bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cybernetics and e‐democracy
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.Design/methodology/approachA discussion in the CYBCOM discussion list, on possible revision of the definition and nomenclature of cybernetics, is reviewed and discussed, as are also certain proposals for enhancement of existing systems of parliamentary democracy, indicated by e‐democracy.FindingsIt is argued that the term “governance” has vagueness and that its use in a definition of cybernetics does lead to clarification. Wiener's reference to “control” is defended, with the observation that it should be realised in loops‐within‐loops, contrary to some treatments emphasising simple circularity. It is observed that principles of e‐democracy are cogently defended by several writers.Practical implicationsReference to “governance” highlights a need to be clear about the aims of government in general. Proposals for e‐democracy deserve serious consideration.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
New perspectives for research and development
Authors: Rudall B.H. , Mann C.J.H. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to review current developments in the fields of systems, cybernetics and management sciences that are being harnessed to meet some of the needs of the present‐day society.Design/methodology/approachA general review and survey of selected research and development topics.FindingsThe paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics, systems and management sciences.Practical implicationsThe choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour.Originality/valueThe reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of present‐day research and development initiatives.
Understanding project complexity: implications on project management
Authors: Vidal Ludovic‐Alexandre , Marle Franck 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better identify, define and model complexity within the field of project management in order to manage better under conditions of complexity (and manage better complexity‐induced risks).Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review enlightens the lack of consensus on project complexity and thus provides a broad view and a critical analysis of the underlying concepts. A project complexity framework and definition are then proposed. After underlining the stakes of project complexity in accordance with these proposals, a project complexity model is then built notably due to systems analysis.FindingsProposal of standard project complexity framework and definition. Proposal of a synthesis of the relationships between the concepts of project uncertainty and project complexity. Proposal of a project complexity model (and validation due to industrial application).Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review and project complexity framework tries to be exhaustive even though it is likely to be completed. The final version of the model is still to be computed and tested.Practical implicationsAvoiding confusion when defining and managing a complex project, particularly between project team members (and as a consequence improving communication and information sharing), improves the assessment of the propagation of a change within the project.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an original framework and a definition of project complexity. The complexity model permits the navigation from any element of the project to any other (when detail is needed) and is, as a consequence, original and complementary with traditional project management models and tools.
Healthy organizations: toward a diagnostic method
Authors: Iván Tarride Mario , Ariel Zamorano R. , Nicolás Varela S. , Julia González M. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose, from the way in which an allopathic physician makes a diagnosis of a person's health, an organizational diagnosis metaphor that can contribute in the search for an increasingly more integral way of qualifying an organization as healthy.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach is essentially functional and is based on the cybernetics of W.R. Ashby with respect to the concept of a model and especially on “iso‐” and “homomorphisms.” In this way, similarities are found between the behavior of the components observed by the physician in a person, according to his diagnostic guidelines, and the functioning of an organization.FindingsThe paper finds that various authors recognize the value and power of the use of metaphors, following the spirit of L.V. Bertalanffy, in the search for a better understanding of the organizational phenomenon, particularly that of human health, including the definition of the World Health Organization, from which a way is proposed here to understand a healthy organization and a general model of organizational diagnosis. It is estimated that one of the most significant finding made so far is the need to formalize structurally dependencies meant to apply “organizational awareness” as a way of permanently reflecting on the organization, helping its members to distinguish what belongs to the person and what belongs to the emergent phenomenon called organization, a task that until now is done partially, considering only some actors and at some points in time. Strategic planning, coaching higher executives, and empowerment of employees have gone in that direction, but still show insufficient efforts.Research limitations/implicationsThe work done so far has consisted in the theoretical development of homomorphism and some applications about which it is not yet possible make a report because of their scarcity. However, this method of work has made it possible to refeed the initial model and make some adjustments according to the divergencies seen between the theoretical and the practical. Consequently, this is a proposal that requires discussion – the purpose of this communication – and further experimentation that may lead to its eventual validation.Practical implicationsThe proposal of a general model for making organizational diagnoses.Originality/valueSome degree of originality is considered with respect to known work, because the idea is to articulate a model having an integral character that allows an organization to be qualified as healthy, trying to go beyond partial views that attributed that condition to organizations that were seen from a particular perspective, such as the health of its workers or its economic‐financial performance.
