bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Libraries in Pakistan: a systemic study
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Hameed Abdul , Jalaluddin Haider Syed 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to answer the following questions: what are an open system and its components? How can the open system model be used to describe a library system including its objectives and functions? What is the situation of librarianship in Pakistan in terms of the elements, characteristics and features of an open system model?Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a review of the literature. The challenges which are faced by librarianship today are presented as a supra‐system of a library system. Inputs (people, knowledge, material, energy, capital and finance), processes, outputs and feedback mechanism of Pakistani librarianship are described. Characteristics of an open system such as users, controller, cycle of events, teleology, mission and negative entropy are presented with special reference to libraries in Pakistan.FindingsThat the Library system in Pakistan would benefit from the application of an open systems approach, but resource and other constraints prevent this from happening.Research limitations/implicationsAttempts to show how open systems theory can be applied to the sphere of a national library system.Practical implicationsThe barriers to implementing the systems model offered in this paper are essentially practical: resource constraints, political priorities, and related social or governmental factors.Originality/valueThe paper is useful not only to understand how a library can be studied using systems theory but also to have a picture of the present state of librarianship in Pakistan.
Decades of persistent ignorance towards sustainable dissemination of HIV/AIDS information among rural women in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Uhegbu A.N. , Okereke C.I. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper focuses on the methods for achieving effective and sustainable HIV/AIDS information dissemination to the rural women in Imo State, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA discursive paper with an argument based on reliable sources from the literature.FindingsThe paper argues that the various channels already used to disseminate HIV/AIDS information to the rural women, such as the establishment of the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA), the organisation of conferences and talks, and the use of mass media, may not be achieving the desired results in view of the fact that in spite of all the campaigns, the rates of infection continue upwards.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the paper is practical rather than research‐oriented, but if new methods were adopted, further research would be needed to see if these methods were indeed effective.Practical implicationsThis paper identifies better practical methods for disseminating AIDS information, advocating the use of institutional frameworks, community inter‐groups, community information centres, information repackaging and the adoption of vernacular as the language of communication as effective and sustainable methods of disseminating HIV/AIDS information to rural women.Originality/valueIf adopted, the new methods outlined in this paper will encourage innovatory and more effective ways of improving information flow thus improving public health.
The emerging role of national and regional associations in library development: an Indian perspective
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee 
Published: July 2006

PurposeLibrary associations in India have been playing an important role in conveying useful messages and guidelines for library development, acting in this transitional era as meeting places for professionals, helping them exchange opinions and promoting free access to information while also facing a series of structural, political, cultural and financial challenges. Despite this scale of involvement, there has been relatively little analysis of the characteristics and services Indian library associations provide, how these can be enlarged and how associations should manage the entire professional community. This paper seeks to fill that gap.Design/methodology/approachAn attempt is made to comprehend the present status of membership based library associations in India and the range of structural, political, cultural and financial challenges which they face through SWOT analysis together with a review of the literature, websites and ephemeral material such as minutes, annual reports, newsletters and memoranda.FindingsThat there is an immediate need for restructuring these associations in pursuit of a new working model which would involve functioning in close partnership with other groups; the associations need to be stronger financially and have more impact in pursuing and meeting the objectives and goals of the members of association. To this end, an Indian Institute of Library and Information Science should be established on the pattern of the Indian Institute of Technologies.Practical implicationsThe focus of this paper is on the practical aspects of making professional associations function more successfully.Originality/valueRecommendations are made for carefully planned public relations programs to be carried out by leveraging convergence technologies which could guarantee the long‐term success of library associations.
