bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Private sector influence in the International Telecommunication Union
Authors: McCormick Patricia 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the influence of private corporations in the tripartite structure of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU): Telecommunications Standardization, Radiocommunication, and Telecommunications Development.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs institutional ethnography in conjunction with the case study.FindingsThe paper finds that, in the standardization sector, power has been effectively transferred from nation states to the private corporate sector since the approval process now enables standards to be approved by members of the study group that developed them, which is essentially the private sector. In the radiocommunication sector, the private sector continues to conduct much of the requisite technical work, but national governments are ultimately the decision makers and, further, it is difficult to distinguish between treaty and non‐treaty work. In the development sector, the ITU seeks to create an enabling environment for private investment in developing countries and actively seeks to build private sector partnerships. In the long run the ITU may be unable to satisfy either its narrow corporate constituency or the vast majority of its developing country members.Originality/valueAs the United Nations agency which coordinates satellite spacing and allocates access to the electromagnetic spectrum on an international basis, the ITU is the world's most prominent international telecommunications institution, so its structural modifications and membership changes are of great significance in a world increasingly dependent on a global grid of wired and wireless telecommunications networks. This paper sheds light on these.
Business process approach towards an inter‐organizational enterprise system
Authors: Vathanophas Vichita 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo review an existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) literature and provide the inter‐organizational practice of ERP system.Design/methodology/approachA focus group (FG) method was adopted as an exploratory means to gain insights and perspective of ERP systems.FindingsThe study suggests researchers re‐examine the following ERP issues at the inter‐organizational level, namely: selection of ERP packages, integration of business processes, knowledge and applications, implementation approaches, training as well as organizational transformation and software migration.Originality/valueThe study examined the different ERP lifecycle phases and provided the insight factors that were crucial to overall success in implementing ERP. In addition, the empirical findings would be useful to ERP practitioners by providing better understanding of ERP from both the user and organizational perspectives. Regarding the FG methodology, practitioners can use FG at the beginning of ERP projects to gather customer needs and organizational information, which can facilitate better business and IS planning.
Blog searching
Authors: Thelwall Mike 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate how blog searching can be used as a retrospective source of public opinion.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper a variety of blog searching techniques are described and illustrated with a case study of the Danish cartoons affair.FindingsA time series analysis of related blog postings suggests that the Danish cartoons issue attracted little attention in the English‐speaking world for four months after the initial publication of the cartoons, exploding only after the simultaneous start of diplomatic sanctions and a commercial boycott.Research limitations/implicationsBlogs only reveal the opinions of bloggers, and blog analysis is language‐specific. Sections of the world and the population of individual countries that do not have access to the internet will not be adequately represented in blogspace. Moreover, bloggers are self‐selected and probably not representative of internet users.Originality/valueThe existence of blog search engines now allows researchers to search blogspace for posts relating to any given debate, seeking either the opinions of blogging pundits or casual mentions in personal journals. It is possible to use blogs to examine topics before they first attract mass media attention, as well as to dissect ongoing discussions. This gives a retrospective source of public opinion that is unique to blog search engines.
The Galician virtual library
Authors: Places Ángeles S. , Brisaboa Nieves R. , Fariña Antonio , Luaces Miguel R. , Paramá José R. , Penabad Miguel R. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study aims to present the digital library Galician virtual library (BVG, for “Biblioteca Virtual Galega”) in Galician.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows the objectives pursued by the BVG, its development, putting special emphasis on the main technological challenges, and presents some data about its usage.FindingsA digital library can be used to stimulate a lesser‐used language and to promote the culture and tourism of a region.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a digital library can be used to strengthen the Galician language, which is currently categorised as a “Lesser Used Language” in the European Community and to contribute to the preservation and spreading of Galician culture and literary works, either from current authors or from previous documents. It also provides a digital publishing house for new authors and opens a communication channel between current authors and their readers. Finally, it helps to connect a scattered community like the Galician, offering a centralised access point to any information about Galicia. This work also presents some technological innovations included in the BVG, especially from the viewpoint of user interface design and search by content.
