bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ABC of British higher education
Authors: Thomas Rod 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper marks the centenary year of W. Ross Ashby (1903‐1972), one of the founders of the interdisciplinary subject of cybernetics. Its purpose is to Ashby's cybernetics to construct a framework for understanding some of the features that presently characterise British higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe contents of Ashby's 1956 book, An Introduction to Cybernetics, are outlined. Cybernetic concepts, principles, and laws are then applied to some of the features that presently characterise UK universities: growth in student numbers, the modularisation of curricula, concerns over academic standards, and bureaucracy.FindingsThe paper finds Ashby's writings to be critical to understanding the nature of many of the contemporary debates about UK higher education. A diagnosis and critical evaluation of the policy impetus to increase student numbers and modularise curricula is supplied. A cybernetic analysis in support of the current concerns over academic standards is provided. The paper demonstrates why the current higher education quality assurance regime produces a bureaucratised university.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper's framework is supported by an analysis of available national statistics and other secondary evidence, but more detailed, cross‐comparative, longitudinal studies of the UK labour market and educational attainment are required.Practical implicationsGiven the economic perspective adopted by policy‐makers – the paper identifies three reasons why the current policy of expanding UK higher education may be flawed.Originality/valueThe paper marks the centenary year of W. Ross Ashby by demonstrating how his writings can supply a framework for understanding the current debates about UK higher education policy.
Towards productive and sustainable forms of interaction in governance
Authors: Türke Ralf‐Eckhard 
Published: July 2006

PurposeA central question of governance in our time is how actors in complex, diverse and dynamic contexts can be harmonized, respecting the needs and limitations of their contexts. New technologies enable shaping and modelling interactions to an extent hitherto unknown. They constitute a huge potential to support and integrate interactions and to reshape governance. This paper sets out to explore a concept of interaction applicable to media which captures and addresses the specific characteristics of social systems required to ensure their viability.Design/methodology/approachThe potential of cybernetics and systems theory for both the design and application of media in social contexts is explored. Building on an autopoietic concept of social systems, a notion of governance as a process of interaction is established. Beer's Viable Systems Model (VSM) and Schwaninger's Model of Systemic Control is applied to derive the characteristic elements, configurations and types of interaction required to support balancing actors' images in social systems. Links to political and social science theory are provided.FindingsCybernetic and system theories provide a solid conceptual basis for capturing the complexity, dynamics and diversity of interaction. Identifying and addressing the relevant characteristics of interaction in social systems can be achieved through the application of cybernetic tools and vocabulary. These can be used to specify and secure the necessary and sufficient design principles for media through which the viability of social systems can be promoted.Originality/valueThe paper shows that requirements to the structure of media applied in social contexts can be specified. Analysing interactions in all kind of social systems does provide clues for the development, implementation, and configuration of improved media. When applied properly, these can boost up governing interactions to much more productive and sustainable forms. This turns out to be a remarkable opportunity to promote the governance of social systems.
A systems approach to analysing sub‐state conflicts
Authors: Wright Steve 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a more holistic approach to analysing the impact of all the behaviour of a conflict's participants its overall dynamics, using the example of the Northern Irish troubles.Design/methodology/approachA novel multivariate time series approach developed by Professor Paul Smoker is presented which can map the dynamics of this conflict and its causal inferences as a series or “systemograms”.FindingsThe case example reveals high levels of autocorrelation in the variety of techniques used by the state security authorities to suppress terrorism, indicating their strong role in maintaining this conflict. When more than one party exhibits such behaviour, the conflict “locks in”.Research limitations/implicationsThe work remains preliminary and historical. Data was collected on a month‐by‐month basis which suggests associated rather than direct causal influence. It would be useful to further explore these findings using data from similar conflicts.Practical implicationsSuggests that some counter‐terrorism approaches may be dysfunctional especially those adopting sub‐lethal weapons. Provides some insight into behavioural changes required to prevent conflict destabilisation.Originality/valueProvides a novel conflict research methodology which allows the strong structural dynamics of the conflict to be seen – much the way that elapsed time photography enables hidden processes to be revealed. The raw statistics are presented here.