Text organization via projection from researcher‐space onto text‐space
Authors: Tayefeh Mahmoudi Maryam , Badie Kambiz , Kharrat Mahmood 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach for organizing texts for researchers based on projection from researcher space (consisting of reasoning ability and research ability) onto text space (consisting of text features).Design/methodology/approachThe projection from researcher space onto text space is performed on the grounds of the differences between the sets of essential text features which are consistent, respectively, for the reasoning ability (as researcher's existing ability) and the research ability (as researcher's desired ability) using the concept of a dependency graph.FindingsThrough the projection from researcher space onto text space, one can expect to find an effective text which can help a person with certain reasoning ability acquire a certain research ability in the related domain.Research limitations/implicationsAcquisition of reasoning ability (ies) may call for a comprehensive questionnaire or test protocol whose validation by the expert may not necessarily be convenient. Appropriate questionnaires/test protocols, as well as knowledge‐based models for the text features at different layers (to assure derivation of more reliable features), is suggested as future work.Practical implicationsA salient benefit of the proposed approach is its flexibility in responding to a wide range of users with different models. It thus can be used as an efficient tool for online e‐learning and e‐research purposes in cyber‐learning environment.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper mostly lies in the concept of projection from researcher space onto text space as an approach for provision of appropriate text features; and the application of dependency graph as a potential means for identifying those text features whose prerequisites exist in the research abilities of the researcher.
Solution of the two dimensional second biharmonic equation with high‐order accuracy
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Mohebbi Akbar 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce efficient methods for solving the 2D biharmonic equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions of second kind. This equation describes the deflection of loaded plate with boundary conditions of simply supported plate kind. Also it can be derived from the calculus of variations combined with the variational principle of minimum potential energy. Because of existing fourth derivatives in this equation, introducing high‐order accurate methods need to use artificial points. Also solving the resulted linear system of equations suffers from slow convergence when iterative methods are used. This paper aims to introduce efficient methods to overcome these problems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers several compact finite difference approximations that are derived on a nine‐point compact stencil using the values of the solution and its second derivatives as the unknowns. In these approximations there is no need to define special formulas near the boundaries and boundary conditions can be incorporated with these techniques. Several iterative linear systems solvers such as Krylov subspace and multigrid methods and their combination (with suitable preconditioner) have been developed to compare the efficiency of each method and to design powerful solvers.FindingsThe paper finds that the combination of compact finite difference schemes with multigrid method and Krylov iteration methods preconditioned by multigrid have excellent results for the second biharmonic equation, and that Krylov iteration methods preconditioned by multigrid are the most efficient methods.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in presenting, via some tables and figures, some numerical experiments which resulted from applying new methods on several test problems, and making comparison with conventional methods.
Solutions to the problem of prey and predator and the epidemic model via differential transform method
Authors: Suat Erturk Vedat , Momani Shaher 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to solve both the prey and predator problem and the problem of the spread of a non‐fatal disease in a population which is assumed to have constant size over the period of the epidemic.Design/methodology/approachThe differential transform method (DTM) is employed to compute an approximation to the solutions of the systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations of these problems.FindingsResults obtained using the scheme presented here agree well with the results obtained by the Adomian decomposition and power series methods. Some plots are presented to show the reliability and simplicity of the method.Originality/valueThis paper is believed to represent a new application for DTM on solving systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations.
Solution of population balance equations via rationalized Haar functions
Authors: Alipanah Amjad , Dehghan Mehdi 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to solve the population balance equations, by applying rationalized Haar functions, described by stretched differential equation.Design/methodology/approachAn illustrative example is given and numerical results are compared with Block‐Pulse, Wavelet‐Galerkin and Shifted‐Legendre methods.FindingsThe results show the superiority of this method in comparison with the Block‐Pulse and the weighted residual methods.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in introducing the scaled operation matrix and also the method is straightforward and suitable for digital computation.
