bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using UN information resources: a guide for general reference librarians in academic settings
Authors: Griffiths David N. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help reference librarians in academic institutions to more effectively use UN information resources to meet users' needs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper outlines the United Nations' structure, addresses the effects of misconceptions regarding the organization's boundaries, describes the categories of UN information resources and their most useful content, identifies and evaluates the most important reference tools by or about the UN, and casts light on little‐known obstacles to intellectual access in the UN information environment.FindingsAccess to UN information is often hindered by the idiosyncrasies of UN documents and their records, misconceptions about the United Nations' relationships with other organizations, and a lack of in‐depth information about UN reference sources. The effects of these problems can be ameliorated, however, through the information, techniques, and strategies presented here.Originality/valueThis article identifies and evaluates the UN reference sources of greatest use to general reference librarians. This is the first publication to demonstrate how indexing policies and common characteristics of UN documents impede access to UN information and to show how these barriers can be circumvented.
Impact of prior content and meta‐cognitive knowledge on students' performance in an introductory accounting course
Authors: Mei Tan Lin , Laswad Fawzi 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of five factors, reflecting students' diversity in prior content and metacognitive knowledge, on students' academic performance in the introductory accounting course.Design/methodology/approachBased on a conceptual framework of prior knowledge, five factors are hypothesised to have an impact on students' performance. They are: prior accounting knowledge, age, gender, intended academic major, and first language. A self‐administered questionnaire is completed by students enrolled in the compulsory introductory accounting course at a large multi‐campus NZ university. Multivariate analysis is carried out to test the research hypotheses and the predictive ability of the five independent variables on students' performance.FindingsConsistent with the educational psychology literature, prior content knowledge has a significant impact. Students' metacognitive knowledge, which differs according to their language and gender, also has a significant effect on students' performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe low R2 in the regression model suggests that, although some of the study variables are significant, a high proportion of variation in academic performance remains unexplained by the model. The results may also not be representative of student population in general as information is elicited from students from one particular university. Future research could extend the sample to more than one tertiary institution and consider the effect of other potential variables such as students' intrinsic motivation and learning strategies.Originality/valueUnlike many prior studies which lacked a theoretical framework to support their research, this study proposes a conceptual framework drawn from the education psychology literature for examining students' performance in the introductory accounting course.
Fundaments of trust management in the development of virtual communities
Authors: Casaló Luis V. , Flavián Carlos , Guinalíu Miguel 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe importance of virtual communities is growing day by day, since consumers are increasingly using online tools to share ideas and contact fellow consumers. For this reason, the purpose of this paper, which is based on relational capital theory, is to analyze what factors determine the consumer commitment to a virtual community.Design/methodology/approachA positive effect of trust in a virtual community on commitment to the community is suggested. In addition, some antecedents of trust placed in a virtual community are proposed. After the validations of measurement scales the hypotheses are contrasted through structural modelling.FindingsThe data show that trust placed in a virtual community has a positive and significant effect on consumers' commitment to that virtual community. Additionally, a general disposition to trust, a greater familiarity with the community and a stronger norm of reciprocity in communication in the community may increase the level of trust placed in a virtual community.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected thanks to a web survey using Spanish‐speaking members of free software virtual communities. Thus, it would be interesting to carry out a new validation of the model using other types of virtual communities and a wider sample of consumers, particularly in terms of different nationalities.Practical implicationsThis study has shown how managers may foster trust and commitment toward a virtual community in order to ensure the community's success and survival in the long term; that is, the ongoing participation in the community.Originality/valueMost of the works that are focused on virtual communities have been conducted at the conceptual level. Thus, with the aim of progressing this topic, the study analyzes empirically the precursors of trust and commitment to a virtual community.
