bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facing the reality of semantic image retrieval
Authors: Enser Peter G.B. , Sandom Christine J. , Hare Jonathon S. , Lewis Paul H. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo provide a better‐informed view of the extent of the semantic gap in image retrieval, and the limited potential for bridging it offered by current semantic image retrieval techniques.Design/methodology/approachWithin an ongoing project, a broad spectrum of operational image retrieval activity has been surveyed, and, from a number of collaborating institutions, a test collection assembled which comprises user requests, the images selected in response to those requests, and their associated metadata. This has provided the evidence base upon which to make informed observations on the efficacy of cutting‐edge automatic annotation techniques which seek to integrate the text‐based and content‐based image retrieval paradigms.FindingsEvidence from the real‐world practice of image retrieval highlights the existence of a generic‐specific continuum of object identification, and the incidence of temporal, spatial, significance and abstract concept facets, manifest in textual indexing and real‐query scenarios but often having no directly visible presence in an image. These factors combine to limit the functionality of current semantic image retrieval techniques, which interpret only visible features at the generic extremity of the generic‐specific continuum.Research limitations/implicationsThe project is concerned with the traditional image retrieval environment in which retrieval transactions are conducted on still images which form part of managed collections. The possibilities offered by ontological support for adding functionality to automatic annotation techniques are considered.Originality/valueThe paper offers fresh insights into the challenge of migrating content‐based image retrieval from the laboratory to the operational environment, informed by newly‐assembled, comprehensive, live data.
The relative effects of knowledge, interest and confidence in assessing relevance
Authors: Ruthven Ian , Baillie Mark , Elsweiler David 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how different aspects of an assessor's context, in particular their knowledge of a search topic, their interest in the search topic and their confidence in assessing relevance for a topic, affect the relevance judgements made and the assessor's ability to predict which documents they will assess as being relevant.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted as part of the Text REtrieval Conference (TREC) HARD track. Using a specially constructed questionnaire information was sought on TREC assessors' personal context and, using the TREC assessments gathered, the responses were correlated to the questionnaire questions and the final relevance decisions.FindingsThis study found that each of the three factors (interest, knowledge and confidence) had an affect on how many documents were assessed as relevant and the balance between how many documents were marked as marginally or highly relevant. Also these factors are shown to affect an assessors' ability to predict what information they will finally mark as being relevant.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation is that the research is conducted within the TREC initiative. This means that we can report on results but cannot report on discussions with the assessors. The research implications are numerous but mainly on the effect of personal context on the outcomes of a user study.Practical implicationsOne major consequence is that we should take more account of how we construct search tasks for IIR evaluation to create tasks that are interesting and relevant to experimental subjects.Originality/valueExamining different search variables within one study to compare the relative effects on these variables on the search outcomes.
The digital library as place
Authors: Pomerantz Jeffrey , Marchionini Gary 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a high‐level investigation of the physical‐conceptual continuum occupied by both digital and physical libraries.Design/methodology/approachA framework is provided for thinking about the notions of place and library. The issue of materials and the ideas they represent is considered. Places for people are considered, including issues of people's sense of place in physical and digital spaces. The issue of physical and digital spaces as places for work, collaboration, and community‐building is considered.FindingsAs more digital libraries are built, and as more physical libraries offer electronic access to parts of their collection, two trends are likely to result: the role of the library as a storage space for materials will become decreasingly important; and the role of the library as a space for users, for individual and collaborative work, and as a space for social activity, will become increasingly important.Research limitations/implicationsDigital libraries are unable to fulfill some of the functions of the physical library as physical spaces, but are able to offer functions beyond what the physical library can offer as cognitive spaces.Practical implicationsAreas of likely future development for digital libraries are suggested, as vehicles for enhancing cognitive space by augmenting representations of ideas in materials.Originality/valueThis paper argues that in many ways digital libraries really are places in the conceptual sense, and will continue to broaden and enrich the roles that libraries play in people's lives and in the larger social milieu.
