bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A portal to student learning: what instruction librarians can learn from video game design
Authors: Schiller Nicholas 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to present a methodology for analyzing the pedagogical content of video games and to present the findings of one such analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe pedagogical analysis presented here consists of three parts – an introduction to the new media of video games, a method for analyzing video games, and lastly, the results of analyzing the pedagogical content of the video game Portal.FindingsThe analysis uncovered significant pedagogical content and useful methodologies used in the design of the video game Portal.Practical implicationsThe pedagogies and design methods used in the game Portal can help librarians engage and educate students of the gaming generation in information literacy tasks.Originality/valueThis paper provides a model for pedagogical analysis of the video game medium and practical techniques taken from an excellent representative of that medium.
This is jeopardy! An exciting approach to learning in library instruction
Authors: Walker Billie E. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the usefulness of a library version of the popular television show Jeopardy as an active learning technique for library instruction.Design/methodology/approachThe review considers the effectiveness of Library Jeopardy as an active learning technique in one‐shot library instruction.FindingsThe benefits arising from the use of Library Jeopardy in the classroom are: it motivates students to actively participate in class and assume more responsibility for learning; it reinforces students' learning of information literacy concepts previously taught, and it adds variety to class sessions by providing a fun environment for instructor and students alike.Practical implicationsThe focus on a game such as Library Jeopardy demonstrates that instruction librarians can reap the benefits of using this active learning technique as an additional mode of instruction.Originality/valueThis paper aids the discussion that educational games can be used as an active learning technique in library instruction.
The librarian's role in motivating language learners: tales from an Eastern Washington college town
Authors: Reznowski Gabriella 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the benefits of contact between the language librarian and a first year language class at Washington State University, for the purpose of promoting library resources to inform language learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses sociolinguistic research as it applies to motivating language learners, and promoting materials for language acquisition. By keeping abreast of sociolinguistic literature, librarians can choose the best approach for supporting, motivating, and scaffolding first year language learners through both library instruction and library collections.FindingsThe experience described provides a strategy for making contact with teaching faculty, promoting library materials, and the tips for planning and delivering a library instruction session on language materials to a first year language class.Practical implicationsThis approach can be particularly valuable for librarians who wish to initiate contact with language students in the early years of instruction, both to familiarize them with the library and its resources, and to support and encourage their language learning activities.Originality/valueThis paper describes a powerful approach to connecting with a population of students who traditionally do not have contact with the library until they are in their third year of language study.
Values: the invisible “ante” in information literacy learning?
Authors: Harris Benjamin R. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe ACRL Competency Standards related to learners' values and value systems has not been interrogated in relation to information literacy theory or practice. This paper aims to analyze the inclusion of values in these and other guidelines and seeks evidence of the development of this topic in the literature.Design/methodology/approachA comparative review of information literacy standards related to values/value systems was conducted. An analysis of the literature engaging issues related to personal or community values related to information was completed. Suggestions for continued work were based on these findings.FindingsCompetency standards related to values/value systems are out of place in guidelines designed to assist in the assessment of information literacy instruction. Instead, it is more likely that information literacy development is a form of values education.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to locate specific personal and community values related to information literacy. This research should begin with information‐related values of student communities, professional organizations and other groups.Practical implicationsReaders will develop a greater understanding of professional and personal values in relation to information literacy and the standards designed to help librarians and others.Originality/valueThis paper establishes a basis for a comparative analysis of information literacy standards drafted by different groups. The discussion on the place and purpose of values‐related objectives in the 2000 ACRL Competency Standards and a review of the literature on this topic are unique to this paper.