An exponential smoothing model for predicting traffic in the library and at the reference desk
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad , Dileepan Parthasarati , Murgai Sarla R. , Roth Wendy 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model that can be used to forecast the number of individuals who enter the library as well as the number of patrons that seek assistance at the reference desk of the library. An accurate estimate of demand at the reference desk is valuable for effective staffing decisions.Design/methodology/approachAn exponential smoothing model (Winter's model) was developed for forecasting. Data were gathered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for an entire year. Using these data, an exponential smoothing model was formulated for forecasting the number of patrons seeking assistance. Since the data showed no trend but the presence of two seasonality factors, one for the week‐of‐the‐semester effect and one for the day‐of‐the‐week effect, the Winter's method appeared to be best suited. The Winter's method develops a formula from the data and allows the formula to be continuously fine‐tuned as new observations come in day after day.FindingsThe modified Winter's exponential smoothing model proved to be a good predictor of the number of patrons seeking assistance. In spite of large natural random variability present in the data, the actual values seem to follow the forecasts very closely.Originality/valueIt is vital to be able to forecast the number of clients at the reference desk that seek assistance per day. The modified exponential smoothing model is a valuable tool for such forecasting.
Collection building barter: a proposal
Authors: Marcum James W. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the sustainability of collections within libraries and suggest a means for maintaining this.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a system of bartering with libraries offering those elements of their collection which are rarely used if at all to those who might be able to use them. It suggests that this might be done through a system of trading dollars.FindingsThe paper suggests that bartering might be a way of adding lasting value to print collections.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a system of bartering which could add lasting value to the print collections of libraries.
Advocating and mooching: practical savings plans
Authors: Steele Kirstin 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to share practical ideas about acquiring more and varied library resources in spite of a flat budget.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports The Citadel's efforts to do numerous things to reinforce the importance of library materials as well as a library building.FindingsThe paper reports that these networking efforts, including mandatory library instruction in first‐year experience courses, have borne good karma and might even lead to increased book money. In a continuing quest for open‐source alternatives to paid subscriptions, web‐based services were found to augment the collection and perhaps even supplant a few purchases. Additionally, serendipity has revealed outside help in the form of LSTA grants and cooperative collection development.Originality/valueThe paper shares practical ideas about acquiring more and varied library resources when holding a low budget.
Getting onto the agenda
Authors: Linn Mott 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to argue that when managing strategically it is important to consider how to get one's priorities onto the institution's agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate why and how one would get an issue onto an institution's agenda.FindingsThe paper suggests that, in advancing the library's issues, it is helpful to determine methods of getting on the governing body's agenda.Practical implicationsThis paper provides concepts to be considered when a manager attempts to move a library's priorities forward.Original/valueHopefully, this paper will motivate librarians to think strategically when working to advance their library's interests.
Time management part I: goal setting as a planning tool
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to establish the leadership quality of good time management as the second of the “leadership performance standards” introduced in the first installment of this column and begins with proper goal setting as a powerful time management and planning tool.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces planning as the first key to good time management, and then establishes the place of goal setting in the planning process. It covers personal work goal setting and setting goals for subordinates.FindingsThe paper finds that career goal‐setting can be used effectively as a time‐management tool to aid in departmental and organizational goal‐setting and planning.Originality/valueThe value of using this approach is in more fulfilled employees offering more effective service.
23 Things and more
Authors: Maxymuk John 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at social networking aspects of Web 2.0 and how they might relate to libraries and library education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at The 23 Things, a focus of the Public Library of Charlotte and Meckenburg County in North Carolina's (PLCMC's) learning program for librarians, which focused on two or three new things to discover and learn about each week. The paper looks at various sites that might be useful to the librarian.FindingsThe paper suggests that the PLCMC's process represents a path that all librarians should follow.Originality/valueThe paper presents a variety of sites that are useful tools for the librarian.
