bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical study of knowledge management in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa
Authors: Jain Priti 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small‐scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward.Design/methodology/approachThis research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM.FindingsThis survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers.Research limitations/implicationsThis survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in‐depth knowledge related to KM.Practical implicationsThis paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs.Originality/valueNot much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa.
Supporting lifelong learning in public libraries across Europe
Authors: Eve Juliet , de Groot Margo , Schmidt Anne‐Marie 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings from the European project PuLLS (Public Libraries in the Learning Society), funded by the EU's Socrates programme.Design/methodology approachDescribes a piece of action research, outlining the development and implementation of a model for delivering open learning to adult library users.FindingsDetails of the model, and the course developed and offered by partner libraries are described. Results suggest there is a significant role for libraries to play in supporting both ICT skills and wider information literacy learning.Practical implicationsSharing of results may be useful for public libraries wishing to develop open learning facilities/develop audiences for lifelong learning. Suggests that libraries are beginning to move from a passive access approach to supporting learning to a more active approach in delivering library‐generated content themselves.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into supporting lifelong learning in public libraries across Europe.
Evolutionary patterns of strategic change prior to liquidation: the case of Bioglan plc
Authors: Langley Amanda , Kakabadse Nada K. , Swailes Stephen 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to understanding of strategy development by reporting a detailed case study of one pharmaceutical company over an 11‐year period using a framework for classifying strategic actions developed from a broader study of strategic behaviour in the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises a longitudinal text analysis using published documentary sources to explore the strategic actions and grand strategies realised by Bioglan during 1992‐2002.FindingsThe findings develop concepts from the economics, ecology and strategy literature in order to highlight that, rather than strategy research focusing on “with whom and how do firms compete?” the emphasis should be on “with whom and how do firms co‐evolve?”Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only explored the realised strategies of one firm during an 11‐year period using only published documentary sources.Originality/valuePrevious research does not appear to have explored the evolution and co‐evolution of a firm's strategic actions prior to its death, a gap that this paper aims to help to fill.
The governance of going private transactions
Authors: Braun Michael R. , Latham Scott F. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to explore the board of directors in leveraged buyouts (LBOs) as a distinct source of value creation and to conceptually investigate the going‐private transaction via LBO as a response to deficient governance structures as well as the post‐buyout board restructuring.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of the literature on LBOs boards, and relies on agency theory and the resource dependence perspective to develop testable propositions. The work suggests that the board as a particular source of efficiency gains in LBOs warrants further empirical research.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper gives strong credence to the argument that boards represent a unique source of value creation in LBOs. Previous agency‐theoretic work is complemented by focusing on the monitoring function of the board, but resource dependence theory introduced to suggest the importance of a strategic service and support function. The work is conceptual in nature and thus requires subsequent empirical testing to verify assertions set forth in this study.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that incentives of managerial equity participation and the discipline of debt are gradually losing their distinctiveness in today's buyout industry. To compete in an increasingly crowded environment, LBO specialists need to identify new sources of value to generate attractive returns for their investors.Originality/valueThe paper extends the existing LBO literature by introducing resource dependent as a complementary framework. Given that the traditional LBO literature examines the discipline of debt and managerial ownership that explain their efficiencies, the role of LBO boards as a distinct value creation mechanism in buyouts is introduced.
Effects of top management team characteristics on strategic decision making
Authors: Kauer Daniel , Prinzessin zu Waldeck Tanja C. , Schäffer Utz 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the effects of the diversity of experience and different personalities of top management team members on mediating processes such as agenda‐setting, the generating of strategic alternatives, and the speed of strategic decision making. Previous research has studied the effects of top management team characteristics on strategic decision‐making and performance by analyzing team demographics such as age and tenure – with ambiguous results.Design/methodology/approachIn a multi‐case study approach, 46 members of eight top management teams were interviewed and surveyed.FindingsThe study suggests that the ambiguity of research results can be decreased by: introducing more deep‐level measures; and further differentiating the mediating processes. The results indicate that diversity of experience affects agenda‐setting and the generating of alternatives but – unexpectedly – does not appear to affect the speed of decision making. Personality factors such as flexibility, achievement motivation, networking abilities, and action orientation seem to have a clearer impact on decision speed.Practical implicationsThis study suggests ways to build successful teams by differentiating between the effects of experiences and personalities of team members. Furthermore, it indicates that teams might be able to compensate for different strengths and weaknesses within the team, and stresses the importance of transparent strategic objectives and leadership.Originality/valueThis study extends existing research by proposing ways to reduce the ambiguity of recent research results regarding the effects of management teams on strategic decision making. It is based on a broad empirical research and offers theoretical and managerial implications.