Factors influencing Irish consumers' trust in internet shopping
Authors: Connolly Regina , Bannister Frank 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a study in which a previously validated measurement instrument is used to investigate the existence and importance of specific factors that are thought to predict the generation of consumer trust in internet shopping in Ireland.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 858 individuals was surveyed using a previously validated measurement instrument that focused on a number of key constructs identified in the literature as potential trust predictors.FindingsThe study results provide evidence that Irish consumers' trust in internet shopping is the result of specific factors, the first of which relates to the vendor's perceived integrity, and the second of which relates to the vendor's perceived competence. The former encompasses social antecedents of trust, while the latter encompasses the technical antecedents of trust.Originality/valueThe insights provided by this research make a valuable contribution not only to information systems research, but also to the overall body of marketing, trust and diffusion research. The findings of this research are of potential benefit to online vendors of all types who seek to engender consumer trust in their web sites.
Intellectual capital: a user's perspective
Authors: Petty Richard , Ricceri Federica , Guthrie James 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an empirical account of how a group of financial professionals uses intellectual capital (IC) information, and the value that the group imputes to IC reporting. The paper also aims to understand the group's ability to privately access information that might help them determine the value of a company's IC in support of their decision‐making.Design/methodology/approachSurvey administered to a group of financial professionals in Hong Kong.FindingsRespondents would like companies to be more transparent and provide more information on their IC. Respondents believe that greater IC disclosure would be rewarded with an increase in the company's share price – even though few respondents thought that they would pay more themselves for enhanced disclosure. Further, most respondents seem to be currently addressing their IC information needs through private information channels, and rate the publicly provided information as poorly suited to their needs.Practical implicationsGreater regulatory control may be needed to ensure that information being communicated privately also enters the public domain in a timely fashion. It is also suggested that making market participants more aware of the positive effects of voluntary disclosure on stock prices may lead to an increase in voluntary disclosure.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence on the value relevance of IC information from a user's perspective.
A LIS collaboratory to bridge the research‐practice gap
Authors: Ponti Marisa 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the notion of a collaboratory as a virtual learning community and discuss its significance to support collaboration between library and information science (LIS) researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThe LIS literature describes various forms of inter‐institutional collaboration involving librarians and information professionals, but there is an apparent lack of documented cases of collaboratories involving LIS practitioners and researchers. The paper draws from the literature about collaboratories in the fields of social informatics and information systems and describes the notion of collaboratory, its characteristics and main functions.FindingsIt is argued that a LIS collaboratory in the form of a virtual learning community has the potential to provide researchers and practitioners the opportunity to bring in and integrate their respective knowledge, expertise and connections, as well as expand participation of practitioners in research projects. Another claim is that this virtual learning community may fill a critical niche for small institutions as LIS schools and practitioners, and give them the opportunity to choose and work together on relevant research projects. While the prospect of LIS collaboratory looks promising, the challenges to building one need not be overlooked, in particular working at distance and crossing institutional boundaries. More research is needed on the socio‐organizational issues that can influence collaboration between LIS researchers and practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsThe discussion is based on the author's review of the literature and observations.Originality/valueThe notion of collaboratory is still new to the LIS field. This paper offers the opportunity to trigger a new discussion on collaboration between researchers and practitioners and the potential of collaboratories to support new forms of collaboration.
Transforming library and higher education support services: can change models help?
Authors: Sidorko Peter Edward 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse an organisational change process that sought to integrate library and other educational support services in an Australian university.Design/methodology/approachThe article assesses the organisational change processes using John Kotter's eight step approach as outlined in his book Leading Change.FindingsWhile the change processes enjoyed varying degrees of success, it is revealed that several of the techniques recommended by Kotter in his eight steps were adopted, but that the process did not fully utilise the entire eight step process. Questions surrounding the suitability of organisational change models are also raised.Research limitations/implicationsThe successful outcomes from the change processes owe credit to Kotter's model for organisational change. While models for change may have certain limitations, they are still revealed as useful in the hands of a skilful leader.Practical implicationsKotter's eight step model is reviewed in the context of a library change processes. Further analysis of the application of Kotter's model to library change processes may reveal different outcomes.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique perspective of applying a recognised model for organisational change to library change processes utilising a combination of theory and practice.
