bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Governance in a co‐ownership environment
Authors: Hastings E.M. , Wong S.K. , Walters Megan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine how the allocation of property rights in multiple‐ownership buildings in Hong Kong creates an environment in which the optimization of asset value may be difficult to achieve and in this situation how owners chose to overcome the associated problems of collective action decision making to resolve issues of building management.Design/methodology/approachAn institutional approach, drawn from the literature on common property and collective action, is used to examine the management of multiple‐ownership property. The paper uses a hedonic pricing model to empirically test whether, in such circumstances, management is reflected in property price and which mode of governance owners prefer as a mechanism for resolving problems of collective action.FindingsThe institutional arrangements for co‐ownership and use of multiple‐ownership property assets in Hong Kong have resulted in an “anticommons” environment, in which individual owners are in a position to veto action in relation to the property. In the absence of mandatory management the study indicates property prices are increased in those cases where owners have chosen to resolve the difficulties of collective decision making by forming incorporate owners' groups and employing professional management services.Research limitations/implicationsThe outcome of the empirical work is the result of an initial study carried out in one district in Hong Kong and may not be generalised. In the future, the approach will be extended to other areas.Practical implicationsIn the absence of a regulatory environment which ensures the management of multiple‐ownership property assets, owners may be better advised to formalise arrangements through the formation of incorporate owners' groups and appointment of professional property management agents.Originality/valueThe paper assesses the implications of an anticommons environment for the management of multiple‐ownership property in Hong Kong. Examines arrangements for collective decision making and demonstrates influence of management on property price.
SPEIR: developing a common information environment in Scotland
Authors: Nicholson Dennis , Dunsire Gordon , Macgregor George 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report on the work of the SPEIR project and indicate its relevance beyond the Scottish information environment. SPEIR was funded by the Scottish Library and Information Council to identify, research, and develop the elements of an internationally interoperable Scottish Common Information Environment (SCIE) for Library, Museum and Archive domain information services, and to determine the best path for future progress. A key focus was to determine the distributed information infrastructure requirements of a pilot Scottish Cultural Portal being developed in parallel with the SPEIR work, building on existing pilot initiatives such as the CAIRNS distributed catalogue and landscaper, the SCONE collections database, the SCAMP staff portal and an embryonic organisational infrastructure based on the Confederation of Scottish Mini‐cooperatives (CoSMiC).Design/methodology/approachA series of practical pilots was undertaken. These were underpinned by relevant desk and field research and conducted within an overarching holistic approach to developing the distributed environment.Practical implicationsKey outcomes included the creation of a single upgraded integrated service incorporating an extended distributed catalogue, collections database, and landscaper, the creation of a pilot distributed digital library, the development of open‐URL‐based facilities to permit portals to incorporate “canned searches” of the catalogue, the collections database, the SDDL, and other compatible services, an illustrative pilot Scottish terminology mapping service, and various organisational infrastructure and professional support improvements.Originality/valueThe embryonic technical and organisational infrastructure reported may provide a model for other small countries (or regions within larger countries) seeking a coherent approach to the development of an interoperable information environment.
Effectiveness of ICT training for public library staff in the UK: staff views
Authors: King Sandie , McMenemy David , Poulter Alan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to report the findings of a survey into staff perceptions of the UK‐wide information and communications technology (ICT) training conducted under the People's Network programme for public library staff.Design/methodology/approachA web‐based survey was undertaken across several prominent UK mailing lists, seeking staff views on issues such as the usefulness of the training provided, and any perceived gaps in training that existed. The survey also asked what types of ICT queries staff regularly encountered.FindingsIt was found that while the staff found the training rewarding, there were concerns at the lack of ICT troubleshooting in the programme, and the reliance on an off‐the‐shelf training programme not specifically designed for libraries, namely the European Computer Driving License, or ECDL. The paper suggests that ICT training for library staff should be built around problem solving and troubleshooting, rather than generic skills, in order to match the kinds of queries encountered in the front line of libraries.Originality/valueThe paper is useful for anyone involved in designing library training programmes, or for researchers or students interested in the ICT skills necessary for librarians and the types of ICT queries encountered in the workplace.