Glut of information, dearth of knowledge? A consideration of the information needs of practitioners identified during the FAME project
Authors: Gannon‐Leary Pat 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper emanates from work carried out in the learning and evaluation strand of the UK e‐government initiative Framework for MultiAgency Environments (FAME) and focuses on a research question raised during research on the FAME project. When considering the best ways in which to disseminate the results of such initiatives, it became apparent that it would be useful to examine how the professionals and practitioners to be targeted currently accessed and used information.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combined a literature review with an analysis of data from a pre‐implementation FAME questionnaire and a post‐implementation questionnaire and analysis of data on attendance at project board meetings for the FAME strands.FindingsThere are IT and training implications with respect to social care professionals' and practitioners' access to information. With respect to IT, there are issues of access and skills levels which may explain a preference displayed among the professionals and practitioners to derive information from colleagues rather than via information and communications technologies (ICTs). With respect to training, there are needs with regard to IT upskilling and, in addition, for those professionals and practitioners who have been in practice a number of years there is a need for updating of knowledge of developments such as evidence‐based practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe research stemmed from another project (i.e. FAME) so the questionnaires were not tailored to answer fully the research question posed. However, analysis of FAME‐generated data provides useful pointers for further exploration of the issues raised.Practical implicationsThere is an indication that further ICT training, more ICT resources and improved access are needed by many professionals and practitioners in a social care setting. Consideration should be given to means of delivering such training and to the provision of opportunities for continuous professional development to ensure that they are familiar with newer developments such as evidence‐based practice.Originality/valueFrom the literature review this would appear to be an under‐researched area. It is hoped that this work will provide a springboard for further research.
The impact of information culture on managing knowledge A double case study of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Mei‐Yu 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAlthough knowledge management (KM) concepts and systems have been widely adopted by some pharmaceutical companies in developed countries, most Taiwanese pharmaceutical manufacturers are still pondering the implications of going down the route of KM strategies and solutions. The purpose of this paper is to assess how organizational information culture is connected with the company’s approach to knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study using in‐depth‐interviews analyzed through the case study methodology.FindingsThe results show that the information cultures of Taiwan pharmaceutical manufacturers are hostile toward KM. In addition, manufacturers are daunted by concerns about the financial investment required, and the compatibility and interoperability of such systems.Research limitations/implicationsThese research findings could be explored in wider organizational contexts and in different information cultures.Practical implicationsThis paper identifies key obstacles to implementing KM for the pharmaceutical manufacturers in Taiwan, in particular a correlation with inhibiting information cultures.Originality/valueThe study concludes that the fundamental and most economic solution to the KM problems of the industry would to deal with its ‘unreceptive’ atmosphere by refining and cultivating the appropriate information dimensions of their organizational culture.
Qualitative research in management: addressing complexity, context and persona
Authors: Gummesson Evert 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo contribute to improved research practices by addressing three key realities in management research, all being largely disregarded by research: complexity, context and persona (the human and social aspects of researcher behaviour).Design/methodology/approachBased on observations from real world cases and inductive analysis the article proceeds as a scientific discourse and advocacy for qualitative methodology combined with network theory, particularly current developments in the natural sciences.FindingsA qualitative approach to research is required, allowing researchers to deal with complexity, context and persona and their multitude of factors, relationships and fuzzy phenomena; conventional statistical methods fail in all these aspects. Holistic, systemic thinking as manifested in case study research and modern network theory offers a superior mindset and techniques for merging modern physics and mathematics with qualitative approaches. Social and human properties, including tacit knowledge, common sense, subjectivity and what drives a researcher need to be made part of research.Research limitations/implicationsResearch in management disciplines, neither basic research nor applied research can rely on mainstream quantitative techniques. These are two shallow as they can harbour too few variables, do not put studied phenomena in their proper context, and sweep persona under the carpet.Originality/valueThe article is on qualitative methodology and the opportunities it offers to address issues not handled well by mainstream research in business. Modern natural sciences are introduced; especially network theory, suggesting a merger between the quantitative and the qualitative and between modern natural sciences and business research. In this way the reality of complexity, context and persona can be added to the research agenda.