Initial reference customer selection for high technology products
Authors: Tomas Gomez‐Arias J. , Montermoso Juan P. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that high technology companies often find it challenging to select their first reference customer. This is a challenging decision because such clients are not simply an immediate source of revenue, but also a source of learning, a technology test bench and a powerful promotional tool. This paper aims to explore not only the factors that make such decisions strategically crucial, but also the motivations for a client organization to assume such a risk and the characteristics of such organizations.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical and case studies. These ideas are illustrated with examples in both hardware and software, with a longer examination of HP's adoption of AMD's Opteron technology for its server line.FindingsThe choice of the first customer is a strategic decision, not just a tactical one. It has implications in terms of revenue generation, technology development, business development and industry focus, and it can be decisive in the success of a new technology.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers to address the selection of the initial reference customer in high technology industries.
Predictive strategic marketing management decisions in small firms
Authors: Lewis Reynolds Paul , Lancaster Geoff 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for sales forecasting more suitable for smaller firms. The authors examine the sales forecasting practices of small firms and then proceed to discuss the application of Bayesian decision theory in the production of sales forecasts, a method arguably more suited to the smaller firm. The authors suggest that many small firm entrepreneurs are inherently “Bayesian” in their thinking approach to predicting events in that they often rely on subjective estimates at least for initial starting values.Design/methodology/approachA triangulated approach which uses qualitative group discussions and thematic content analysis, a reasonably large‐scale questionnaire sample survey administered by post and analysed using descriptive statistics and non‐parametric tests of association and a case study approach based on the authors own consultancy activities to illustrate the practical application of the forecasting model suggested.FindingsThat many small firms use no formal sales forecasting framework at all. That the majority of small firm owners and/or managers rate sales forecasting skills very low in their list of priorities when given a choice of course to attend at subsidised rates. That there is no significant difference in the importance small firm owners and/or managers attach to formal sales forecasting skills.Research limitations/implicationsInformation has been gained from one geographic area in the north of England although the results may have a wider application to all small firms in the UK and elsewhere. Only the region's six most important industry sectors were included as stratification variables in the sample survey. Other regions will have a different mix of industries and will be stratified differently.Originality/valueThe article addresses the sales forecasting needs of small firms specifically within the marketing for small business context and offers a realistic option with a clear rationale.
“Geiz‐ist‐geil” strategy: a three‐company study
Authors: Bridges K. , Melewar T.C. , Olutayo Otubanjo B. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish how sales are propelled when consumer spending level falls. Design/methodology/approach – Case study together with deductive research approach was used. Findings – While conventional marketing strategies did little to enhance sales, Geiz‐ist‐Geil was found to be very helpful in sustaining sales levels when consumer spending levels were plummeting.Practical implicationsTheoretical literature on marketing strategy is silent on the use of non‐conventional marketing strategy. Geiz‐ist‐Geil strategy is found to be useful in propelling sales. There is an urgent need to put greater focus on non‐convention marketing strategies. In addition, practitioners need to look beyond the confines of the 4Ps strategy. There is a need for managers to adopt non‐conventional strategies. Originality/value – Contrary to previous theoretical literature, where it is conspicuous by its absence, the use of non‐conventional marketing strategy (i.e. Geiz‐ist‐Geil strategy) is emphasized in this study.