Conceptions of “information poverty” in LIS: a discourse analysis
Authors: Haider Jutta , Bawden David 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo provide an analysis of the notion of “information poverty” in library and information science (LIS) by investigating concepts, interests and strategies leading to its construction and thus to examine its role as a constitutive element of the professional discourse.Design/methodology/approachStarting from a Foucauldian notion of discourse, “information poverty” is examined as a statement in its relation to other statements in order to highlight assumptions and factors contributing to its construction. The analysis is based on repeated and close reading of 35 English language articles published in LIS journals between 1995 and 2005.FindingsFour especially productive discursive procedures are identified: economic determinism, technological determinism and the “information society”, historicising the “information poor”, and the library profession's moral obligation and responsibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe material selection is linguistically and geographically biased. Most of the included articles originate in English‐speaking countries. Therefore, results and findings are fully applicable only in an English language context.Originality/valueThe focus on overlapping and at times conflicting discursive procedures, i.e. the results of alliances and connections between statements, highlights how the “information poor” emerge as a category in LIS as the product of institutionally contingent, professional discourse. By challenging often unquestioned underlying assumptions, this article is intended to contribute to a critical examination of LIS discourse, as well as to the analysis of the discourses of information, which dominate contemporary society. It is furthermore seen to add to the development of discourse analytical approaches in LIS research.
An empirical study of perceived strategic value and adoption constructs: the Ghanaian case
Authors: Saffu Kojo , Walker John H. , Hinson Robert 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the link between the determinants of perceived strategic value (PSV) of e‐commerce and e‐commerce adoption among Ghanaian small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), defined as businesses that employ a maximum of 200 employees.Design/methodology/approachThe authors randomly sampled SME owners/managers from the membership of the Ghana Club 100 (GC 100) and non‐traditional exporters (NTEs). Established databases are not the norm in Ghana, and GC 100 and NTEs had membership databases that were accessible to the local co‐author. Investigating e‐commerce adoption issues among these companies was warranted. The authors used a structured instrument developed and validated in prior studies to collect the data in a face to face interview. A pilot study was conducted to ascertain the clarity and reliability of the questionnaire. Of the SME owners/managers: 200 were contacted; 112 agreed to participate in the study; 107 responses were obtained – representing a 53.5 per cent response rate. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 14.FindingsFactor analysis demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity and construct reliability. PSV construct resulted in four factors: Strategic Decision Support (SD), Information Management (IM), Organizational Support (OS) and Decision Aids (DA). This finding is both consistent and inconsistent with prior research. The adoption construct yielded five factors: Perceived Usefulness (PU), Ease of Use (EU), Compatibility (C), Organisational Readiness (OS) and External Pressure (EP). There was more congruence between our results and those of prior research.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations stem from small sample size, the population and locale from which the sample was drawn.Practical implicationsThe study has research and practical implications, and these are discussed fully in the paper.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the knowledge of perceived strategic value and adoption of e‐commerce by SMEs in an under‐researched part of the world.
The role of market orientation in the business success of MNCs' UK subsidiaries
Authors: Qu Riliang 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the role of market orientation in the multinational company's subsidiary's business performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a questionnaire survey/analysis of a sample of 252 foreign subsidiaries in the UK.FindingsThe paper finds that market orientation is a key driver for business performance at foreign subsidiaries. However, the strength of its impact on performance depends on the subsidiary role.Originality/valueThis is the first systematic investigation of the role of market orientation in multinational companies' subsidiaries.
Managing the linkage between export development and poverty reduction
Authors: Owen Skae Frederick , Barclay Brian 
Published: July 2007

PurposeIn the world's quest to eradicate poverty, the means to get there are not fully understood, nor are they universally agreed upon. However, most would accept that the link between trade and development in general and exports and poverty reduction in particular needs to be strengthened and effects better understood. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that a management framework exists by which the linkage between exports and poverty reduction can be better understood and as a consequence strengthened.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the International Trade Centre's Priority Setting Framework to Export Development, a hypothetical strategy has been prepared for the Rwandan coffee sector, which reinforces the export development and poverty reduction linkage.FindingsMany strategies stop short at providing detailed action steps that result in the project's objectives being effectively implemented and its impact being measured.Practical implicationsThe framework can be used to guide national strategy‐makers, trade support organizations, sector associations, NGOs and the donor community in formulating, and more importantly, implementing poverty reduction initiatives in the context of export development.Originality/valueThe paper draws upon a methodology applied in trade related technical assistance and attempts to demonstrate this framework, which primarily addresses competitiveness issues can be rigorously applied to the design and implementation of an export‐led poverty reduction strategy.