A biographical approach to researching entrepreneurship in the smaller firm
Authors: Fillis Ian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the methodological limitations of existing dominant research paradigms in entrepreneurship research. In order to encourage the use of little used methodologies to create higher quality data, an alternative approach is proposed whereby data triangulation from conventional quantitative and qualitative methods of the postal survey and the in‐depth interview are combined with biographical data.Design/methodology/approachBy following a path of research, which embraces data triangulation from both contemporary and historical perspectives, this paper explores the benefits of embracing methods from disciplines outside the conventional confines of business research in order to better inform our understanding of smaller firm behaviour.FindingsIntroducing creativity into the research process mirrors the behaviour of entrepreneurial small firms, which often thrive in non‐linear environments where conventional linear, stepwise research methodologies fail to capture the full picture of owner/manager behaviour. Adoption of a biographical approach to entrepreneurship research can result in the uncovering of rich descriptions of valuable data, which would otherwise remain undiscovered if more conventional approaches were adopted, alone.Research limitations/implicationsWhichever methodological approach is adopted, it will be open to criticism and bias. Biographical research has been criticised for its subjectivity in terms of the biographer imposing his or her own thinking on the process. However, good biographical research utilises the creative “story telling” strengths of the biographer as researcher to uncover clearer truths.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a discussion of how to utilise biographical data as a management research tool, either as a stand‐alone method or in conjunction with other research methodologies through the process of data triangulation.Originality/valueFollowing a more creative, biographical approach to researching entrepreneurship suggests adopting a more postmodern, or even critical approach. Management researchers can now begin to understand how chaos and fragmentation are located in a world where formal, linear methods of understanding are being superceded by more creative conceptualisations and interpretations of the truth.
The role of communication and management support in a lean manufacturing implementation
Authors: Worley J.M. , Doolen T.L. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the role of management support in a lean implementation. The impact the lean implementation made on communication within the organization is also examined.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods were used to study the relationships between management support, organizational communications, and a lean manufacturing implementation. A case study was conducted in an electronics manufacturing company in the northwestern USA. Data were collected over a three‐month time period. The data were coded using an evolving coding scheme and analysis was performed on the resulting data set.FindingsEvidence was found to support the supposition that management support does play a role in driving a lean manufacturing implementation. Management support impacted the lean manufacturing implementation both negatively and positively. The research also found moderate support for improved communication in the organization attributable to the lean implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe organization studied was in the early stages of implementing lean manufacturing practices and principles. Future research should include multiple organizations with a longer history of lean manufacturing.Practical implicationsThe research findings identified management support and communications as important variables in a lean manufacturing implementation. Furthermore, there is evidence that these variables are critical in not only the implementation of lean manufacturing practices and principles, but also in the ongoing planning and deployment efforts of organizational leaders.Originality/valueThis research provided empirical evidence for the role of management support and communication in an organization's lean implementation. The findings highlight the importance of studying organizational phenomenon within real‐world settings. As a result of the methodology used, both positive and negative implications were identified. The research design has enabled the uncovering of a complex set of relationships that existed between two sociocultural variables and an organization's effort to improve performance through the implementation of lean practices.
The role and status of qualitative methods in management research: an empirical account
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Symon Gillian , Buehring Anna , Johnson Phil 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a piece of empirical work that investigates the current role and status of qualitative research within the management field.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on 45 in‐depth qualitative interviews with members of a range of different stakeholder groups, including: journal editors; qualitative researchers; Doctoral Programme Leaders; practitioners; and those who fund qualitative management research.FindingsThe findings suggest that there is considerable variety in definitions of qualitative research; that there are still a number of issues surrounding the status and credibility of qualitative research within the field; and there is a need for greater access to researcher training in this area.Practical implicationsThe paper is of practical interest to qualitative researchers in that it details some of the issues surrounding publishing qualitative work.Originality/valueThe paper presents original empirical work in this field.