Spotlight on Edward de Bono
Authors: Powell Sarah 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present an interview with Edward de Bono who is widely regarded as the father of lateral thinking and a leading authority in the direct teaching of thinking as a skill, describing how his medical background inspired his understanding of the brain as a self‐organizing system, enabling him to design practical tools for thinking.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an interview to explain the development, application and impact of his ideas about thinking and creativity.FindingsDiscusses some cultural issues relating to uptake of his ideas, mentions his most recent book and emphasizes the difference between artistic and idea creativity.Originality/valueDetails some of the applications and resultant successes of his thinking skills work which has been introduced in companies and educational environments in many countries around the world. Discusses some cultural issues relating to uptake of his ideas, mentions his most recent book and emphasizes the difference between artistic and idea creativity.
Forming an instructional approach to teach web searching skills to non‐English users
Authors: Lazarinis Fotis 
Published: June 2007

PurposeLocating information on the internet is an important skill in the Information Society. Some recent studies showed that searching using non‐English terms is a more demanding task than searching in English. Based on these observations, this paper aims to apply the Instructional System Design (ISD) methodology to analyse, design and implement a training course for Greek users. This instructional approach considers the explanation of the internal search engine intelligence and inefficiencies with respect to non‐English natural language as its basic structural element.Design/methodology/approachBased on the ISD methodology, the tasks that needed to be trained as a web searcher were identified and a six‐phase instructional sequence was constructed. The instructional methodology is evaluated with the aid of students in an authentic environment.FindingsThe evaluation revealed that learners who followed the structured approach and were aware of the search engines' limitations relating to the Greek language performed better in the web searching experiments.Originality/valueThe instructional methodology described can be applied in any course which aims at teaching basic web searching skills. The instructional approach presented can also be adapted to other non‐English languages.
Functional foods as self‐care and complementary medicine
Authors: Sarkar S. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeConsiderable efforts have been exercised to influence the intestinal microbiota by dietary means in such a way that the health of host is beneficially affected. Consumer's belief that certain foods can exhibit health benefits has resulted in the coining of the term functional foods. Functional foods exist at the interface between food and drugs, therefore offers great potential for health improvement and prevention of diseases when ingested as part of a balanced diet. The purpose of this paper is to examine functional foods as self‐care and complementary medicine.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores various aspects of functional foods such as the reasons for consumer's inclination, health claims, formulation, regulation, and labeling.FindingsAny food can be regarded as functional if it can be demonstrated to affect beneficially one or more target functions in the body or reduce disease risk besides basic nutrition. Health beneficial properties of functional foods suggest their application as self‐care and complementary medicine.Originality/valueIngestion of functional food may help in maintaining the intestinal microbiota and prevent disease risk beyond their basic nutritional needs.
Potential of prebiotics as functional foods – a review
Authors: Sarkar S. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeOptimum balance of intestinal microbiota can be modulated by such dietary means as probiotics and prebiotics. Combination of probiotics and prebiotics could improve the survivality of probiotic candidate due to availability of substrate for its fermentation and confer greater advantages to the host. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of prebiotics as functional foods.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the selection criteria for prebiotic, their postulated health benefits and safety aspects for their inclusion in infant formula. Potentiality of prebiotics for their exploitation as functional foods has also been delineated.FindingsProbiotics, when applied in conjugation with prebiotics give rise to another possibility in microflora management technique known as synbiotics, which could improve the survivality of probiotic candidate and confer greater advantages to the host. Inclusion of prebiotics like fructo‐oligosaccharide and galacto‐oligosaccharide as infant formula ingredients is suggested. Health benefit properties of prebiotics suggest their application as functional foods.Originality/valueIngestion of cultured milk products containing probiotic cultures and prebiotics may provide health benefits in terms of colonization and normalization of intestinal flora and could be recommended for consumption as functional foods.
Antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of garlic and onions
Authors: Wilson Emily A. , Demmig‐Adams Barbara 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of multiple functions and their underlying mechanisms for two common spices, garlic and onion, containing organosulphur compounds.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review of chemistry, physiology, molecular biology, clinical studies.FindingsBoth garlic and onions exert their effects on human health via multiple different functions, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The organosulphur compounds in these spices scavenge oxidizing agents, inhibit the oxidation of fatty acids, thereby preventing the formation of pro‐inflammatory messengers, and inhibit bacterial growth, via interaction with sulphur‐containing enzymes.Research limitations/implicationsCurrently available information on the optimal amount for consumption for each spice is insufficient.Originality/valueThis review is unique in its comprehensive nature, considering multiple different effects of the spices examined as well as multiple studies from molecular to clinical approaches.
Flow cytometry assessment of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) response to non‐electrolytes stress
Authors: Sunny‐Roberts E.O. , Ananta E. , Knorr D. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeLactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a probiotic of human origin, known to have health beneficial effects can be exposed to osmotic stress when applied in food production as important quantities of sugars are added to the food product. The aim of this study is to assess the mode of action of non‐electrolytes stress on its viability.Design/methodology/approachInvestigations were carried out on stationary phase cells treated with 0‐1.5M sugars, by means of flow cytometric method (FCM) and plate enumeration method. Osmotically induced changes of microbial carboxyfluorescein (cF)‐accumulation capacity and propidium iodide‐exclusion were monitored. The ability of the cells to extrude intracellularly accumulated cF upon glucose energization was ascertained as an additional vitality marker, in which the kinetics of dye extrusion were taken into consideration as well. Sugar analysis by HPLC was also carried out.FindingsThe results of FCM analysis revealed that with sucrose, only cells treated at 1.5M experienced membrane perturbation but there was a preservation of membrane integrity and enzymatic activity. There was no loss of viability as shown by plate counts. In contrast, the majority of trehalose‐treated cells had low extent of cF‐accumulation. For these samples a slight loss of viability was recorded on plating (logN/No ∼ −0.45). At 0.6M, cells had similar extrusion ability as the control cells upon glucose energization. However, 20 per cent of sucrose‐treated cells and 80 per cent of trehalose‐treated cells extruded the dye in the first 10min.Originality/valueThis finding pointed out the importance of trehalose to enhance the dye extrusion activity, which is regarded as an analogue of the capability of cells to extrude toxic compounds. Sugars exert different effects on the physiological and metabolic status of LGG but none caused a significant viability loss. LGG can be a choice probiotic bacterium in sugar‐rich food production e.g. candies, marmalade etc., in which exposure to high osmotic pressure is be expected.
An investigation on the lubrication mechanisms of the mechanical radial face seals – II: hydraulic balance of the ring
Authors: Koç Erdem , Ceyhun Sabir Emel 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of the research work carried out is to investigate the hydraulic balance conditions of the sealing ring of a mechanical radial face seal in terms of the residual load acting on the ring by employing the theoretical model developed mentioned in the first part of the investigation.Design/methodology/approachThe end load balance conditions for the movable seal ring have been examined by considering the residual load acting on the ring under all running conditions. The main lubrication and sealing mechanism is assumed to be due to the existence of the relative tilt between the mating surfaces, which is formed by the bearing misalignment. The aim of the theoretical model developed is to predict the necessary minimum film thickness between the relatively moving surfaces by considering the non‐dimensional running (operating) conditions and the geometrical parameters defined. The theoretical model is based on the main differential equation (Reynolds' equation) which is achieved by adopting the standard finite difference form.FindingsUnder the combination of the hydrostatic clamping forces and hydrodynamic restoring forces, an equilibrium position is reached with the seal ring displaced from its central position. At a particular non‐dimensional pressure, the seal ring comes into contact with the stationary plate and this limits the upper value of pressure that can be resisted by the mechanical seal type examined without metal‐metal contact. With the theoretical model developed, it was found that the minimum film thickness between the realtively moving surfaces could be predicted.Originality/valueThis paper provides a considerable scientific contribution to the field of lubrication and sealing aspect of the mechanical radial face seals. The results presented in the first part of the investigation and the remarks outlined in this paper would be considered as a design tool for the seal designers with special reference to ring behaviour under hydrodynamic and hydrostatic conditions.