Investigating the efficacy of embedment: experiments in information literacy integration
Authors: Bowler Meagan , Street Kori 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to present the findings of a series of experiments in embedding a librarian at a variety of levels into the undergraduate classroom. This study aimed to determine whether different levels of librarian embedment correlated with improvement in undergraduate students' information literacy (IL) skills.Design/methodology/approachStudents from five undergraduate History courses and two undergraduate Women's Studies courses participated in the study. A librarian was embedded in each of the courses, at a variety of levels across courses. All student assignments were graded using a standardized rubric. Students' IL skills were assessed using the research component of the rubric, which measured their ability to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and incorporate sources into their assignments. Students' research and overall scores on their initial problem‐based learning (PBL) assignments and written assignments were compared to their final assignment scores in order to assess improvement over the course of the term.FindingsThere was significant improvement in students' scores when a librarian was conspicuously and obviously embedded in the academic classroom. Students' scores showed little improvement when the librarian was embedded but not explicitly identified as a specialist in information literacy, and when the researchers attempted to embed information literacy seamlessly in the classroom.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted only in courses in the Humanities.Practical implicationsThis study suggests that students' IL skills improve most when IL is identified in the classroom as a specialized subject taught by a highly trained specialist. The methodology used may be useful for others studying the impact of IL instruction.Originality/valueAlthough embedding has been studied and reported on in the literature in a variety of contexts, the study of different levels of embedding, quantified using the same rubric is unique.
China, business and sustainability: understanding the strategic convergence
Authors: Park Jacob 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that, despite the attention given to China's rising importance in the international marketplace, there has not been a corresponding attention given to the sustainability dimensions i.e. social and environmental dimensions of this economic development trajectory. Specifically, what type of business strategy can and will best serve the economic, environmental and social needs of China, and what role if any can the private sector play facilitating the development of such a strategy?Design/methodology/approachThe paper first examines the evolving relationship between business and sustainable development. Second, the sustainability challenge within the regional context in the Asia‐Pacific region is outlined. Third, the sustainability challenges posed by China's rise in the global economy are analyzed and the impacts of these challenges on current and future business strategies examined. Findings.– In order to fully understand the strategic convergence between China, business and sustainability concerns, it is important to understand the evolving relationship between business and sustainable development as well as the sustainability challenge within the regional context in the Asia‐Pacific region, and assess the impacts of these issues on current and future business strategies in China.Research limitations/implicationsThe next step for research will be to explore if the new sustainable business models can be designed and implemented which are suitable to the market reality of China's economy.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is to seek new ideas for business strategy and new venture creation that incorporates a triple bottom line (economic, environment and social) perspective.
An empirical evidence of small business financing in China
Authors: Wu Junjie , Song Jining , Zeng Catherine 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide empirical quantitative evidence concerning small business financing in China and highlight the financing problems faced by small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing their businesses.Design/methodology/approachA semi‐structured questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from a sample of 60 small businesses in three cities in China. Descriptive methods and the SPSS statistical software package were used to analyse the data and interpret the results.FindingsThe data gathered covered current topic in research including the capital structure of SMEs at start‐up, the types and extent of funding shortage, the preference of financial resources as SMEs grow, the significant factors, which help SMEs secure bank loans and the influence of a firm's size, age and the like. The findings generally support financial theories and previous studies about SMEs but also offer the basis for new arguments about financing SMEs in China.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size is relatively small and statistical analysis is relatively straightforward.Practical implicationThe present study will be of interest to policy makers developing new strategies and policies to support the financing of SMEs in China.Originality/valueThe results from this study contribute to the understanding of current problems in financing Chinese small business enterprises. These include findings, which were not presented in other similar studies.
Never the same after the first time: the satisfaction of the second‐generation self‐employed
Authors: Clark Andrew , Colombier Nathalie , Masclet David 
Published: November 2008

PurposeIt is known that the self‐employed are generally more satisfied than salaried workers. The aim of this paper is to test whether this phenomenon is particularly found for the first‐generation self‐employed.Design/methodology/approachFrench and British panel data are analysed, which include information on various measures of job satisfaction, and the respondent's parents' occupation. Job satisfaction regressions were run in which the first‐ and second‐generation self‐employed were distinguished between.FindingsThe study finds that first‐generation self‐employed (those whose parents were not self‐employed) are more satisfied overall than are the second‐generation self‐employed. The findings are consistent between the British and French data.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the results are the same in the two countries considered, further validation work should extend the analysis across countries. While the authors are fairly sure that the second‐generation self‐employed do worse, they cannot precisely distinguish between comparison to one's parents, constrained occupational choice, and selection effects due to lower barriers to self‐employment entry.Originality/valueThe authors believe that this is one of the first papers to distinguish between types of self‐employed in terms of their higher satisfaction. The finding that parents' labour force status continues to have a significant impact on their children's job satisfaction argues for a more systematic consideration of intergenerational factors in the analysis of labour markets.