Integrating the Kano model, AHP and planning matrix
Authors: Bayraktaroğlu Gül , Özgen Özge 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to analyze the user (as a customer of the library) requirements related to library services by using service‐based quality function deployment (QFD) and employ QFD to identify visible marketing strategies in a service sector.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, QFD is applied to central library services of Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) in Izmir, Turkey. Basically, the methodology used in this study integrates the Kano model, AHP and planning matrix of house of quality. First, a focus group study is held to find out the requirements of university students for the university library that are then classified using the Kano model. The requirement categories are ranked with respect to their relative importance using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). In the last step, all findings are transferred to the planning matrix and strategies for DEU Central Library are developed.FindingsThe paper reveals marketing strategies for a non‐profit organization, a state university library, and helps the library find out its competitive position.Research limitations/implicationsUser requirements are determined through focus group studies held with undergraduate students. Other library users like academicians, external users, university staff and graduate students are ignored. Consideration of all possible user categories will give a whole picture of the requirements and their importance. In addition, a fair number of requirements limited the application of AHP only to the primary requirement categories.Practical implicationsThe strategic importance of requirements was identified more precisely and service elements were allocated more effectively.Originality/valueThis study investigates the user requirements for library services in depth. It attempts to integrate AHP, Kano and QFD methods in library services for the first time to find out the most strategically important requirements. Therefore, it sheds light to library managers how to allocate their budget, arrange their services and develop their marketing strategies.
Book acquisition practices in Nigerian university libraries: challenges and prospects
Authors: Ajidahun C.O. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis study aims to investigate and examine the acquisition practices in the Nigerian University Libraries.Design/methodology/approachA total of 42 copies of a questionnaire entitled: “Collection Development in University Libraries Questionnaire” were mailed to all the 42 state and federal university libraries in Nigeria excluding the private university libraries. Only 18 university libraries returned their questionnaires that were used for the study.FindingsResults show that acquisition of books in Nigerian university libraries is done mostly through purchase. In addition, Nigerian university libraries patronize the British‐based multinational publishers more than the local booksellers for their acquisitions. The study further shows that payments made to book vendors in Nigeria are taxed by Nigerian universities.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful suggestions that can enhance the acquisition practices in Nigerian university libraries.
Operations management research in the automotive sector
Authors: Taylor Margaret , Taylor Andrew 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to take a fresh look at some of the contemporary operations management (OM) research issues in the automotive sector in order to identify potential future research directions. It addresses the question of what remains to be investigated after so many decades of enquiry.Design/methodology/approachA review confined to recent articles published in some of the most mainstream OM journals, seeking to identify research gaps in the field.FindingsThe paper reviews some of the most prevalent misperceptions about Japanese production management (JPM) and the Toyota production system. It observes that much of contemporary OM research in the automotive industry still wrestles with the complexities of JPM approaches, whose richness of nuance and complexity appear to be always just beyond the authors' grasp. Argues for the use of alternative theoretical lenses to help uncover novel insights.Originality/valueThe paper reaffirms the author's overarching research mission which is to contribute to the improved practice of OM by conducting rigorous research in the field. It underscores the need for novel approaches to OM research in the automotive sector. This is particularly apposite at a time when the differences between production systems seem to be disappearing and when some recent empirical evidence suggests that lean management may only be skin deep in many companies which rely too heavily on consultants to the detriment of depth of knowledge and employee involvement.