Search: the new application platform
Authors: Arnold Stephen E. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to track the uses of humans for document search and retrieval into the now increasing problem of accessing electronic information.Design/methodology/approachSearch has evolved into a top priority for internet users and will continue to expand as the new application platform. In the last year, Google has become the superstar of finding and accessing digital information. Information fracture, the multiplying effect of information processing, continues to send shock waves across computing environments.FindingsComputing has shifted to distributed systems delivering from the network, not the local storage device. Locating a particular digital item is difficult. Google and other search engine companies are becoming application platforms. Google provides applications on different devices at different price points, including free of charge, with a variety of technology infrastructure. Innovations will be driven by user behavior.Research limitations/implicationsElectronic information is doubling every 12 to 18 months. Search will drive the future of next‐generation applications. Publishing is already feeling the impact of this new shock wave. What is next may not be known yet, but Google already has 60 products and services out.Originality/valueThis paper shows the evolution of information in search and retrieval methods, and how search will drive next‐generation applications. Google is the primary market maker, with more patents applied for in the first six months of 2005 than all of its previous history, going back to 1998.
Growth and development of information and communication technologies in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Anwarul , Rahman Anisur 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the present status of information and communication technology (ICT) in Bangladesh and to represent the scenario of growth and development of ICT in relation to the evolution of the information explosion with the aim of providing better library and information services in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachDocumentary sources and direct observation are the major methods of this article.FindingsTo achieve the millennium development goal and to face the information revolution, Bangladesh needs a special information infrastructure. There is also an immediate need to make a dedicated decision to ensure an appropriate electronic‐communication environment in the country to facilitate the use of ICT to disseminate information, building communication, marketing products and publications, and earn revenue through e‐commerce.Originality/valueThe paper will be of value to researchers on Bangladesh who wish to learn more about the state of ICT in the country, as well as to librarians wishing to improve their services.
Using data mining technology to solve classification problems
Authors: Chang Chan‐Chine , Chen Ruey‐Shun 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTraditional library catalogs have become inefficient and inconvenient in assisting library users. Readers may spend a lot of time searching library materials via printed catalogs. Readers need an intelligent and innovative solution to overcome this problem. The paper seeks to examine data mining technology which is a good approach to fulfill readers' requirements.Design/methodology/approachData mining is considered to be the non‐trivial extraction of implicit, previously unknown, and potentially useful information from data. This paper analyzes readers' borrowing records using the techniques of data analysis, building a data warehouse, and data mining.FindingsThe paper finds that after mining data, readers can be classified into different groups according to the publications in which they are interested. Some people on the campus also have a greater preference for multimedia data.Originality/valueThe data mining results shows that all readers can be categorized into five clusters, and each cluster has its own characteristics. The frequency with which graduates and associate researchers borrow multimedia data is much higher. This phenomenon shows that these readers have a higher preference for accepting digitized publications. Also, the number of readers borrowing multimedia data has increased over the years. This trend indicates that readers preferences are gradually shifting towards reading digital publications.
How digital libraries can support e‐learning
Authors: Rezaei Sharifabadi Saeed 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDigital libraries have the potential to offer unprecedented resources for supporting e‐learning. This paper addresses and discusses such aspects as what is meant by “e‐learning”, and how can it be supported by the library environment, the functionality of the digital library; and how e‐learning resources are included and organized in the digital library.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the advantages of digital libraries for e‐learning and the types of learning that can be supported by digital libraries.FindingsThere is undoubtedly a keenness to use online information resources for research and teaching, but this seems to be matched by a lack of awareness of how best to integrate these resources into the e‐learning environment.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful insight into the role and influence of digital libraries and online resources on e‐learning.
Sharing resources in Finnish university libraries: reorganising the national document supply system
Authors: Muhonen Ari , Jauhiainen Annu , Vattulainen Pentti 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe the development of interlending and document supply (ILDS) in Finland and the recent initiative to move to patron initiated ILDS.Design/methodology/approachHistorical narrative and analysis.FindingsThat ILDS in Finland is declining primarily because of the “Big Deals” and the introduction of ILDS charges after the privatisation of the postal service. That Finland needs to move to a more developed patron initiated culture for the supply of documents to users.Practical implicationsThe need for further ILDS software development has been identified in order to underpin unmediated ILDS; this will be progressed during 2006.Originality/valueProvides information on the current ILDS situation in Finland and to a lesser extent other Nordic countries. Provides an insight into how a European country is moving towards unmediated ILDS.
