupancy evaluation of the major technical and functional elements of performance on a type of student housing facilities at the campus of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses published literature to review knowledge areas pertaining to technical and functional performance requirement elements in student housing facilities. Past maintenance work orders for the building were evaluated and analysed for the purpose of identifying frequent and major areas of complaints and discomfort to the occupants. A user satisfaction survey was developed to obtain the students' indicative feedback on their experience with the 48 identified performance elements.FindingsThe findings of the survey were analysed and reported to describe the degree of satisfaction with the identified performance elements. The paper examined the extent to which various success factors in the student housing facility had been realised.Originality/valueA post‐occupancy evaluation can provide valuable feedback to planners, design professionals, housing administrators and facility managers involved in the planning, design and operation of student housing facilities. Post‐occupancy evaluation can assist in continually improving the quality and performance of the student housing facilities they design, construct, operate and maintain.