Cybernetics and systems on the web
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe grids, an important development of internet‐like communication, with references to internet sources of additional information. The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.Design/methodology/approachThe tenth anniversary of the World Wide Web Consortium is noted, as well as music festivals in the Lent district of Maribor, which was the venue for the recent WOSC Congress.FindingsThe internet provides valuable information on each of the three topics.Practical implicationsGrids are an important current development, especially but not exclusively in connection with particle physics research.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Corrosion inhibition and adsorption behaviour of Ocimum basilicum extract on aluminium
Authors: Oguzie E.E. , Onuchukwu A.I. , Okafor P.C. , Ebenso E.E. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo appraise the inhibiting effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on aluminium corrosion in 2 M HCl and 2 M KOH solutions, respectively, at 30 and 60°C.Design/methodology/approachCorrosion rates were determined using the gas‐volumetric technique and the values obtained in absence and presence of extract was used in calculation of the inhibition efficiency. The mechanism of inhibition was estimated from the trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature.FindingsOcimum basilicum extract was found to inhibit aluminium corrosion in the acidic and alkaline environments. Inhibition efficiency increased with extract concentration but decreased with rise in temperature, suggesting physical adsorption of the organic matter on the metal surface. These results were corroborated by kinetic and activation parameters for corrosion and adsorption processes evaluated from the experimental data at the temperatures studied. Halide additives synergistically improved the inhibition efficiency of the extract.Originality/valueThis paper provides new information on the possible application of Ocimum basilicum extract as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. The mixed extract – iodide formulation provides an effective means for retarding aluminium corrosion even in highly aggressive alkaline environments.
Preparation and characterisation of grafted polysaccharides based on sulphadiazine
Authors: Moustafa H.Y. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo prepare bioactive polymeric materials by grafting methods and characterisation of the biological activity of such materials.Design/methodology/approachNew bioactive polysaccharides were prepared by grafting of acrylonitrile onto water soluble starch and the resulted material was reacted with bioactive heterocyclic rings, converting to N‐halamine biocidal polymers by chlorination and to polyquats by converting it to quaternary ammonium salts using hydrochloric acid. The biological activity of the materials prepared against gram positive and gram negative bacteria was studied by three methods.FindingsMost of the bioactive materials prepared showed high disinfecting power against bacteria.Research limitations/implicationsThe bioactive materials were prepared by grafting of acrylonitrile onto starch and then reacting the resultant material with sulphadiazine. Many other heterocyclic rings that contain tertiary nitrogen atoms or amide group can also be used.Practical implicationsThe new bioactive materials prepared can be used in disinfection of drinking water, swimming pools, etc.Originality/valueThe materials prepared and the use of such materials for disinfection were novel.
Content management systems
Authors: Seadle Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo introduce the special theme issue on “Content management systems”.Design/methodology/approachEach of the articles in the theme are described in brief.FindingsThe articles cover a range of topics from implementation to interoperability, object‐oriented database management systems, and research about meeting user needs.Originality/valueLibraries have only just begun to realize that their web presence is potentially as rich and complex as their online catalogs, and that it needs an equal amount of management to keep it under control.
Luwak: a content management solution
Authors: Benzing Matt 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo inform librarians about the benefits, costs, and technologies involved in implementing a content management system.Design/methodology/approachA discussion of how XML is used to separate content from presentation, how this technology is used in a home‐grown freeware application, and the results of converting a static website into a database driven one through the use of this application.FindingsDemonstrates that converting to a dynamic, application driven web site results in a more flexible, efficient, and consistent web presence.Research limitations/implicationsEvery library is unique and what worked well at Rensselaer might not work as well elsewhere. Luwak is currently only available to organizations at Rensselaer.Practical implicationsA useful primer on how a conversion like this happens and on the sort of features that can make a database driven web application run smoothly.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique account of one libraries' experience in making the sort of transition that will become increasingly important for all library web sites.