Performance comparison between mixing ventilation and displacement ventilation with and without cooled ceiling
Authors: Qiu‐Wang Wang , Zhen Zhao 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide the performance comparison between the conventional mixing ventilation (MV) and the displacement ventilation (DV) with and without cooling ceiling, which can be helpful to design.Design/methodology/approachThe commercial CFD software FLUENT with RNG k‐ε turbulent model was used. The CFD method was validated via comparing with the available experimental data.FindingsIt was found that if properly designed, the DV system can supply better indoor air quality in the occupied zone, including better distribution in temperature field, higher ventilation efficiency, lower contaminant field and more thermal comfort compared with the MV system, because of the stratification effect of DV. And the locations of return air outlets have a great effect on the performance of the ventilation system. It was also found that the DV systems can be used to remove air contaminations more efficiently, but the temperature difference in the occupied zone in the DV system is higher than that in the MV system, especially if the heat load is higher. This problem may be solved if the cooled ceiling is combined with the DV, because the vertical temperature in the occupied zone will be reduced and more thermal comfort can be achieved.Research limitations/implicationsMore detailed computation should be performed on the thermal radiation between different surfaces in the room.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for thermal designing of air condition.Originality/valueThis paper provides the performance comparison between the conventional MV and the DV with and without cooling ceiling, based on flow and temperature distribution.
The bio‐heat transfer equation and its applications in hyperthermia treatments
Authors: Tunç Murat , Çamdali Ünal , Parmaksizoğlu Cem , Çikrikçi Sermet 
Published: July 2006

PurposeCancer is the foremost disease that causes death. The objective of hyperthermia in cancer therapy is to raise the temperature of cancerous tissue above a therapeutic value while maintaining the surrounding normal tissue at sublethal temperature values in cases where surgical intervention is dangerous or impossible. The malignant tissue is heated up to 42°C in the treatment. In this method, the unaffected tissues are aimed to have minimum damage, while the affected ones are destroyed. Therefore, it is very important for the optimization of the method to know the temperature profiles in both tissues. Accurately estimating the tissue temperatures has been a very important issue for tumor hyperthermia treatment planning. This paper, proposes to theoretically predict the temperature response of the biological tissues subject to external EM heating by using the space‐dependent blood perfusion term in Pennes bio‐heat equation.Design/methodology/approachThe bio‐heat transfer equation is parabolic partial differential equation. Grid points including independent variables are initially formed in solution of partial differential equation by finite element method. In this study, one dimensional bio‐heat transfer equation is solved by flex‐PDE finite element method.FindingsIn this study, the bio‐heat transfer equation is solved for variable blood perfusion values and the temperature field resulting after a hyperthermia treatment is obtained. Homogeneous, non‐homogeneous tissue and constant, variable blood perfusion rates are considered in this study to display the temperature fields in the biological material exposed to externally induced electromagnetic irradiation.Originality/valueTemperature‐dependent tissue thermophysical properties have been used and the Pennes equation is solved by FEM analysis. Variable blood perfusion and heat generation values have been used in calculations for healthy tissue and tissue with tumor.
Opportunities for marketing researchers in international entrepreneurship
Authors: Styles Chris , Seymour Richard G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeEntrepreneurship is a growing phenomenon in world markets. In response, the past two decades have seen increasing attention given to research and theory development in the area of international entrepreneurship. However, contributions from marketing scholars have been minimal. The purpose of this paper is to define the emerging research field of international entrepreneurship and to explore opportunities for contribution to that field from marketing scholars.Design/methodology/approachAn overview of the field of entrepreneurship highlights the central notions of opportunity, human action, learning, and creativity and innovation. To this is added value exchange, a core focus of marketing theory. These concepts are then used to define international entrepreneurship and highlight opportunities for marketing researchers.FindingsThere is considerable scope for marketing academics to contribute to the nascent field of international entrepreneurship which would, in turn, advance marketing theory.Originality/valueThe paper encourages scholars in marketing to join with colleagues from other disciplines and countries to add to these international resources.
