bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wear behaviour investigation of wheel/rail interface in water lubrication and dry friction
Authors: Ozsarac Ugur , Aslanlar Salim 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe aim of this study is to calculate the coefficient of friction of wheel/rail interface in both water lubrication and dry friction conditions.Design/methodology/approachSpecimens taken from wheel and rail used in railway transport were exposed to pin‐on‐disc wear testing with 10, 20, 30 and 40 N loads. The disc took the place of the rail and the pin that of the wheel in wear tests, and rain water was fed to the disc/pin interface with a three drops/min speed in wet friction conditions. The coefficient of friction and weight loss values of specimens were determined and types of wear mechanism were characterized.FindingsIt was observed that the friction coefficient decreased in wet sliding experiments, so smaller values were calculated in wet friction conditions than those of dry friction conditions for wheel specimens. However, this decrease was more drastic for rail specimens. Weight and volumetric loss values of rail materials were lower than those of wheel samples.Originality/valueThis study investigates the wet and dry sliding wear characteristics of train wheel‐rail materials.
The street team: An unconventional peer program for undergraduates
Authors: Smith Michael M. , Reynolds Leslie J. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a program being developed by the Texas A&M University business librarians to employ a street team construct to promote the resources and services of the Texas A&M University's West Campus Business Library and to leverage the importance of “peer relationship” so evident in today's university student.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a descriptive analysis of the program.FindingsThis unique marketing program seeks to increase the awareness of Texas A&M University business students to the resources and services of the West Campus Business Library. By tapping into the youthful energy of these very students, the program proposes to utilize cutting edge cultural and social trends that are aimed to improve communications with its most important customers.Practical implicationsThe program seeks to improve communication with students at an extremely low cost.Originality/valueDiscussion includes the rationale for adopting the guerilla marketing technique of street teams, the program planning process, and a discussion of assessment strategies.
Facilitating employee creativity in the library environment
Authors: Castiglione James 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide library administrators, library researchers and practitioners with an in‐depth review of the conceptual and practical tools required to engage the creative potential of their staff members.Design /methodology/approachThe paper reviews the important concepts involving employee creativity and its successful management in the organizational setting. This is accomplished by reviewing the relevant literature assembled from the social, psychological, management, organizational and library sciences.FindingsIntrinsic motivation is the primary driver of individual creativity and drives organizational learning, transformation and innovation. Library administrators are directly responsible for creating and sustaining an organizational culture that facilitates the intrinsic‐motivation of all library staff members. Organizational democracy and employee participation may increase and sustain intrinsic‐motivation while coercive management behaviors tend to reduce this vital catalyst.Research limitations/implicationsThe preponderance of the literature consulted for this article was assembled from sources outside the field of library management. Therefore, library administrators who would use this information to enhance the creative activities of their employees are cautioned to develop small pilot‐phase projects to gain practical experience with the concepts contained in this paper.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful review of the appropriate literature related to employee creativity. This paper is among the first to relate the concepts of intrinsic‐motivation, managerial style and creativity to organizational learning and transformation in the library environment.
Embracing change: evidence‐based management in action
Authors: Greenwood Helen , Cleeve Marigold 
Published: March 2008

PurposeIn recent years public libraries have increasingly been required to collect data for the assessment of their performance and to inform service developments. The purpose of this paper is to describe an initiative to promote an evidence‐based approach to library management in a UK county library service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a definition of evidence‐based librarianship and describes how a three‐year study put evidence‐based management (EBM) principles into practice, and the implications for the staff and service as a whole.FindingsAn evidence‐based approach to library management yields considerable benefits in terms of service delivery and staff attitudes to data handling. When staff understand the purpose and benefits of collecting data and have the skills to handle evidence, they are more inclined to take ownership of these processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to one public library authority in the UK. A key priority for future work is the exploration of how the experience gained in this initiative may be transferred to other library services and domains.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this work are widespread across the service. Staff at all levels seem to have greater awareness of the data collection process and how evidence can be used to inform decisions, both in the day‐to‐day running of the service and in the strategic planning process. The project culminated in the formulation of a performance management resource; a single point of reference for all staff involved in data handling and decision making.Originality/valueA practical study of evidence‐based librarianship has never before been undertaken on this scale in the UK.