Using web services to promote library‐extension collaboration
Authors: Henzel Jerry , Hutchinson Barbara S. , Thwaits Anne 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a web services application to deliver a calendar of events from the Agriculture Network Information Center (AgNIC) portal to County Extension web pages.Design/methodology/approachTo provide a context for this work, the paper begins with background on AgNIC, an initiative of the USDA National Agricultural Library, land‐grant universities, and others, to build a portal to deliver agriculture‐related information and resources. Featured is the University of Arizona's (UA) contribution to AgNIC, Rangelands West, which has become a model of collaboration between land‐grant libraries and Cooperative Extension units. The UA first implemented web services to allow harvesting of Rangelands West metadata by the central AgNIC database. This experience provided the framework for further exploring this technology as a means for delivering customized content.FindingsBy instituting a service oriented architecture (SOA) using web services technologies (XML, WSDL, UDDI, and SOAP), developing a Master Service Bus to coordinate the application, and creating Flash plug‐ins and a Profile Manager for delivery, a calendar web service based on customer specifications was developed.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the implications for web services technology to offer new ways to share information and build stronger collaborations for delivering customized services
Copyright in the networked world: copyright police
Authors: Seadle Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this column is to look at how copyright enforcement is handled.Design/methodology/approachLegal issues in enforcement are examined, as well as the initiatives of organizations like the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).FindingsSome rights owner organizations are taking a vigilante approach to enforcement.Originality/valueCopyright decisions are often a matter of risk assessment, and understanding enforcement procedures is a part of that assessment process.
Sparking Synergies in Charlotte: The Annual Meeting of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
Authors: O’Connor Penny 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to report on the 2005 Annual Conference of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST), which had the theme “Sparking Synergies” in Charlotte. The conference was held in October in Charlotte, North Carolina.Design/methodology/approachReviews some of the events of the conference.FindingsFinds that the hot topics of the conference were: virtual reference, digital libraries, standards, and user interfaces and help documentation.Originality/valueA report that will be of interest to library and information management professionals.
7th International Conference on Grey Literature
Authors: Gelfand Julia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo share the major presentations of the 7th International Conference and explore more fully the future of grey literature – what is grey today?Design/manufacturing/approachA review of the main topics covered.FindingsThe range of papers was extensive and contained examples of information systems and networks, partnering and OAI, role of repositories, document supply and delivery, curriculum and instructional developments, and relationships with many publishing entities.Originality/valueOf value to information management professionals.
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Pre‐conference “Libraries: The Information Society in Action”
Authors: Wastawy Sohair 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to provide a brief conference report of the Pre‐conference held in Alexandria, Egypt prior to the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis.Design/methodology/approachA brief report of the hightlights of the conference.FindingsPresentations treated a number of topics from different countries. This included discussions on Internet governance, social inclusion, proactive assistance, cultural diversity, health information, and the development of the IFLA success stories databaseOriginality/valeProvides information to educate readers about the social issues raised by the Summit and the role of libraries globally to insure access to information among the world’s diverse populations.
The Role of Information Technology in Local Government Administration in Delta State Nigeria: A Case Study of Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas
Authors: Osahon Uwaifo Stephen , Chukwudumebi Kabadi Anthonia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe study aims to examine the role of information technology in Local Government Administration in Delta State, using Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas as the case study.Design/methodology/approachA survey approach was used to learn what was actually happening in local government practices.FindingsIT contributes enormous value to the workings and operations of local government offices and when costs, leadership and management are indicative of such needs, it would be in the best interest of local governments to invest in such a launch.Research limitations/implicationsEconomic feasibility and training and development of the human resource function would make enormous differences in the way local governments conduct their work in Delta State, Nigeria.Practical implicationsLocal governments like libraries are great potential for IT applications and to build databases of information to be retained and recalled over time.Originality/valueApplied the imperativeness of information technology practices to see how local practices could be improved for efficiency, quality control and ease of use.
Social accounting in Islamic political economy
Authors: Harahap Sofyan S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo explore the outer reaches of buying, selling, property rights in an Islamic context.Design/methodology/approachPhilosophical, applying legal analysis, critique to the work of Richard Epstein.FindingsThat there are no exceptions to the general rule that, under full free enterprise, anything must be allowed to be purchased, sold or given away.Research limitations/implicationsTo attain a system of laissez‐faire capitalism, the law should be changed so as to recognize voluntary slave contracts.Practical implicationsThere would be very few or none in an advanced wealthy society. However, there might be some in the underdeveloped world.Originality/valueIt advances one's knowledge of the marketplace, law and contracts.
