bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Satisfaction and dissatisfaction in service encounters
Authors: Srijumpa Rapeeporn , Chiarakul Tanyamai , Speece Mark 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction with interpersonal vs internet service encounters in Thai retail stockbrokerage and corporate banking.Design/methodology/approachIn each of two separate projects, in‐depth qualitative interviews were used to develop industry‐specific survey instruments that covered the same dis/satisfaction conceptual structure. The stockbrokerage survey had 460 usable questionnaires from retail customers, and the corporate banking survey resulted in 152 usable questionnaires.FindingsResults in each case show that customers actually have slightly higher satisfaction on the internet than with interpersonal encounters, but dissatisfaction on the internet is much greater. The net is that they still largely view the interpersonal mode as superior.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that Thailand is a highly personal relationship oriented business culture. The results are probably most directly representative of other Asian cultures.Practical implicationsGaining widespread acceptance of internet services among customers seems more a problem of eliminating dissatisfaction, rather than fostering satisfaction.Originality/valueThis is one of the few papers to show with strong empirical data that customers view satisfaction and dissatisfaction as distinct dimensions. An additional contribution is demonstrating that dis/satisfaction can be measured with industry specific scales, which are nevertheless comparable across industries.
Future Libraries: Science and Technology, A Report on “Shaping Things to Come:” DASER III and Eighth Quadrennial Tri‐Society Symposium
Authors: O’Connor Penny 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo share information and insights from the 2006 Digital Archives in Science and Engineering Resources (DASER) and American Society for information Science and Technology Conferences.Design/methodology/approachThe article is a description of the main highlights.FindingsInstitutional and professional challenges face libraries and librarians as they consider a more electronic environment both as the preference of users and due to the new availability of resources that are consistently being released that way. How to create space for new academic functions and student needs is a primary goal at many institutions. Many ideas were floated about ways that is being done at large research universities.Originality/valueThe informal nature of the DASER Summit lent to much collegiality and sharing of information and could have extended a lot longer if time allowed.
Results from an exploratory study of sun protection practice
Authors: Eadie Douglas , MacAskill Susan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe primary aim of the research reported here is to provide strategic guidance for the development of a national communication strategy to improve sun protection practice amongst young people.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted an exploratory approach, employing qualitative focus groups to represent three population groups, mothers, teenagers and young adults living independently of the family home. A total of 12 focus groups were conducted (with six to eight participants per group) in the UK. Participants were recruited door‐to‐door using quota sampling methods.FindingsConsistent with other studies, awareness of sun protection measures was high compared with actual practice. A number of factors were identified which help to explain this behaviour deficit. These include environment and exposure context, financial cost, understanding of protection process, behavioural influence and control, experiential learning and benefits attached to tanning.Originality/valueWhile the findings highlight the importance of supporting parents through the provision of information and guidance, they also identified a need to develop initiatives specifically tailored to meet the needs of young people as they achieve independence.
Assessing future disorders in organizations: implications for diagnosing and treating schizophrenic, depressed or paranoid organizations
Authors: Oliver Schwarz Jan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to highlight the relevance of the inner future of an organization for diagnosing and treating organizational disorders, as it relates to the concept of future‐oriented psychotherapy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper combines the concept of future‐oriented psychotherapy, with the categorization of organizations using the means of psychiatric disorders.FindingsThe paper finds that the importance of an organization's future is underlined by evidence from psychiatry. Time distortions in psychiatric illness can cloud the personal future of an individual and distort the view of the future and thereby disrupt goal‐directed behavior. The claim of future‐oriented psychotherapy is that in order to treat mental disorders, the future needs to be brought under self‐control; this process is futuring. It is suggested that in an organizational context, the Scenario technique or Strategic Issue Management can be applied to treat organizational disorders.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional research will be needed to explore the implications of future‐oriented psychotherapy for other disorders, besides those discussed here (depression, schizophrenia, paranoia), and which methodologies beside the Scenario technique and Strategic Issue Management can be applied for future‐oriented psychotherapy for organizations.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that how the future is dealt with in an organization, has implications for diagnosing the mental health of an organization and for treating such disorders in an organization.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the research on organizational disorders by highlighting the relevance of the inner future of an organization.