A scholarly semantic web system for advanced search functions
Authors: Tho Q.T. , Fong A.C.M. , Hui S.C. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe semantic web gives meaning to information so that humans and computers can work together better. Ontology is used to represent knowledge on the semantic web. Web services have been introduced to make the knowledge conveyed by the ontology on the semantic web accessible across different applications. This paper seeks to present the use of these latest advances in the context of a scholarly semantic web (or SSWeb) system, which can support advanced search functions such as expert finding and trend detection in addition to basic functions such as document and author search as well as document and author clustering search.Design/methodology/approachA distributed architecture of the proposed SSWeb is described, as well as semantic web services that support scholarly information retrieval on the SSWeb.FindingsInitial experimental results indicate that the proposed method is effective.Research limitations/implicationsThe work reported is experimental in nature. More work is needed, but early results are encouraging and the authors wish to make their work known to the research community by publishing this paper so that further progress can be made in this area of research.Originality/valueThe work is presented in the context of scholarly document retrieval, but it could also be adapted to other types of documents, such as medical records, machine‐fault records and legal documents. This is because the basic principles are the same.
Evaluating the effectiveness of utility privatization effortsThe views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or United States Government.
Authors: Braziel Carlos , Thal Alfred E. , Weir Jeffrey D. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeGovernment‐owned utility systems at many locations are old, obsolete, and unreliable. Replacement of these systems has become more technically and operationally complex, thereby making them more difficult for personnel to operate and maintain. In response, some governmental agencies are conveying ownership of these systems to the private sector through utility privatization as a way to efficiently operate and upgrade them. For utility privatization to be successful though, independent audits are necessary to ensure desired quantitative and qualitative factors are balanced. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains how the value‐focused thinking (VFT) methodology was used to develop a multi‐objective decision analysis (MODA) model to determine the effectiveness of utility privatization efforts.FindingsThe VFT MODA model was determined to be a suitable tool to evaluate a complex decision problem such as utility system evaluation. The model captured 28 values and 47 measures relating to utility privatization program's objective of improving the overall quality, reliability, and responsiveness of utility systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe VFT MODA model lacks real‐world data for evaluation, senior leader stakeholder input and a value and measure to evaluate energy efficiency.Practical implicationsThe paper provides organizations faced with utility privatization decisions with an effective decision‐analysis tool.Originality/valueThe paper explores the first documented use of VFT to assist organizations and governments in providing insight into the performance of its privatized utility systems.
Successful distributed work arrangements: a developmental approach
Authors: Roper Kathy O. , Ha Kim Jun 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo provide understanding in developing high‐performance distributed work arrangements (DWA), suggestions for an evaluation framework for analysis of DWA options, and to discuss the expected role of facility management (FM) in DWA.Design/methodology/approachA self‐evaluation table was developed to provide an example of how to assess the potential appropriateness for establishing DWA within an organization. Additionally, relevant attributes demonstrating an organization's level of appropriateness toward DWA are evaluated.FindingsThe best decisions regarding DWA have major impacts to an organization's resources and productivity, and can be aided by critical analysis of more complex factors and attributes to gain insight into these important decision‐making processes. FM support is critical to this decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper only shows a simple interdependency typology among factors and the importance of possible levels of relevant attributes toward the level of DWA successfulness. Since, a causal relationship between DWA attributes and the success of DWA is expected, there is a need for further research focusing on the exact relationship by manipulating independent variables and observing dependent variables such as DWA successfulness.Practical implicationsImproved decision making for FM in support of organizational objectives and within existing resources will enable FM to improve their value to an organization with this analysis tool.Originality/valueA unique approach to evaluation of four key factors, correlated with eight attributes of the organization provide a customizable analysis tool to aid FM in bringing valuable decision making to their organization regarding distributed workplace arrangements.