Process management for library multimedia development service
Authors: Cordes Sean 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlights the complex issue of developing management processes for learner centered library media production service. The work provides a practical and theoretical perspective on management tools and systems for this emerging library service.Design/methodology/approachThe research was drawn from a body of peer reviewed literature covering theoretical and practical library and business management practices. The author tempered this knowledge with first‐hand development and implementation experience of formal process management tools for a student‐centered library multimedia production center.FindingsThe research offers a new theoretical perspective for viewing the emerging media rich, collaborative nature of library work. In addition, a diagramming strategy based on Human Interaction Theory is described. The tool can be used to foster the development of management processes in multimedia development centers and other library service units.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the multimedia production service, an emerging user service stemming from the idea of the library as collaborative workspace. Library information commons models have often combined technology and space.
Flexible work practices and the LIS sector: balancing the needs of work and life?
Authors: O'Brien Terry , Hayden Helen 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and analysis of current legislation and various schemes and practices that are available to employers and employees in relation to work life balance, family friendly work arrangements, leave entitlements and diverse modes of flexible work in Ireland. Focuses in particular on the Library and Information sector.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the concept of flexible working, followed by a review of relevant literature. Outlines what flexible work practices are, giving details of various types of flexible working, both statutory and non‐statutory (in Ireland). Then, discusses why flexible work practices have emerged and details background legislation and the issues that the introduction of flexible working raises. Draws conclusions about best practice in relation to the management of flexible work practices.FindingsIt is argued that commitment to work life balance is now firmly in the mainstream and is part of the political agenda in Ireland and the rest of the developed world. Flexibility in work practice is becoming an integral part of employment, particularly in public sector organisations, which are in effect, leading the way on this issue. Flexible work practices have many advantages for both employees and employers. They also create challenges, especially in terms of management. It is important to balance the requirements of the organisation with those of the employees. Key factors in the successful implementation of flexible working are training and communication.Originality/valueThe article provides a firm basis for further investigation and discussion.
Knowledge management for library strategic planning
Authors: Yi Zhixian 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine academic library director and graduate student perceptions of knowledge management for library strategic planning, including its definition and potential applications and benefits.Design/methodology/approachA multiple‐choice e‐mail survey was sent to 40 academic library directors and 19 graduate students of information and library science. Respondents were asked to define knowledge management for strategic planning and answer related questions on its potential applications and benefits. Respondents could also specify their own views on the subject.FindingsThere are minor differences in how library directors and graduate students define knowledge management. However, there is a disparity in how these two groups view potential applications and benefits of knowledge management for library strategic planning. Less than half of the directors (41.4 per cent) but the majority of students (77.8 per cent) believes that knowledge management is being applied to library strategic planning to create a portal for external information including links to library patron groups, research groups and publications. In addition, the majority of directors (75.8 per cent), but only half of the students (50.0 per cent) believe that knowledge management will improve the sharing of internal and external information.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of participants in this e‐mail survey is limited in both size and location. Future research should include more participants from a wider area and examine more concrete issues.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a useful overview of the perceptions of knowledge management, including its applications and potential benefits for library strategic planning.Originality/valueDiffering viewpoints between library directors and graduate students reflects the contrast between real‐world experience and academic applications. Acknowledging these differences is the first step toward ensuring that in the future, knowledge management is consistently and effectively applied to library strategic planning.