Energy forecasts using a “Roundless” approach to running a Delphi study
Authors: Gordon Theodore J. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeConventional Delphi studies use sequential questionnaires and produce rich information synthesized from the judgments of the experts who participate. However such studies are usually time‐consuming. The purpose of this paper is to describe one of the first applications of a new method of applying the Delphi principles of feedback and anonymity that can greatly reduce the time required for such studies.Design/methodology/approachThis approach involves continuously updated, on‐line questionnaires and is therefore “roundless.”FindingsThe application described here is a global Millennium Project study of developments for inclusion in a series of energy scenarios. The “roundless” approach was found to produce rich information comparable to the more time consuming conventional method.Originality/valueWhile other on‐line questionnaire systems exist, the approach described here is novel and may have wide applications.
“E‐discussion”: a group support system for co‐present knowledge sharing
Authors: Hardless Christian B. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to inform the design of competence development systems for project management, based on a situated learning design framework.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretive action research study of a group support system (GSS) (“e‐discussion”) for co‐present knowledge sharing, applied in a corporate context to promote the development of project management competence.FindingsAn in‐depth qualitative description finds the way that “e‐discussion” supported and structured group interaction.Research limitations/implicationsBroader findings pertaining to the underlying situated learning design framework are not presented.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a practical method to support development of project management competence and thoughts about possible modifications in its implementation.Originality/valueThe paper addresses research needs for improved understanding of competence development systems; design frameworks and design concepts based on situated learning theory; approaches to improve information technology project management practices through competence development; and interpretive research about GSSs.
Relationships of organizational culture toward knowledge activities
Authors: Lai Ming‐Fong , Lee Gwo‐Guang 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to explore factors affecting the implementation of knowledge activities, which are the organizational culture which many knowledge management programs adopt. The main problem under investigation is to assess the importance of organizational culture within an enterprise and to ascertain how it can ensure that knowledge activities would continue to be fitting and proper in an enterprise.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical survey was conducted in 154 Taiwanese companies to investigate understanding of the organizational cultures, determine enablers and barriers to implement knowledge activities.FindingsIt is suggested that enterprises should adopt an entrepreneurial culture when establishing knowledge activities.Research limitations/implicationsSince it was a mass mailing of a somewhat lengthy, blind survey to busy managers, the response rate was believed to be low. Even so, because of the low response rate, the generalized nature of these finds is somewhat in question, and it is important that the study be replicated in Taiwan.Practical implicationsThe awareness of the external versus internal focus of the organizations will make the organization more or less aware of adoptions in organizational culture efforts and either more or less conducive to implementing knowledge activities.Originality/valueThis study points out the need for the consideration of culture when knowledge activities are implemented that may be incompatible with the existing culture. Such organizations can benefit from understanding culture's role in knowledge activities implementation.
Integrated searching in Taiwan: the LIPS‐DOI experiment
Authors: Chen Kuang‐hua 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThere is an active effort by major libraries in Taiwan to offer integrated searching as part of their information services. The purpose of this paper is to report a low‐cost and high‐flexibility system, < LIPS‐DOI>, which can carry out integrated searching with respect to resource management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first reviews the related techniques and then designs an integrated search system based on the concept of resources management. The reported system, < LIPS‐DOI>, is composed of three modules: enumeration module, description module, and resolution module. The various digital contents are first imported into < LIPS‐DOI> and thereafter the system is put into operation.FindingsA low‐cost and high‐flexibility system for integrated searching can be implemented and put into operation. In addition to digital objects, physical objects could also be managed and searched in the proposed < LIPS‐DOI> system. This system will redirect users to the original system in which these physical objects reside.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the nature of management, registered users have to manage their own objects using the features provided by < LIPS‐DOI>.Originality/valueSuch a system will empower library end users to find materials of mixed formats residing in disparate locations from a single interface. It was also designed with an eye toward integration with its DOI counterpart in the future.
