bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case study of improvement schemes of public housing in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Vranayova Zuzana , Kalas Juraj , Lichner Miroslav 
Published: February 2007

PurposeSince 1989, the efficiency of heat production has increased remarkably, and heat and water consumption have decreased significantly. This is largely due to the liberalization of prices (within 15 years heating prices have increased 25 times, water charges 50 times), legislative changes and the improved quality of administration of residential buildings. The purpose of this case study is to describe actual interventions and experiences from Slovakia's older residential houses. Some associations' efforts in relation to building management of housing estates have achieved such improvements, which are also instructive to advanced countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises a case study approach.FindingsOn the basis of detailed analyses of housing estates it can be concluded that their physical condition, due to various structural defects and technical shortcomings, poor workmanship and neglected maintenance, is worse than that corresponding to their age, particularly in panel housing estates. A reduction in energy consumption in existing housing estates can be achieved mainly by taking the measures outlined. A reduction in energy consumption in residential buildings can be achieved effectively only in terms of real economic parameters. Artificially maintained low energy prices did not motivate residents to reduce heat or water consumption. Now that prices have been brought closer to those in other EU countries, the economic effectiveness of rationalization measures for reducing costs in heating residential buildings can be evaluated more objectively. Rationalization measures aimed at reducing energy consumption have proved successful. Building administration associations have transformed to a great extent.Practical implicationsThe paper is a very useful source of information and impartial advice for associations wishing to achieve a necessary level of production and supervision.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information/resource need and offers practical help for the effective management of housing estates.
Aspect of functionality in modernization of office buildings
Authors: Szarejko Wacław , Trocka‐Leszczynska Elzbieta 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to search for a modernization model of functionally obsolete office buildings, taking into consideration the different needs of potential users.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of possibilities of adapting existing buildings to a contemporary conception of office space.FindingsThe paper presents a practical adaptation possibility of an object from the 1970s to contemporary conceptions of “cell”, “den”, “hive”, “club” and “office like a city” type of offices.Research limitations/implicationsDespite investigations being confined to Poland, a wider application of the method described in the paper seems possible in modernizing corridor‐system buildings constructed using prefabricated technology.Practical implicationsThe solution proposed in the paper, based on contemporary knowledge bound with the design of office buildings, may allow better consideration of users' preferences in future modernization activities.Originality/valueAnalysis shows the possibilities for the conversion of technically and functionally obsolete buildings at the pre‐design stage. Based on the model's results, it is possible to integrate the program of modernisation efforts with an appropriate strategy of renting, which from the very beginning may be adapted to the requirements of companies of various organisational structures and needs.
What's in store? Retail marketing and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present exploratory examination of the ways in which large retailers in the UK are using corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a means of communicating with customers while they are in the store.Design/methodology/approachAfter a literature‐based review of CSR, its relationship to marketing and the rationale for growing retail interest in the topic, an analysis is conducted of CSR reports and information posted on the world wide web by the UK's top ten food retailers, followed by participant observation in their largest branch stores in one medium‐sized English town.FindingsWhile there were considerable variations in the extent to which the top ten retailers used CSR themes to communicate with customers at the point of sale, the scope was found to be generally limited. The main messages used concerned support for British food producers, Fairtrade, fitness, healthy living, healthy eating, organic produce, sustainability, employment policies, charitable giving, and support for local communities.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies could confirm and extend understanding of the role of in‐store CSR communications in strengthening brand image and engaging customers with wider social and environmental issues to a company's advantage.Practical implicationsMarketing intelligence insights can form the basis for marketing plans and strategies related to CSR, principally in the context of retailing but also beyond it.Originality/valueAn accessible review of how the UK's leading retailers are addressing CSR issues, of potential interest to marketing academics and practitioners working on and in the retail marketplace.