The South African poor White problem in the early twentieth century
Authors: Fourie Johan 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess whether any meaningful lessons can be learned from South Africa's early twentieth century experience of White poverty and to what extent such lessons can be applied in order to combat Black poverty today.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses quantitative measures to assert the scale of poverty for both White and Black poverty in the two periods. An extensive discussion of the causes of poverty in both periods concludes with specific policy implications for today. Because of the unique characteristics and history of South Africa, this paper provides a unique dimension to poverty analysis.FindingsThe paper suggests that three key policy lessons can be learned from the twentieth‐century effort to combat White poverty and applied to Black poverty as it exists in South Africa today: an improvement in the quality of education, an improvement in the property right ownership of the poor, and policies to eliminate the constraints on economic growth, by investment, for example, in infrastructure and new technological industries.Research limitations/implicationsCaution is advised when comparing past eras with the present; in comparing two periods that differ widely, only tentative recommendations is possible.Originality/valueSince many areas of the world are faced with the difficult task of eradicating poverty, attempts that, to any extent, are successful are of interest and contribute positively to the development of the available knowledge base. The time‐span and design of this paper offers a unique perspective on poverty eradication efforts.
Trade from the ground up
Authors: Duke Allison , Long Charla 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two‐fold. First, a case study is presented that examines a model of agricultural development created by Healing Hands International (HHI) as one answer to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization call to reduce world hunger in half by 2015. Second, the study of HHI's agricultural model is used to identify some of the variables that might predict success in achieving sustainable agricultural systems in developing communities around the world. Specifically, training and establishing trust through social networks are explored as potential indicators in which HHI and other non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) can better determine whether they are meeting the goal of making trade work for the poor.Design/methodology/approachA case study of HHI's agricultural program is conducted as a means to identify success criteria for similar programs designed to establish economic viability in developing countries.FindingsHHI has received global attention for its success in establishing long‐term economic viability in impoverished communities. Through the examination of their four‐step approach to agricultural development, two variables were identified as potential indicators of success that may generalize to similar programs: training and establishing trust through social networks.Originality/valueThere are currently over 40,000 NGOs operating to develop sustained economic viability for developing countries; however, a state of crisis continues to exist. As such, identifying predictors of success is essential for ensuring the successful implementation of similar programs and providing evidence that can result in greater financial support.
Benefit‐feature segmentation: a tool for the design of supply‐chain strategy
Authors: Duarte Canever Mario , van Trijp Hans , van der Lans Ivo 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the effectiveness of different segmentation schemes as the basis of marketing strategy, with particular respect to supply‐chain decisions, and to propose a new procedure capable of combining benefits sought and features available.Design/methodology/approachIn a study of buyers and consumers of beef in Brazil, segments based on three approaches were derived by hierarchical cluster analysis, fine‐tuned by K‐means cluster analysis. The outcome was evaluated for the viability and actionability of the preferred procedure, both objectively and through interviews with managers in the beef‐supply business.FindingsThe results revealed that a segmentation scheme combining benefits sought and features available yields more homogeneous and actionable segments, and has real promise as an input to the formulation and implementation of supply‐chain strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThis promising innovation in market segmentation requires further study, and testing in the marketplace.Practical implicationsThe proposed system is a usable aid to decision making.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an original approach to market segmentation.