A textured sculpture
Authors: Dorner Daniel G. , Li Liew Chern , Ping Yeo Yen 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to gather some empirical, baseline information on the perceived needs of end‐users of digital cultural heritage resources. The study was funded by the National Library of New Zealand in order to take end‐user needs into consideration more fully in its development and presentation of digital cultural heritage resources.Design/methodology/approachThe study's research design involved a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach; a user survey comprising self‐administered, semi‐structured questionnaires, seven face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews and one focus group.FindingsThe findings outline the barriers users face in using New Zealand digital cultural heritage resources. They also highlight the user needs and features and characteristics they most desire in digital cultural heritage resources.Originality/valueOnly a handful of studies exist about end‐user needs with respect to the digitisation of cultural heritage materials and very few are research‐based articles. This research is the first of its kind to describe information needs of users of digital cultural heritage resources in New Zealand, and pays particular attention to the needs of historical researchers.
A review of image retrieval methods for digital cultural heritage resources
Authors: Tsai Chih‐Fong 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine related studies to identify which retrieval methods are supported by current digital cultural heritage libraries. In this way it is hoped to provide a direction for future cultural heritage applications to provide more complete and/or improved retrieval functionality.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this paper is based on introducing the general concept of image‐based retrieval systems as well as their retrieval methods. Then, users' needs are discussed to illustrate the demands of semantic‐based retrieval. After the retrieval methods have been presented, current digital cultural heritage libraries are examined in terms of their supported retrieval methods that allow users to query images.FindingsCurrent digital cultural heritage libraries mostly provide only general retrieval methods based on image‐based low‐level features, i.e. query by image contents. Very few consider other retrieval methods such as browsing and semantic‐based retrieval. In addition, none of the current systems provide all possible retrieval methods for users.Originality/valueThis study is the first one to examine image‐based retrieval methods in digital cultural heritage libraries. This study supports the improvement of retrieval functionality for digital cultural heritage libraries in the future.
Clustering search results. Part II: search engines for highly structured databases
Authors: Jacsó Péter 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine clustering search results.Design/methodology/approachCompares the clustering features of Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar extensively.FindingsProducers who offer clustering, despite certain deficiencies, deserve acknowledgement for implementing these tools which facilitate the search process as well as understanding the anatomy of the databases.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the best clustering solutions for highly structured databases, such as indexing/abstracting databases, publishers' archives and MARC‐based or XML‐based online public access catalogues.
A quantitative assessment of the cost and time impact of variation orders on construction projects
Authors: Oladapo A.A. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeVariation orders are a common occurrence in construction projects and their impacts have been studied by various authors. However, the contribution of project variations to construction cost and time overruns is yet to be established. The purpose of this study is to assess the significance of variations as a cause of cost and time overruns.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey, responses were obtained from 50 project participants on the causes and effects of project variations. Cost and time data were also collected on 30 completed building projects. The analysis used importance indices and F‐ and t‐tests. The results indicated that variations had a significant effect and accounted for about 79 and 68 per cent of the cost and time overruns, respectively, for the projects studied.FindingsThe results indicated that variations had a significant effect on project cost and time overruns and accounted for about 79 and 68 per cent of the cost and time overruns, respectively, for the projects studied. Project type and size were found to have no significant effect on the contribution of variations to cost and time overruns. The results also showed that changes in specifications and scope, initiated mostly by project owners and their consultants, were the most prevalent sources of variation.Originality/valueThe results of this study indicates the cost and time significance of project. This will enable project owners, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders to better understand and appreciate the real impact of variations on project performance.
Quality management concepts, principles, tools and philosophies
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to provide a practical approach for understanding the quality management (QM) terminology.Design/methodology/approachUsing the existing QM measurement instruments available in literature, the terminology used is classified into constructs, practices and finally tools or techniques. QM may then be viewed as a combination of the three sets of terminology. This paper reports on the research which investigated the implementation of TQM within the constructional‐related SMEs.FindingsThe study classified the broad areas of where SMEs can align their TQM applications, into one of the following areas: customer‐oriented TQM, supplier‐oriented TQM, HRM‐oriented TQM, or process‐oriented. These four dimensions were deemed to be interrelated and mutually support each other.Originality/valueThis study contributes to clarifying the conflicting results being reported in the QM literature which inevitably leads to having different levels of analysis of QM. Accordingly, the strength of QM compared with other business philosophies should then focus on the practical methodology, namely the practices and techniques.