Growing transformational leaders: exploring the role of personality hardiness
Authors: Eid Jarle , Helge Johnsen Bjørn , Bartone Paul T. , Arne Nissestad Odd 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of personality hardiness in facilitating change or growth in transformational leadership of Norwegian Navy cadets following a stressful military training exercise.Design/methodology/approachLeadership styles were measured in cadets before and after an intensive leadership training exercise, and again six months later. Hardiness was measured near the end of the first academic year. Leader performance was measured with first year leader development grades.FindingsRepeated measures ANOVAS showed a sustained increase in transformational and transactional leadership following the exercise, and a decrease in the passive‐avoidant style (management by exception – passive and laissez‐faire).Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted with a relatively small group and findings may not generalize readily to other populations.Practical implicationsThese results suggest high hardy individuals have a greater readiness to make use of stressful training experiences as opportunities for developmental growth as leaders.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to explore the role of a key personality variable – hardiness – to facilitate positive benefit from a real‐world training experience designed to develop better leadership capabilities. Further, it is one of few studies to identify factors contributing to the growth transformational leadership style. A strength of the study is that it was conducted in the context of a real‐world leadership training activity.
Standardized work for executive leadership
Authors: Emiliani M.L. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe common errors made by business leaders as the foundation of a new approach for improving leadership capabilities and effectiveness. Introduces the concept and practice “standardized work” to the duties of executive‐level leadership.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilizes a qualitative approach coupled with deductive reasoning and empirical data from the management practitioner community.FindingsA practical framework for implementing standardized work can be created in relation to the strategic and day‐to‐day tasks of executive leadership by providing a new definition of leadership, a precise description of business principles, and a standard skill set for executives.Research limitations/implicationsThis proposal for applying standardized work to the role of executive leadership has not been validated in actual business conditions, though similar concepts have been in effect at some large corporations for decades, with varying degrees of success.Practical implicationsMany of the same types of errors are repeated over generations of leaders. Most of these errors can be eliminated if executive leadership will practice the proposed standardized work.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature and to leadership practice by introducing the concept “standardized work” to the duties of executive‐level leadership and providing a framework for its application that can aid in the long‐term success of organizations through generations of leaders.
Looking through the lens of leadership: a constructive developmental approach
Authors: Harris Lauren S. , Kuhnert Karl W. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between leadership development level (LDL) and leadership effectiveness utilizing 360‐degree feedback scores. Researchers examine raters' ability to recognize effective leadership practices using a constructive developmental framework.Design/methodology/approachThis approach is quantitative and involved data gathered from subject‐object CD interviews and 360‐degree feedback scores collected from individuals enrolled in an executive leadership development program.FindingsThe analysis revealed that LDL predicted leadership effectiveness using the 360‐degree feedback measure across a number of sources including superiors, subordinates, and peers. In addition, researchers reveal that individuals that lead from higher levels are more effective in a number of leadership competencies (e.g. Leading Change, Managing Performance, Creating a Compelling Vision, etc.). Finally, the research demonstrates that superiors and peers can predict leader effectiveness better than subordinates or oneself.Research limitations/implicationsImplications for integrating constructive developmental theory in both the research and practice of leader selection and development is discussed.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first studies to empirically demonstrate the link between leadership development level and leadership effectiveness using the constructive developmental framework.
Interrelating leadership behaviors, organizational socialization, and organizational culture
Authors: Taormina Robert J. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look into the theories regarding leadership, organizational culture, and organizational socialization and the theory that some aspects of socialization (e.g. employee enthusiasm for, or lack of, cooperation) can influence an organization's culture.Design/methodology/approachVia questionnaire, 166 employees from a variety of organizations evaluated their leaders and companies on all variables. Correlation and regression analyses were employed.FindingsCorrelations revealed leader behaviors to be more control‐oriented in bureaucratic culture; and more flexible‐oriented in innovative culture; but, contrary to expectations, more control‐oriented in supportive culture. Regressions confirmed these results and revealed that both leadership and socialization explained significant variance in all cultures. The leadership behaviors were also differentially associated with the socialization content domains, supporting most but refuting some aspects of organization theory.Research limitations/implicationsThe unexpected finding of highly control‐oriented leader behaviors in supportive culture suggests the need for more research in this area.Practical implicationsA need for more flexible leader behaviors in certain organizational cultures was found. Leadership behaviors needing development in regard to socialization were likewise revealed. Also found, were aspects of socialization content that need more management attention in all three types of organizational cultures examined.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical analysis of the interrelationships among the organizational socialization content areas, leadership behavior, and organizational culture.