The destruction of a cultural heritage: with reference to the problems of Iraq
Authors: Garcia Eric P. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to inform individuals that the looting and destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage was an attack on the rich culture of humanity itself.Design/methodology/approachPublished works, both recent and ranging back to the middle of the twentieth century, such as articles, books, Congressional Bills/Parliamentary Acts, and United Nation reports were examined. By reviewing various pieces of literature and legislation, this paper reveals the long and difficult road to preserving a nation's cultural heritage.FindingsIn the wake of the USA's and coalition's invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iraq's National Library and Archives, National Museum, and other significant cultural heritage sites were pillaged by looters and thieves. This paper discusses the response by librarians and archivists to the destruction of Iraq's historical collections and the actions taken. The safeguards, which have, over time, developed to preserve a nation's cultural identity, were not enforced during or after the invasion of Iraq. This paper examines a few examples in the twentieth century of nations' repositories that were purposely destroyed.Originality/valueThis paper identifies key pieces of legislation and events that will allow individuals to comprehend to the fullest the danger to libraries and museums from modern warfare.
Revisiting the pioneering market orientation model in an emerging economy
Authors: Dwairi Musa , Bhuian Shahid N. , Jurkus Anthony 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to replicate Kohli and Jaworski, and Kohli's pioneering market orientation model within a highly growth‐oriented and competitive banking industry in an emerging Middle‐Eastern economy, Jordan.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among top management personnel of 475 bank branches in Jordan. A total of 11 hypotheses related to market orientation; its antecedents and consequences were examined by estimating multiple regression models.FindingsThe study confirms that market orientation‐performance relationship is robust across diverse contexts. Also, top management traits are consistent predictors of market orientation. However, organizational factors as direct and linear determinants of market orientation are not completely stable. Further, the nature of the correlations between environmental factors and market orientation may be more complex than has been believed. In addition, within‐country variations along Hofstede's cultural dimensions may be possible. Finally, most scales including that of market orientation suffer from weaknesses.Originality/valueThis paper provides further validation for a market orientation model and unveils some of its weaknesses and strengths.
An empirical examination of the pricing policies and their antecedents in the services sector
Authors: Avlonitis George J. , Indounas Kostis A. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to investigate the pricing policies that service companies adopt in order to set their prices along with the service, organizational and environmental characteristics that influence these policies. Moreover, the extent to which these policies and characteristics are varied across different service industries is also examined.Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve the research objectives, data were collected from 170 companies operating in six different service sectors in Greece through personal interviews. Moreover, a qualitative research through 38 in‐depth interviews was also conducted.FindingsThe study found that the pricing policies tend to be influenced by a number of different service, organizational and environmental characteristics, while different patterns of pricing behavior were clearly identified across different service industries.Research limitations/implicationsThe practical implications of the findings refer to the fact that there does not seem to be a “one and only” recipe for pricing decisions, which can be applied to all circumstances and service contexts. Formulating the pricing strategy seems to be a “situation specific” business activity. The significance of these findings notwithstanding, the context of the study (Greece) is the most important caveat, since it limits the ability to generalize the results to other countries.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper lies in the fact that it presents the first attempt to empirically examine the potential impact of the aforementioned characteristics on the pricing policies used especially across different service contexts.
Identity studies: multiple perspectives and implications for corporate‐level marketing
Authors: He Hong‐Wei , Balmer John M.T. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe concept of identity provides the platform by which many corporate‐level concepts can be understood such as corporate branding, corporate communications, corporate image and corporate reputation. As such, it can be viewed as providing the foundation to the nascent field of corporate marketing. This article seeks to break new ground by marshalling the literature that underpins the major disciplinary strands which inform identity studies and respectively focuses on the concepts of corporate identity (marketing) and organisational identity (organisational behaviour).Design/methodology/approachTwo bodies of literature (corporate identity and organisational identity) were selected for review and examination in terms of their implications for corporate level marketing.FindingsThe authors' review of the literature makes an advance on extant reviews of the literature not only by highlighting the importance of identity and its potential to reveal the organisation (and thereby providing a foundation for the management and comprehension of corporate marketing activities such as corporate branding, communications, reputation etc.), but also by throwing light in terms of the various identity perspectives (four are identified) which differ with regard to conceptualisation,locusof analysis andexplanandum.Originality/valueThis analysis of the literature reveals a degree of synergy and integration between the two disciplinary strands of thought relating to identity. Moreover, the analysis facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of identity studies for the nascent field of corporate marketing.