Strategic marketing in action
Authors: Brooksbank Roger , Taylor David 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo contrast the role and practical application of strategic marketing in higher and lower‐performing firms.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth personal interviews with senior marketing executives in three matched high/low performing manufacturing firms in the UK were recorded, transcribed and analysed. The interview agenda was derived from the authors' own previous research studies, plus precedents in the literature.FindingsThese are structured around four key strategic marketing activities previously found to be characteristic of higher performing firms. They clearly show that such companies implement them with a far greater degree of skill, sophistication and ingenuity than do their lower performing counterparts. Above all, for the higher performers, strategic marketing is a truly cross‐functional activity.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodology of this study indicates a fruitful approach to further research aimed at extending and refining the findings and recommendations, though details requiring methodological attention are identified.Originality/valueAs an aid to marketing practitioners and educators alike, these findings and conclusions identify and describes a number of specific, applicable characteristics of successful strategic marketing.
Exploring the possibilities of integrating the savings of women in poor urban communities to formal finance systems to enhance housing opportunities
Authors: Kajimo‐Shakantu Kahilu , Evans Kathy 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the possibility of integrating women‐centred savings schemes into formal finance systems in order to help such schemes to leverage finance for housing purposes.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a case study approach that uses mainly semi‐structured interviews. The case studies involve two savings schemes with their respective supporting organisations and five commercial banks in South Africa.FindingsThe case studies show that, if savings systems are flexible and suitable to their needs, women are capable of saving and repaying housing loans. The results also suggest that the accumulated group savings and the savings schemes themselves act as good collateral. However, despite showing interest in involvement in the low‐income sector, banks do not have a financially viable and workable business model to exploit this potential market.Research limitations/implicationsIntegrated community housing is essential. Future research is required to determine how good repayment rates could be achieved while maintaining risks at acceptable levels.Practical implicationsFor practical purposes, collaboration with intermediary organisations working with women‐centred savings schemes would be a beneficial starting point in linking the savings schemes with formal finance systems.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable reference material for understanding the gap that exists between what banks currently offer and what poor households require in meeting their housing needs. It may also be useful to researchers and practitioners as a basis for exploring innovative finance models for banks.
Examining valuer's judgement in residential property valuations in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Tajudeen Aluko Bioye 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine whether valuers consider and interpret intrinsic value elements in a residential property the same way in a familiar location. The price people pay for a complex commodity like residential property is a sum of the utility of various intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics. The skill of the valuer rests in the recognition of value‐enhancing elements in order to arrive at a value for the subject property.Design/methodology/approachRelevant data for the study were gathered from a controlled‐experiment involving some residential properties and administration of questionnaires backed up with oral interviews on a random sample of 59 valuation firms in metropolitan Lagos, a commercial nerve‐center in the country. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.FindingsThe study showed that there are differences in the means and interpretation of value‐enhancing variables amongst valuation firms sampled. The study, inter alia, concluded that non‐duplicative nature of real estate, differences in the skills and degree of technical competence of the valuation firms including length of practice, absence of a centralized database and lack of valuation practice statements as well as updated guidance notes are the key factors, amongst others, responsible for the variability in the valuers' judgement in the study area.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the empirical literature in valuation accuracy by establishing the level of interpretative errors in residential property valuations and the key factors responsible for the variability in the valuers' judgement in the study area.
Federal Science eLibrary Pilot
Authors: Brown Beverly , Found Cynthia , McConnell Merle 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe a pilot project for the Federal Science eLibrary to measure the impacts on Government of Canada researchers when provided with seamless, equitable access to an expanded core of electronic journals in science, technology and medicine (STM). The Federal Science eLibrary is an initiative supported by the Strategic Alliance of Federal Science and Technology Libraries to provide improved access to information at the desktop for the 22,000 Canadian federal scientists, policy analysts and decision makers. The pilot project was designed to evaluate the benefits of increased access to e‐journals at the pilot sites and test network performance in connecting to a central digital repository.Design/methodology/approachA total of 500 users in three Canadian government sites with limited access to electronic resources were provided with full text access to a digital repository of over 3,000 e‐journals over a 12‐week period. Questionnaires, teleconferences, usage statistics and e‐mail correspondence were used to gather and measure researchers' response and show impacts on their ability to do their work.FindingsPilot groups reported significantly reduced time finding and verifying information. Time saved was redirected into critical activities such as research, laboratory activities, manuscript preparation, peer review activities and professional reading. Participants found that increased desktop access had a very positive impact on their ability to do their work.Originality/valueThis study shows the benefits of expanded access to electronic journals for federal government scientists through a Federal Science eLibrary initiative.