Use of e‐books in an academic and research environment
Authors: Anuradha K.T. , Usha H.S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the use and usability of e‐books from the perspectives of users in an academic and research environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study involved an e‐mail questionnaire to survey researchers in the academic and research environment of the Indian Institute of Science regarding their use of e‐books.FindingsThe responses indicated that the students tend to use this new technology more often than faculty members and staff. Those who did use e‐books mostly used reference and technical material. The highest response was from the Centre for Ecological Science, followed by the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, and then the Department of Molecular Reproduction and Development and Genetics. The majority of the respondents have used computers for over five years for a variety of purposes including e‐mail communication, internet browsing and text processing as well as for other advanced uses such as numerical computing and DNA sequence analysis. However, the use of e‐books appears to be very low, indicating a requirement for creating awareness and user education about both software and hardware related to e‐books. Only 37 of the 104 respondents had used the free trial offer from Kluwer and Edutech eBooks during July 2004.Originality/valueThere has been no previous study reported which has investigated users' perspectives of e‐books in an academic and research environment in India using a questionnaire method.
Authentication and authorisation infrastructure for the mobility of users of academic libraries
Authors: Hudomalj Emil , Jauk Avgust 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo give an overview of the current state and trends in authentication and authorisation in satisfying academic library users' mobility and instant access to digital information resources, and to propose that libraries strongly support efforts to establish a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachAn overview of some national projects towards such an infrastructure for public institutions, including libraries, is provided.FindingsThere are many projects working towards such an infrastructure, but no single widely accepted authentication and authorisation infrastructure exists yet. A global authentication and authorisation infrastructure will enable users to use a single username and a password for all local and remote library services. It will consist of interconnected authentication/authorisation servers, where each institution will be responsible for a local user database.Research limitations/implicationsThe list of projects towards global authentication and authorisation infrastructure is not complete. Projects are not described in detail.Practical implicationsLibraries will have to join efforts towards a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure and to integrate this into their applications. That way, they will improve services for their users who are remote from their home institutions, enable users to access new services faster, lessen user frustration with forgotten passwords, reduce time spent on administrative tasks and also reduce the burden of password management and enable security improvements.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to speed up the development of a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure.
Evaluation of nutritional composition, sensory and physical property of home processed weaning food based on low cost locally available food materials
Authors: Ijarotimi O.S. , Ashipa F. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objectives of this study are to develop low cost weaning food for the economically disadvantaged nursing mothers and also to prevent protein energy malnutrition among the infants in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe blends (sweet potato and soybean flour) were prepared (homogenously) in the ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 of sweet potato and soybean respectively. Triplicate samples of each blend were analyzed for moisture, fat, protein (N × 6.25), crude fiber and ash. Total lipid was estimated by petroleum ether extraction. Carbohydrate content was estimated by difference. Gross energy was determined. Water absorption capacity and bulk density were determined using standard procedures. The pasting characteristics of the flours were evaluated using a standard procedure. The sensory evaluation was carried out on the following parameters: taste, appearance, aroma, mouth (texture), colour and overall acceptability by a panel of ten members using a nine‐point hedonic scale.FindingsThe results of nutritional composition of the supplements showed protein 11.2–33.72 per cent, carbohydrates 42.91–76.51 per cent, fat 3.10–12.78 per cent, energy values 329.5–366.74 kcal/100 g and appreciable quantities of P, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Na. The soy‐sweet potato flours had peak viscosity values between 180–365 BU. These values increased when cooled to 50°C, (420–760 BU). Results of this study showed that at 30 per cent soy flour supplementation, the meal could meet satisfactorily the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for children of 1–3 years old, and that the developed soy‐sweet potato diets were nutritious, inexpensive and can easily be prepared from locally available raw food materials by using simple domestic processing techniques.Originality/valueEvidence has shown that the cost of commercial weaning formula is very high and most of the low‐income family cannot afford to purchase this commercial weaning food and for such people an alternative low cost weaning formula is helpful.