Does relationship marketing improve customer relationship satisfaction and loyalty?
Authors: Leverin Andreas , Liljander Veronica 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship marketing (RM) strategy of a retail bank and examine whether – after its implementation – customer relationships were strengthened through perceived improvements in the banking relationship and consequent loyalty towards the bank.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted on two profitability segments, of which the more profitable segment had been directly exposed to a customer oriented RM strategy, whereas the less profitable segment had been subjected to more sales oriented marketing communications.FindingsNo significant differences were found between the segments on customers' evaluations of the service relationship or their loyalty toward the bank. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that relationship satisfaction was less important as a determinant of loyalty in the more profitable segment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted as a case study of one specific branch of a bank group in Finland, which limits the external validity of its results. It was not possible to ascertain if, or to what extent, customers of the more profitable segment had received the intended RM treatment. Other limitations are also discussed.Practical implicationsCustomer orientation is desirable within retail banking and more studies are needed on the differential drivers of loyalty across customer profitability segments. By identifying the aspects of a banking relationship that are more highly valued among more profitable customers than among less profitable customers, bank managers would be able to more effectively devise appropriate strategies for different segments.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the RM literature and marketing of financial services by providing empirical evidence of the effects of RM activities on customer relationship perceptions in different profitability segments.
Costs and benefits of inspection systems and optimal inspection allocation for uniform defect propensity
Authors: Freiesleben Johannes 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to demonstrate basic economic principles underlying the use of inspection systems and to derive a basis for comparing inspection costs with the alternative costs of quality improvement.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, the impact of final, rectifying and sequential inspection on unit production costs is assessed using a production process model with uniform defect propensity in the single process steps. Based on this model, an objective function with the objective of minimizing unit production costs including inspection costs is formulated and a genetic algorithm method used to optimize it.FindingsTwo distinct patterns of optimal inspection allocation could be detected for changing defect rate, processed volume, fixed inspection costs and variable input costs. These allocation patterns highlight the basic economic relations of an inspection approach and verify the assumption that sequential inspection schemes are cost‐optimal. However, the benefits of quality improvement are found to be superior to any inspection scheme for a majority of cases.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are derived from a theoretical examination. Further limitations stem from the cost‐centred approach which only covers the internal component of an economic assessment of quality. However, the economic perspective advanced in this paper can in future be subjected to empirical testing and be elaborated by subsequent research.Practical implicationsAlthough built on simplifying assumptions, the process model can provide important insights into basic economic relations and demonstrate that inspection is an inferior way of dealing with quality problems. It can thereby help to promote a better economic understanding of quality.Originality/valueThis paper provides an economic assessment of an important aspect of quality management, which has so far not been advanced.
The role of follow‐up in achieving results from self‐assessment processes
Authors: Ford Matthew W. , Evans James R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate follow‐up as a salient factor in achieving results from organizational self‐assessment.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 14 organizations involved in self‐assessment. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the follow‐up patterns in high and low achievers to discern key factors of follow‐up and their relationship to self‐assessment outcomes.FindingsThe paper finds that high achievers appeared to engage in a consistent set of follow‐up activities. These activities included top management team dialogue that set the tone for follow‐up, a planning process that generated a large, documented action plan, and incentive and monitoring‐based implementation controls using existing structure.Research limitations/implicationsSmall sample size limits the generalizability of the findings. Larger empirical studies could evaluate the strength of the relationships between the factors of follow‐up and outcomes. Future research should also investigate why some organizations undertake follow‐up while others do not. Plausibly, degree of follow‐up might relate to uncertainty facing the organization, or the extent to which managers understand organizational processes.Practical implicationsAn organization can execute a picture perfect self‐assessment analysis and still realize little benefit if it does not effectively follow‐up on the findings. Effective follow‐up is driven by top‐management and cannot be delegated.Originality/valueThis paper extends the literature by elaborating the role of follow‐up in the self‐assessment process.