RFID implementation and benefits in libraries
Authors: Yu Shien‐Chiang 
Published: February 2007

PurposeRadio frequency identification (RFID) applications that provide batch access, storage mass data and reprogramming are better than barcodes. Applying RFID can promote operational efficiency and precision. The cost is one of the major factors influencing whether or not RFID will be accepted in libraries. Although RFID has improved the efficiency of libraries, the essence of the library service has not changed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes feasibility studies regarding the structure and application of the RFID system.FindingsTo economize on the expense, the first step to consider is applying RFID to specific collections. Employing RFID systems to supply inventory, entrance guard, and to gather reading statistics is possible. Further extensions to other collections and all kinds of materials in libraries are likely after the technology develops.Originality/valueThe paper provides an evaluation and a model for implementing RFID solutions in libraries.
E‐learning model for Polish libraries: BIBWEB
Authors: Bednarek‐Michalska Bożena , Wołodko Anna 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis article aims to describe the important role of e‐learning in Poland and to cover experiences in transferring and localising the course, know‐how about how to find strategic partners and establishing a sound infrastructure for e‐learning, and guidelines as to how to get and use feedback from learners to continuously improve the quality of the course.Design/methodology/approachThe article describes the situation in the Polish library world and the process of implementation and conducting the BIBWEB online course for librarians. It also relates to how the course improves information literacy.FindingsLibraries in Poland can considerably strengthen their role as an element of the information and knowledge society by expanding their offers regarding internet access and e‐learning. The situation in Germany in 1999 was comparable with the current situation in Poland. As a reaction to this, the Bertelsmann Foundation initiated an online course offer comprising three modules: “BIBWEB – internet training for libraries” (see www.bibweb.de), which met with great acceptance in Germany. For this reason, it made sense to translate the existing successful course product and adapt it to the special requirements of libraries in Poland. The Bertelsmann Foundation and its two project partners, the Warsaw University Library and the “Elektroniczna Biblioteka” (EBIB) library information service, have jointly developed such a Polish‐language online course (see www.bibweb.pl) and have offered it on the internet to the specialist target group since 2003.Originality/valueThis paper shows the benefits of an international educational project. Polish experiences concerning e‐learning may be useful for other nations.
Methodological approaches in web search research
Authors: Mansourian Yazdan , Madden Andrew D. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the methodologies employed by researchers working in the field of information seeking on the web. It aims to present an overall picture of the research methods used in the area, in a way that will be of value to anyone seeking to design research‐based studies of web searching.Design/methodology/approachA review of the past 11 years of research on information seeking on the web was carried out. The paper focuses mainly on the methodological approaches adopted by researchers, but, where relevant, studies of different aspects of user interaction with web‐based search tools are considered.FindingsThe area is growing fast and the number of studies has been increasing steadily. A variety of research methods was employed in the studies reviewed here. However, the emphasis to date has been on quantitative rather than qualitative methods. The paper argues that a better balance is needed between these two approaches.Research limitations/implicationsWeb search research comprises a wide range of related studies, making it difficult for the authors to carry out a comprehensive review. Nevertheless, limiting its focus to methodological aspects of the existing research, this paper provides a useful overview.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful starting‐point to any researcher new to web search research, enabling them quickly to achieve an overview of the methodological approaches adopted to date.