Advancing systems thinking and building microworlds in business and industrial marketing
Authors: Woodside Arch G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article sets out to describe the benefits of systems thinking in overcoming short‐sighted decision making in business and industrial marketing.Design/methodology/approachThe article illustrates specific tools and recent applications of systems thinking research.FindingsThe basic building‐blocks for creating microworlds are the claims made by stakeholders running and affected by real‐life systems.Research limitations/implicationsSuggestions for future research includes transforming research designs from linear one‐way models to models expressly recognizing time delays, feedback loops among variables, and seemingly hidden, unimportant relationships.Practical implicationsAll business exchanges involve systems and there is more complexity than is readily apparent; systems thinking helps decision makers to deeply understand what is really happening.Originality/valueThis article advises replacing the one‐direction thinking and research paradigm that dominates business and industrial marketing with systems thinking and system dynamics modeling; the article identifies examples and the literature necessary to embrace this alternative paradigm.
Marketing research, market orientation and customer relationship management: a framework and implications for service providers
Authors: Javalgi Rajshekhar (Raj) G. , Martin Charles L. , Young Robert B. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAs service organizations continue to expand internationally, the need to be able to understand consumers in faraway places is increasing. Marketing research is a key mechanism through which service companies understand their current as well as potential customers. As service organizations contemplate the global marketplace, there is increasing demand for managers to understand customer behavior in multiple countries. This article aims to discuss the importance of market research information in developing a market orientation and its impact on international service organizations.Design/methodology/approachExtant literature is reviewed and discussed pertaining to the interrelationships between market research, market orientation and customer relationship management (CRM)‐related issues. Conceptual models are presented to illustrate the interrelationships between these streams of research.FindingsSeveral anecdotal and case examples are used to illustrate the essential linkages between market research, market orientation, and CRM. These include the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Federal Express, Hallmark Cards, Harrah's Entertainment and, most notably, VeriFone.Practical implicationsThe key implications revolve around the notion that in today's hyper‐competitive markets service firms must be market‐oriented in order to be competitive, and that market research plays a critical role in generating the needed data on which a market orientation can be developed and implemented, which, in turn, can enhance the practice of CRM.Originality/valueThe article promises to help service providers address the challenge of generating and using market research data to develop a market orientation and a corresponding CRM program.
Uncovering the keys to successful service elimination: “Project ServDrop”
Authors: Gounaris Spiros P. , Avlonitis George J. , Papastathopoulou Paulina G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe reason for this study is to help increase understanding concerning the service elimination decision and implementation since it remains a highly under‐investigated topic. In doing so, an empirical investigation of the successful vs not‐so‐successful elimination practices from eight service industries were examined.Design/methodology/approachThe data were secured by means of a lengthy and structured questionnaire, instrumented through personal interviews as part of a much wider examination of the service elimination decision‐making process in Greece entitled “Project ServDrop”. The companies included in the sample were drawn from a population of 1,964 service companies listed under selected service sectors, namely, insurance, banking, advertising, professional services, freight forwarding, marine, telecommunications and lodging.FindingsThe analysis reveals that treating the elimination as a strategic issue, considering how resources can be more effectively re‐allocated, paying attention to market consideration regarding the consequences of a potential elimination and adoption of a systematic behavior, building interdisciplinary teams to deal with the decision and keeping the time between the making and the implementation of the decision short, are all important dimensions of “successful elimination”.Research limitations/implicationsHowever, the findings should be cautiously adopted because of the limitations of the study: the use of a retrospective methodology in the data collection, the use of the key‐informant approach, the limited number of variables included in the conceptual framework are issues that cannot be neglected. Nonetheless future research that will be directed towards tackling these limitations may dispel these concerns.Originality/valueDespite its limitations, this study has significant implications for practitioners. It mainly points to the strategic nature of the elimination decision and its implications. Also, it unveils certain behavioral changes that must accompany the effort to treat the elimination decision as part of the greater strategy for managing the firm's offerings. Thus, the contribution of this study is twofold. For academia, it is a step forward towards a stronger understanding of the service elimination issues, while, for practitioners, it helps to clarify certain important issues that can help improve the outcome of the decision to drop a service from the firm's portfolio.