Unemployment and life satisfaction: a non‐linear adaptation process
Authors: Georgellis Yannis , Gregoriou Andros , Healy Jerome , Tsitsianis Nikolaos 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to model the dynamic path of adjustment towards pre‐unemployment levels of wellbeing for a group of full‐time workers who experienced job loss.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from the German Socio‐economic Panel, a large‐scale panel survey, the paper captures the non‐linear nature of the adaptation process by using an Exponential Smooth Transition Autoregressive (ESTAR) model.FindingsThe study finds that adaptation takes place in a non‐linear fashion, with the speed of adjustment being higher for high earners, those with high pre‐unemployment levels of life satisfaction and those who were most satisfied with their jobs before becoming unemployed. It also finds that most of the adaptation takes place during the first year of unemployment, with adaptation speeds decreasing with unemployment duration, suggestive of possible habituation effects being present.Originality/valueThis is the first study to model the dynamic path of adjustment towards pre‐unemployment wellbeing levels as a non‐linear process. Despite the challenge posed by adaptation theory and the recent interest in the wellbeing effects of job loss, there is only sparse empirical evidence on the dynamics of the adaptation to unemployment process.
Implementing strategic initiatives: a framework of leading practices
Authors: Saunders Max , Mann Robin , Smith Robin 
Published: November 2008

PurposeRecent operations management research suggests that adopting and implementing the right practices are essential to attaining “world‐class” performance. The purpose of this paper is to report the leading operations management practices and the strategy deployment framework that emerged from a qualitative study that addressed the question of how managers implement strategy in an organisational excellence environment.Design/methodology/approachGroup work with managers responsible for implementing strategic initiatives was followed by case studies of seven organisations via in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. A survey questionnaire strengthened the validity of the constructs of strategy deployment that were identified in the case analyses.FindingsIn total, seven strategy deployment constructs were identified and linkages between them are described. The 50 leading deployment practices indicate a mix of hard and soft management skills applied across the seven constructs.Practical implicationsThe leading deployment practices have the potential to raise the performance of organisations by improving the implementation of strategic initiatives. The framework is relevant to the deployment of both corporate and business unit strategy such as manufacturing or operations, and should be of interest to managers in these areas.Originality/valueResearchers have noted for more than a decade that no generally accepted framework of operations management practices has emerged for strategy implementation. Most strategy studies have focused on strategy formulation, content, or on project/programme management. There have been few multiple case studies of leading strategy deployment practices in diverse organisations from both private and public sectors.
Assessing leadership in a Chinese company: a case study
Authors: Conte Vincent A. , Novello Daniel 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the key problems encountered when Western‐trained consultants evaluate leaders in China using a toolkit and consulting process derived from Anglo‐American leadership theory and HR consulting practice.Design/methodology/approachA composite case example from the authors' recent consulting experience illustrates a model assessment process and toolkit tailored to the Chinese business, social and cultural environment.FindingsCultural and situational differences, require special consideration when assessing Chinese leaders. Assessments and feedback should be tailored to the “traditionalism” of the team being assessed.Practical implicationsThe paper presents practical guidelines and insights into selecting appropriate assessment tools and structuring the process for China‐based clients.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights into the tools and process required to deliver accurate and leadership assessment in China.