Accounting for transferring financial assets
Authors: Niu Flora 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study examines the stock market valuation of securitization gains reported by using the financial‐components approach under FAS125 (Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities).Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of US securitizing firms for the period from 1993 to 2000, I conduct two analyses to examine the extent to which the securitization gains reported under FAS125 are reflected in the stock market valuation.FindingsThe paper finds that the reported gains are positively associated with the stock returns, suggesting that the reported gains are perceived to be value relevant, and that investors appear to use gains in the same manner as they use other earnings information. In addition, it is found that the association between returns and securitization earnings is stronger in the post‐FAS125 period than in the pre‐FAS125 period, suggesting that the financial‐components approach improves the capacity of reported financial statement information to explain stock returns when compared with pre‐FAS125 regulations.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study should be helpful to standard setters who continue to apply the financial‐components approach for securitizations and for other transactions involving financial instruments.
Creating complex health improvement programs as mindful organizations
Authors: Michele Issel L. , Narasimha Kusuma M. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify ways for organizationally complex, community‐based health improvement initiatives to avoid “failures” with regard to client outcomes.Design/methodology/approachOrganizational research on errors, failures and high reliability organizations led Weick and Sutcliffe to articulate five strategies for organizational mindfulness: preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, sensitivity to operations, commitment to resilience, and deference to expertise. Using this framework, one US federally funded health initiative to reduce infant mortality and pre‐term birth and a corresponding locally implemented program are analyzed. Experience with both over a five year period is the basis for this case study.FindingsMindlessness actions were found to occur at both the federal and local levels, despite the possibility of enacting mindfulness strategies at federal and local levels.Practice implicationsTo create health care initiatives and programs in ways that prevent disastrous outcomes, such as infant death and preterm births, can be achieved through application of the mindfulness strategies.Originality/valueThe evidence‐based approach of organizational mindfulness previously has not been applied to health programs. Yet, this analysis demonstrates its usefulness in identifying ways in which these semi‐autonomous organizations could avoid “failures” for their program clients.
Back to the future in NHS reform
Authors: Warwick Philip 
Published: June 2007

PurposeIn the mid 1990s the NHS “did” competition, in the mid 2000s the NHS is “doing” choice. This paper aims to cut through the rhetoric, highlight the differences and parallels between then and now and identify if these differences will have a different or the same impact on local services.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of literature from the 1990s, a qualitative research study is used to examine the impact of competition and markets in the 1990s. The discussion examines the implications of this study for current system reform.FindingsPatient choice recreates many of the features of the internal market, but despite concerns at the time, the internal market did not have a significant impact on services. It is likely that patient choice will similarly have a limited impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is a case study confined to Day Surgery in one part of the North of England.Originality/valueThe paper reminds academics and practitioners what happened last time the NHS attempted to introduce a market‐based system.
Why sexual health promotion misses its audience
Authors: Lee Hugh 
Published: June 2007

PurposeSexual health promotion aimed at men who have sex with men (MSM) is not achieving its objective of reducing the incidence of new infections of sexually transmitted diseases, notably HIV/AIDS, in the MSM population. The paper aims to raise awareness of possible unintended consequences when using visual culture and advertising techniques in the field of sexual (and other) health promotion and public health messages.Design/methodology/approachUsing critical textual analysis and drawing on visual culture methodology the approach is to critique current practice and suggest alternative ways to approach gay men's sexual health which are not predicated on a “model” gay man.FindingsMen who have sex with men (MSM) are constructed through sexual health promotion (SHP) literature as young, hedonistic and irrational which may serve to distance the very audience it seeks to attract and address. What may at first appear to be a targeted and helpful initiative to raise awareness may inadvertently have the simultaneous and unanticipated effect of “selling” unsafe sex rather than promoting safe sex. This is because, first, the use of sexual imagery designed to attract attention works in unanticipated ways. Second, MSM are constructed through the images and language used in ways that may be at best unhelpful and potentially quite harmful.Research limitations/implicationsThere are many different approaches and interventions in this field and the criticisms here may not be applicable to many of the other sources of health promotion awareness campaigns. Future research could certainly be conducted in other fields of health promotion and public health issues such as obesity, drug and alcohol abuse and smoking cessation.Practical implicationsHealth promotion practice should beware of depicting their audience in stereotypical ways. MSM could be constructed far more positively as role models to be followed instead of bad examples to be avoided.Originality/valueThe methodology is new to this field and the findings provide an original basis for criticism of advertising techniques which have until now formed the basis of this type of public awareness‐raising.