The effects of electronic access to scientific literature in the consortium of Turkish university libraries
Authors: Kirlidog Melih , Bayir Didar 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide some insight into the sharp increase in scientific publications originating from Turkish academic and research institutions in the last few years. The underlying reasons – widespread access to literature through electronic databases being the most important – are also investigated.Design/methodology/approachAlthough it is difficult to gauge national scientific productivity, the number of publications in electronic databases that index thousands of scientific journals can give some indication. Web of Science is one of these, and it is provided to the Turkish academic community along with several other databases by the national library consortium. Based on the Web of Science data, a comparative analysis was performed to investigate publications originating from Turkey and other countries.FindingsThe analysis revealed a sharp increase in publications from Turkish institutions in the last few years. Considering the highest publishing 30 countries out of 190, the increase between 2001 and 2003 is 53.48 percent for Turkey, followed by 34 percent for China and 26.87 percent for South Korea.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough one of the largest databases was analyzed, it is only one of several. Additionally, there are also several other indicators of scientific productivity such as books published and citations received.Originality/valueThe paper provides some insight into the importance of library consortia and the efficient literature access they provide to researchers.
Parallel computing for seismic response analysis of immersed tunnel with domain decomposition
Authors: Guo Yizhi , Jin Xianlong , Ding Junhong 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTaking into account the long‐term influences of the non‐linear behavior of the material as well as the large deformation and contact conditions, the limiting factors of the computer simulation are the computer runtime and the memory requirement during solution of seismic response analysis for immersed tunnel. This research aims to overcome these problems.Design/methodology/approachThis research deals with parallel explicit finite element simulation with domain decomposition for seismic response analysis of immersed tunnel, which is the non‐linear and time‐dependent behavior of complex structures in engineering. A domain decomposition method based on parallel contact algorithm and dynamic‐explicit time integration procedure are used, and the latter is used for the solution of the semi‐discrete equations of motion, which is very suited for parallel processing. Using the high performance computer SGI Onyx3800, the seismic response analysis of the immersed tunnel in Shanghai is processed with more than 1.2 million nodes and more than 1 million elements in final finite element model.FindingsThe results show numerical scalability of this algorithm and reveal the dangerous joints in this immersed tunnel under Tangshan seismic acceleration, and it could also provide references for the antiseismic design of the immersed tunnel.Originality/valueWith the increasing demands in the scale, accuracy and speed of numerical simulation in geotechnical engineering, parallel computing has its great application in this area. This paper fulfils an identified method need, and it is believed more and more research work will be devoted to this research field in the near future.
The nature of international retail divestment: insights from Ahold
Authors: Palmer Mark , Quinn Barry 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the nature of divestment within the context of retailer internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachIt focuses on the activities of the Dutch food multinational retailer Royal Ahold (Ahold). Drawing on 37 in‐depth interviews with investment banks and executives, this paper provides a number of insights into Ahold's international retail divestment activities within the context of a broadly successful international investment strategy.FindingsIt offers some new insights into the multidimensional nature of international retail divestment construct in terms of the operational as well as more subtle and less visible non‐operational international retail divestments. It is concluded from this study that, rather than portraying strategic and opportunistic approaches as binary opposites, a retail firm may have varying degrees of approaches to international retail divestment, and these may not necessarily be isomorphic across different countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper explores international retail divestment from a rather broad perspective, although it is hoped that these parameters can be used to raise a new set of more detailed priorities for future research on international retail divestment.Practical implicationsThis paper raises a number of interesting issues such as whether retailers initially take divestment seriously and the degree to which this is actually possible during market entry.Originality/valueAs called for in the literature, this study examines divestment in the broadest possible fashion, thus addressing a major gap in our understanding of the whole internationalisation process.
Price sensitivity as an indicator of customer defection in retail banking
Authors: Santonen Teemu 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to analyse how different dimensions of perceived service loyalty including price sensitivity explains the consumer defection in retail banking.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical tests were conducted with survey data from nearly 1,700 consumers in Finland.FindingsThe findings support previous suggestion that service loyalty can be determined by following four dimensions, although a shade of interference in the unidimensionality of the service loyalty instrument in question was observed: purchase intention; word‐of‐mouth communication; price sensitivity; and complaining behaviour.Originality/valueIt was found that only the price sensitivity dimension – in which reliability and unidimensionality was strongly verified – was related to the likelihood of defection in the case of low‐price and limited product range driven sales offers. Results show that loyal customers are also open to attractive marketing information. This outcome is important since the willingness to acquire information on the rival offer was related to customer defection.