Innovation in research and development: tool of strategic growth
Authors: Holtzman Yair 
Published: November 2008

PurposeTo describe research and development (R&D) as a tool of strategic growth. The world's top performing companies share a common characteristic: their superior ability to develop and introduce new products faster and cheaper than their competitors. As a matter of fact, effective product innovation is the key to growth, even survival, for almost any business.Design/methodology/approachThe author discusses how innovation in R&D could serve as a differentiating strategic business tool. The paper is based upon the authors 15 years of experience in the area of R&D and new product development. The paper is very creative in two respects. First, it looks at strategic R&D as the differentiating strategic “weapon” companies can use to separate themselves from the competition. Second, it uses many of the manufacturing, operations management tools and methodologies and applies these to innovation in R&D. The paper discusses methods to optimize a company's R&D efforts.FindingsThe executives emphasized the importance and criticality of organic growth and innovation as a major business concern and opportunity for their companies' future success. While strategies including acquisitions and continuous process improvement have proven successful but very difficult to sustain, expensive and risky to integrate, “Innovation, and innovation in research and development” in particular, can provide the advantage that world class organizations need to create the sustainable growth year after year. Innovation in R&D can be a strategic weapon in which top companies employ definable strategies and practices to catalyze high levels of organic growth, support above average margins even in mature businesses, and separate themselves from the competition.Originality/valueThis paper is a very interesting read for high‐level managers and executives interested in the field of R&D and new product development.
The business strategy/corporate social responsibility “mash‐up”
Authors: McManus Tom 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the “mash‐up” of business strategy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In popular music, a mash‐up is a file of digitally combined musical sources. Song A is played simultaneously with Song B, and in various other combinations. There are often elements of dissonance, and even cacophony, to the form – but the sum of the parts often surpasses the originals. CSR is a management innovation like the idea of business strategy itself. Each is also a metaphor representing alternative visions and approaches to corporate value creation. Business strategists are talking, writing, and meeting about CSR, and CSR is increasingly intersecting, integrating, converging, with business strategy. The trend is described within as a “mash‐up”. But what is the significance of this trend? How serious should companies be about it? Is CSR going to become a part of standard business theory and practice? How long will it take? What should organizations do to respond and participate?Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines two propositions. First, that CSR is more than a set of ideas and processes; it is a metaphor for a different approach to business. Second, CSR is a management innovation like strategic planning itself. The paper concludes that the impact the two ideas will have on each other and society is fundamentally unpredictable, but it is likely that eventually the current CSR mania will subside and disillusionment will set in.FindingsCSR is a highly significant trend, and well‐managed companies are already taking it very seriously. CSR may become a part of standard business theory and practice, but not without evolving through adoption patterns that will necessarily involve some disillusionment. Leaders will guide their company through this period by focusing on how to make CSR “real” for their organization by embracing the business strategy/CSR mash‐up and driving growth and innovation within the new parameters.Originality/valueFamiliarizes business strategists with CSR and CSR practitioners with points of connection and overlap with business strategy.
Bam earthquake reconstruction assessment
Authors: Fallahi Alireza 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that cultural heritage is very important in fostering a quality of life with value and pride in all civilizations. It comes together with an historic message and information that the cultural materials transmit from the past to the present and the future. Therefore, the protection of world cultural heritage from natural and man‐made disasters has been a focus both nationally and internationally for the last 50 years. There are a number of examples which indicate the extent of the irreplaceable destruction of heritage by natural disasters, such as Arg‐e Bam.Design/methodology/approachNow more than four years after the disaster this paper analyses the extent to which such opportunities were capitalized upon and proposes strategies and recommendations for future risk preparedness planning in Bam. Similar to most disasters, the 2003 Bam earthquake presented windows of opportunity for disaster mitigation, risk preparedness, physical planning, and socio‐economic and cultural developments. The earthquake damaged a significant part of the historical areas of the city and created an opportunity for developing a resilient community that could be used as a model city for other parts of the country.FindingsThe study finds that the earthquake provided an opportunity for further development and growth of the city's unique and internationally known date production through more publicity, renovation of the old irrigation systems, and expansion of its related industries. The Bam disaster created new opportunities for the city's exceptional cultural heritage and further developments in tourism. The city could also use this disaster to reshape its physical planning and development by introducing new planning ideas and innovations.Originality/valueThe Bam disaster created new opportunities for the city's exceptional cultural heritage and further developments in tourism. The city could also use this disaster to reshape its physical planning and development by introducing new planning ideas and innovations.