Using positivity, transformational leadership and empowerment to combat employee negativity
Authors: Avey James B. , Hughes Larry W. , Norman Steven M. , Luthans Kyle W. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to hypothesize and test a conceptual model linking concepts of leadership and positive organizational behavior to a reduction in employee negativity, with empowerment as an important mediator in the causal relationships.Design/methodology/approachA heterogeneous sample of 341 working adults completed survey measures as two separate points in time. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate psychometric properties of instruments, and path analysis using structural equation modeling software was used to test hypotheses.FindingsAs hypothesized, both transformational leadership (β=0.27) and positive psychological capital (hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism) (β=0.61) were significantly related to feelings of empowerment. Empowerment was significantly related to intentions to quit (β=−0.38) but not employee cynicism. Empowerment also fully mediated the relationship between the independent variables and intentions to quit.Research limitations/implicationsA convenience sampling method limited the generalizability of results. Causal and longitudinal research designs would extend findings discussed here. Implications for management are significant in terms of countering employee negativity using leadership processes, employee selection and development.Originality/valueThis study offers the first conceptual model integrating emerging concepts from positive organizational behavior, in the form of positive psychological capacities, with validated leadership models (transformational leadership). Both were suggested to influence negative outcomes, with empowerment as an effective mediator of these relationships. Findings generally support the hypotheses advanced herein.
Goal interdependence and leader‐member relationship for cross‐cultural leadership in foreign ventures in China
Authors: Chen Yifeng Nancy , Tjosvold Dean 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to empirically examine the impact of goal interdependence and leader‐member relationship on cross‐cultural leadership in joint ventures in China.Design/methodology/approachThe research question is how to facilitate leader‐member relationships between foreign managers and Chinese employees in joint ventures in China. Two hypotheses were generated. This study applies the theory of cooperation and competition and the theory of LMX to develop responses to the research questions. Completed survey questionnaires were analyzed on a valid sample of 199.FindingsResults supported the theorizing that cooperative goals between managers and employees can strengthen their leader‐member relationships, which in turn facilitate cross‐cultural leadership. The results also extended this theorizing to cross‐cultural settings.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the theory of cooperation and competition and the theory of LMX were developed in the West, they could be useful in Chinese contexts for understanding cross‐cultural leadership.Practical implicationsForeign managers working in joint ventures in China who develop strongly cooperative goals may be able to develop high quality relationships that in turn promote employee commitment and performance.Originality/valueThis study provides overall support for the theory of cooperation and competition and the theory of LMX. Although developed in the West, they have been found useful for predicating behavior in Chinese contexts regarding cross‐cultural leadership.
Live demonstrations highlight unmanned vehicle show
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the 2007 AUVSI Conference and Show held in Washington DC with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the ground, in the air and in the water.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and the providers of the technologies which are fundamental to their design and deployment. Also, attendance at conference presentations.FindingsThe unmanned vehicle industry is largely driven by government requirements, both military and civilian. Unmanned service robots are also found in commercial applications such as pipeline surveillance, crop monitoring and fish school location at sea.Practical implicationsDevelopers will be challenged to meet the need for improvements in speed, payload, sensor capabilities, autonomous operation and command and control of fleets of unmanned vehicles.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into trends and new products in the unmanned vehicle industry.
Treadbot multi‐head robot for high throughput applications
Authors: Derby Stephen 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on new technology concerning multi‐arm robots.Design/methodology/approachThe operating details of tread base multi‐arm robots are discussed. Comparisons to traditional robot are made. Application areas are outlined.FindingsTread base multi‐arm robots have higher throughput rates with lower speeds and accelerations than traditional robots. Distances traveled do not impact throughput rates.Originality/valueThis is one of the first discussions of this new patent pending technology.