Issues in library human resources management
Authors: Kieserman Robert H. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the rules and regulations for using independent contractors in a library setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the personal expertise of the author who has been a professor of human resources management as well as a library consultant to all types of libraries for over 15 years.FindingsThe importance of treating independent contractors very differently from employees is emphasized. The paper provides a step‐by‐step guideline on the compliance issues by which every library and independent contractor must abide to guarantee a legitimate relationship in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service.Originality/valueThis paper helps the library director and the library department manager more intelligently use independent contractors within the operation of a library organization.
Coaching can be storyselling: creating change through crises of confidence
Authors: Lapp Cheryl A. , Carr Adrian N. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeTo show the reader that storytelling can be seen as a form of seduction based on emotional response and thereby preventing a change process within the organisation.Design/methodology/approachCase study in relation to a psychoanalytic approach to text as a place for emotional control.FindingsStorytelling without psychodynamic analysis becomes easily storyselling.Research limitations/implicationsText is seen as carrier of emotions that can be corrected through psychodynamics which implies that there remains hope for enlightment by the text.Practical implicationsEvery form of storytelling is a form of addressing an audience that needs to be made aware of the psychodynamics of the text as part of the author.Originality/valueThe worst stories that are sold are those we sell best to ourselves.
Beyond the hegemonic narrative – a study of managers
Authors: Vickers David 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to analyse managerial behaviour using narrative analysis to identify stories that are often ignored, silenced or missed by the hegemonic managerialist narrative.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic narrative based on an 18 month period of participant observation where the author was a manager in a business unit acquired by another company for $1 billion.FindingsStrategy can be diverted or altered by managers lower down the organization in a counter strategy process. This is consistent with Dalton where managers lower down the organization adapt and change strategy to make it work in practice.Research limitations/implicationsParticipant observation and ethnomethodological narrative analysis have the potential to go beyond the hegemonic managerialist literature and identify a much more complex picture. However, such research is always open to criticism as being from the author's “own perspective” and appearing to claim “omnipresence.” Other stories have been given voice but it is never possible to say that all stories have been recovered from the silencing processes of the organization.Practical implicationsA clearer understanding of how management operates counter strategies within an organization in practice. This enables organizations to reconsider how they engage managers beyond the hegemonic narrative.Originality/valueThis paper aims to provide an insight into management behaviour beyond the usual treatment of managers as an amorphous mass as is common in most of the hegemonic managerialist narrative. When managers are told the narratives in this paper they can recount their own similar stories yet these are rarely told.
Storytellers and their discursive strategies in a post‐acquisition process
Authors: Steuer Ruth , Wood Thomaz 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to discuss how storytelling can be used in different ways to enlighten change processes occurring within and after a takeover situation.Design/methodology/approachCase study reseach based on in‐depth interviews critically examined as forms of narratives.FindingsStorytelling gives the organisation the possibility to change its goals.Research limitations/implicationsThrough storytelling analysis contradictions and limitations are provoked within the takeover process.Practical implicationsStorytelling is always about various stories, which one needs to read into practice.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the value of aquisitions as seen through the eyes of the key players.
I am not your hero: change management and culture shocks in a public sector corporation
Authors: Fronda Yannick , Moriceau Jean‐Luc 
Published: September 2008

PurposeA description of the managerial impact on change processes during a takeover with middle management in the telecom industry.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to use storytelling as a form of analysis of different positions within an organization, as described in a case study.FindingsBy not including the voice of the middle managers, higher management runs into problems in the implementation of change processes.Research limitations/implicationsBy using narratives as a source for analysis, the paper does not try to gain objective insights into change processes.Practical implicationsResistance to change can prove a safeguard against too optimistic change.Originality/valueThe paper shows that several layers of change that interact with one another as proof of the confrontation between grand narratives and ante‐narratives.