B2B marketplaces sharing IS/IT infrastructures: an exploration of strategic technology alliances
Authors: O'Reilly Philip , Finnegan Patrick 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a technology alliance for B2B marketplaces.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper there was a lack of rigorous empirical evidence in the area upon which to base this study, so an exploratory methodology chosen was deemed appropriate. An interpretative case study was undertaken in the Eutilia B2B marketplace. Data gathering took place over a three‐month period from July to September 2003. The data‐gathering techniques used were semi‐structured interviews and document analysis.FindingsThis paper draws upon research on co‐operative partnerships and strategic alliances to explore the applicability of technology alliances to business‐to‐business (B2B) electronic marketplaces. The paper explains a model developed by Eutilia, a leading B2B marketplace in the utilities sector, to justify such a technology alliance. The case study illustrates how Eutilia operationalised this model and entered a technology alliance with a competing B2B marketplace. The analysis shows how both marketplaces benefited from the technology‐alliance, and the paper concludes by proposing determinants of technology alliances for B2B electronic marketplaces.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper a single case study was the method adopted, so findings may not be generalisable.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates how B2B electronic marketplaces can benefit from technology alliances. This paper is of interest to both academics and practitioners involved in B2B electronic marketplaces.
Going beyond auto‐ID: a service‐oriented smart items infrastructure
Authors: Spieß Patrik , Bornhövd Christof , Lin Tao , Haller Stephan , Schaper Joachim 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to show that smart item technologies, like RFID and sensor networks, are considered the next big step in business process automation. Through automatic real‐time data acquisition, these technologies can provide benefits to a variety of industries by improving the efficiency of their operations. A service‐oriented infrastructure is proposed that enables the integration of RFID, wireless sensor networks and embedded systems technologies with existing business processes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses the system requirements of a smart items infrastructure in detail. Based on these requirements, the overall infrastructure and the constituting components are introduced. Also, using two real‐world scenarios, it is shown how the proposed infrastructure can be used.FindingsThe paper found a set of technical requirements for a smart items infrastructure. The research resulted in the architectural design presented.Originality/valueTo the best of one's knowledge, this paper is the first to identify and explain the technical requirements for a holistic smart items infrastructure. The service‐oriented system architecture provides a new approach to a flexible/adaptable infrastructure for ubiquitous computing. By pointing out requirements and open issues, the paper identifies interesting topics for future research in this area.
Using CD‐ROMs as a pedagogical tool
Authors: White Andrew 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the potential uses of CD‐ROMs in multicultural education through an analysis of the development of a digital archive of political posters relating to the Northern Irish conflict.Design/methodology/approachThe author draws on literature on the relationship between new media platforms and the construction of knowledge to make some observations about the way in which different forms of media can enable us to think in different ways.FindingsAs a pedagogical tool, CD‐ROMs strike a good balance between the limitations of the codex book and the anarchic nature of the world wide web.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper illustrates the importance of distinguishing between different forms of new media.Originality/valueMost analyses of digitisation tend to conflate CD‐ROMs and the world wide web. This paper argues that a clear distinction should be made between the two media platforms, the value of which is to illustrate the extent to which the former avoids some of the weaknesses that abound in the latter.
The social democratization of knowledge: some critical reflections on e‐learning
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Rashid Kausar A. , Paul David 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to make a theoretical critique of the revolutionary sociocultural transformations created by e‐learning in the manner knowledge is created, codified, retrieved, managed and transmitted across the boundaries of different cultures.Design/methodology/approachThe structure of these transformations remains European and North American in orientation and very cautious in sharing the benefits of e‐learning with the developing societies. The paper contends that this might lead to a parallel academic bureaucracy of e‐learning institutions, alongside the traditional Western universities, making it economically hard for people of developing countries to participate in this great and new found experience of learning. The paper proposes a, “democratization of knowledge,” for this new venture of e‐learning. This rests on the premise, that e‐learning, in order to be truly effective, must be multilingual in content and context, culturally divergent, morally relativistic and technologically sharing and integrate non‐Western views on knowledge, morality, economics and politics, especially in curriculum designs.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that the social democratization of knowledge can lead to the establishment of viable global civil society, helping millions in Asia, Africa and South America to contribute and share the fruits of knowledge explosion in a just, equitable and honorable fashion.Originality/valueThe paper shows how e‐learning can help the growth and improvement of less developed communities.