Outsourcing in private healthcare organisations: a Greek perspective
Authors: Moschuris Socrates J. , Kondylis Michael N. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a study carried out to investigate the extent of outsourcing, the decision‐making process, the impact of outsourcing, and the future trend of outsourcing in private healthcare organisations in Greece.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was designed and mailed to a random sample of 100 private healthcare organisations in Greece. A total of 25 usable questionnaires were received, representing a response rate of 25 percent. The survey instrument focused on the extent to which private healthcare organisations outsource services, the decision‐making process for choosing an external service provider, the impact of outsourcing, and the future trend of outsourcing.FindingsPrivate healthcare organisations in Greece outsource a variety of activities. Cost savings, customisation, and customer satisfaction are the main factors affecting the outsourcing decision. The cooperation with a contract service provider has led to an improvement in customer satisfaction and to a cost reduction. Most users are highly satisfied with the performance of these companies and believe that there will be a future increase in the usage of these services.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a framework regarding outsourcing in private healthcare organisations.Originality/valueThis research fills the gap in the area of outsourcing in private healthcare organisations in Greece.
Peri‐urban and urban forests in Greece: obstacle or advantage to urban development?
Authors: Christopoulou Olga , Polyzos Serafeim , Minetos Dionissios 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of peri‐urban forests to the process of urban growth. The article aims at providing a brief description of peri‐urban forests' contribution to the improvement of people's prosperity in urban centres by means of reducing the negative effects due to urbanisation and improving the standard of living. Design/methodology/approach – The article adopts a descriptive approach and not a specific methodology. It focuses on providing a general review about the usefulness of peri‐urban forests in relation to urban development. In addition, there are presented figures about the number of peri‐urban forests in Greece as well as forest management issues. Findings – The environmental importance of peri‐urban forests is highlighted as well as their contribution to the reduction of soil erosion and the protection of inhabited areas. It also presents their importance to social growth and to the change in land prices in areas adjacent to peri‐urban forests. Practical implications – The appointment of the usefulness of peri‐urban forests for the improvement of the standard of living in urban regions can influence peri‐urban forests' preservation and protection perspectives. Originality/value – This paper provides a general review of the points of view concerning the importance of peri‐urban forests for urban development and the difficulties in managing and protecting them related to administrative and institutional issues in Greece.
A review of the assessment of biodiversity in forest ecosystems
Authors: Spanos K.A. , Feest A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give a general description and analysis of the key factors important for forest biodiversity, and to show the development of a strategy for choosing an indicator methodology for assessment of forest biodiversity. Different biodiversity indicator schemes (methodologies) have been developed recently and all should be capable of being adapted to the specific objectives of biodiversity assessment and to the forest types concerned.Design/methodology/approachA forest ecosystem comprises three main components: structure (e.g. physical characteristics); composition (e.g. number and population of species); and function (e.g. evapo‐transpiration) and it is upon these characteristics that forest biodiversity is based and determined. Forest ecosystems can therefore be characterised by key factors (parameters) which are important for the development of indicators and evaluation of biodiversity.FindingsThe key factors can be grouped or classified according to major ecosystem components and also according to spatial scale (national, regional, landscape and stand level). Selected indicators are the tools that can be used to assess the size/or level and quality of forest biodiversity.Originality/valueBiodiversity key factors and indicators are crucial for studying and monitoring forest biodiversity.
Thoughts on the “scientific method”: part 1 – ignorance through inconsistency
Authors: Powers Michael R. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeIn this two‐part series, the editorial aims to consider the role of the “scientific method” in human understanding, questioning both its consistency in actual practice and its reasonableness as a philosophy of action.Design/methodology/approachIn Part 1, the editorial provides a generic description of the “scientific method” and identifies a number of inconsistencies in the way it is applied.FindingsIn Part 1, it is argued that inconsistencies in applying the “scientific method” may lead researchers to ignore important phenomena.Originality/valueThe two‐part series challenges certain aspects of the “scientific method” as employed in the practice of modern science.