Transferring Japanesekaizenactivities to overseas plants in China
Authors: Aoki Katsuki 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine management practices in transferring Japanesekaizenactivities to overseas plants. The aim is to provide a greater understanding of organisational capabilities that facilitate an incremental organisation‐wide innovation.Design/methodology/approachCase studies of nine medium‐ and large‐sized Japanese auto‐parts overseas plants in China were conducted. The data were analysed by comparing the successful cases of management practices concerning the transfer of Japanesekaizenactivities to overseas plants with unsuccessful ones. Based on the assumption that learning is situated in the context, the concept of communities of practice promoted by Wenger is used as the analytical framework of this study.FindingsThe results of the comparative analysis show some common characteristics of management practices in successful cases: they actively used team‐based rather than individual‐based suggestion schemes; they had human resource practices that emphasised the importance of having workers who could do more than one job and long‐term employment; and the managers of successful cases conducted shop floor visits to check the work processes every day.Originality/valueThis study suggests the necessity for the researchers and practitioners ofkaizento consider a healthy balance between three types of organisational capabilities that encourage workers' self‐initiative, facilitate cross‐functional communication, and discipline workers.
A systems perspective on the death of a car company
Authors: Oliver Nick , Holweg Matthias , Carver Mike 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to understand how large and apparently successful organizations enter spirals of decline that are very difficult to reverse. The paper examines the case of Rover, once one of the largest car producers in the world, which collapsed in 2005. An analysis of strategic and operational choices made over a period of 40 years investigates the reasons for, and consequences of, a growing mismatch between the context faced by the company (industry dynamics, market conditions) and its operational capabilities, a mismatch that ultimately brought about the company's demise.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on interviews with 32 people, including senior managers (including four chief executives), government ministers and union officials who were key decision makers within, or close to, the company during the period 1968 and 2005. Secondary sources and documentary evidence (e.g. production and sales data) are used to build up a historical picture of the company and to depict its deteriorating financial and market position from 1968 onwards.FindingsThe company was formed from a multitude of previously independent firms as part of a government‐sponsored agenda to build a UK National Champion in the car industry. The merged company failed due to several factors including poor product development processes, poor manufacturing performance, difficult labour relations, a very wide product portfolio and a lack of financial control. Although strenuous efforts were made to address those issues, including periods of whole or part ownership by British Aerospace, Honda and BMW, the company's position deteriorated until eventually production volumes were too low for viable operation.Practical implicationsThe case of Rover highlights the importance of what has been termed “the management unit” in complex systems. The management unit comprises processes and routines to deal with challenges such as managing product portfolios, connecting strategic and operational choices, and scanning and responding to the environment. In the case of Rover, a number of factors taken together generated excessive load on a management unit frequently operating under conditions of resource scarcity. We conclude that viewing corporate failure from a systems perspective, rather than in terms of shortcomings in specific subsystems, such as manufacturing or product development, yields insights often absent in the operations management literature.Originality/valueThe paper is of value by showing corporate failure from a systems perspective, rather than in terms of shortcomings in specific subsystems, such as manufacturing or product development; and yields insights often absent in the operations management literature. The Rover case featured in the paper demonstrates the usefulness of systems ideas to understanding at least some types of failure, not as an alterative to capability‐based approaches, but in addition to them.
Increasing returns in the aggregate: fact or fiction?
Authors: Johanna Perälä Maiju 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether empirical evidence for scale economies can be found across countries and if so, whether this evidence varies across the stage of development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses statistical methods to make comparisons between countries.FindingsThe empirical results suggest overall evidence towards aggregate increasing returns across all samples. Within the Cobb‐Douglas framework, stronger evidence for aggregate increasing returns is found among samples depicting economies in the early stages of development. The CES framework in turn supports aggregate scale economies for advanced economies, while unitary elasticity of substitution cannot be rejected for less developed economies, giving further support for the Cobb‐Douglas estimates.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that evidence for scale economies is found within different estimation frameworks for different groups of economies, comparative judgment is prevented. The results nevertheless provide evidence on the overall relevance of scale economies within and across groups of economies, while also giving a clear indication of the relevance of stage of development in economic growth and development analysis.Originality/valueThe most fundamental insight of the empirical results presented in this paper is that there is no reason to assume that the determinants of growth or the parameters guiding economies' adjustments towards their steady states or growth paths will be similar for economies at different stages of development, given their significant structural differences, whether in terms of production structures and characteristics or consumption patterns.