bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors that influence the use of library resources by faculty members
Authors: Korobili Stella , Tilikidou Irene , Delistavrou Antonia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine the use of library resources, focusing on e‐sources, by the members of the faculty of a higher educational institute in Thessaloniki, Greece; to reveal the factors which influence the effective use of sources for academic duties; and to provide reliable information to both the administration and the library of the institute, with the aim of the improvement of library services.Design/methodology/approachA census survey, using a structured questionnaire, among the faculty of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki was conducted to examine the frequency of use of resources, mainly e‐sources, and to reveal the impact of demographic or academic situational characteristics, the assumed positive influence of academic productivity, perceived usefulness of resources and access to e‐sources on the use of e‐sources as well as the assumed negative influence of barriers and computer anxiety on the use of e‐sources.FindingsThe great majority of the faculty of TEI uses printed sources more than e‐sources, but they also use e‐sources quite frequently. Use is mostly of books, websites and printed journals. It was also found that the use of e‐sources is higher in the School of Business Administration and Economics among those who hold a PhD degree and among younger members of the faculty. Also, the results indicated that the use of e‐sources is positively influenced by the respondents' perceived usefulness of resources, the convenience of access to the sources and their academic productivity. The examination of the computer anxiety rating scale (CARS) provided evidence that the less anxious the faculty feel about PCs, the more frequent users they become.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to measure how faculty interact with information, what kind of electronic sources they prefer, what search strategies they use, as well as whether their information needs are satisfied. This research needs to be duplicated to other universities in Greece to determine whether the results can be generalized for Greek academic faculty.Practical implicationsUniversity administrations need to improve library facilities, to include more workstations for access to electronic sources, as well as to improve the marketing and communication of these e‐sources.Originality/valueThis research tries to fill a gap in the literature, which has underemphasized so far the need for assessing and measuring the use of library resources in Greek academic libraries and the examination of the factors that influence this use.
The information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrant southern Sudanese youth in the city of London, Ontario: an exploratory study
Authors: Hakim Silvio Dominic 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrant southern Sudanese Youth in the city of London, Ontario, in Canada.Design/methodology/approachUsing focus group supported with semi‐structured interviews, personal observation and examination of relevant records, data were collected from 24 youths in the different communities within the city of London. A simple percentage was used to analyze the data. The study examined information needs, sources and information seeking behaviour as well as problems encountered by the youth in a bid to obtain information.FindingsThat the information needs of immigrant southern Sudanese youths in the city of London, Ontario are mainly academic in nature. Their chief sources of information included colleagues, friends, neighbors and relatives – respondents tend to seek information that is easily accessible, preferably from interpersonal sources, unless there is a particular reason for avoiding interpersonal sources. Although most of the respondents knew what information is and its importance, results also showed that lack of awareness about where to obtain information on education and apprenticeship training is the most common problem of the southern Sudanese youths. Ways to facilitate information seeking and use are indicated.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations are: the use of participants selected through purposive sampling (convenience samples cannot be representative of the population as a whole); by using individual interviews as well as focus groups the size of the sample was restricted.Practical implicationsGiven that this research indicates that the means and sources of information seeking found in the southern Sudanese youth in the city of London are no longer adequate, practical suggestions that would facilitate information seeking and use among immigrant southern Sudanese youth in the city of London are given.Originality/valueThis pilot study on the information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrant southern Sudanese youths in general is the first of its kind ‐ no research has preceded it. Moreover, there seems to be no interest on the part of information professionals to undertake empirical research concerning the information needs and information seeking behaviour of immigrants in Canada, although in the United States of America there is an ongoing research interest.
Digital library futures: collection development or collection preservation?
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo argue that theoretical models from non‐LIS disciplines can be of practical benefit to practitioner LIS research. In the area of digitisation collection development policy, such models highlight the importance of digital library preservation issues.Design/methodology/approachAn application of formal models from cultural theories derived from structuralism and semiotics to LIS problems.FindingsTheoretical models from non‐LIS disciplines help illustrate and understand problems such as developing information literacy in the digital library environment or creating a balance between the need to develop new digital collections and the preservation of the digital collections which have already been created.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a theoretical argument that could be tested by practical case study investigation.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that resourcing should be applied to digital preservation activity rather than a fresh round of digitisation of print originals, the preservation implications of which are uncertain.Originality/valueThis paper gives some original perspectives on practical LIS challenges by applying abstract ideas from the area of cultural theory and applied linguistics.
A comparative study on overlapping of search results in metasearch engines and their common underlying search engines
Authors: Isfandyari Moghaddam Alireza , Parirokh Mehri 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe age of the information explosion, effective access to the most relevant resources available on the internet is one of the chief concerns for users. Familiarity with types of search tools is required. One of the search tools designed to solve this problem for internet users is the metasearch engine (MSE). The purpose of this paper is to assess how far this search tool is truly effective in solving users' problems of Internet access.Design/methodology/approachThis research examines MSEs in terms of recall ratio in retrieving documents indexed and ranked highly (1–10) within their common underlying search engines (SEs). Five general MSEs in English, which are free of charge, were utilized in this research. In order to calculate the recall ratio of MSEs, five well known MSEs which have four common underlying SEs were chosen. Then, selected keywords were searched in each SE and MSE. Two lists were prepared: one list was based on the first ten results recalled by the SE, and the other was based on the first 40 results recalled by the MSE. These lists were compared with each other. An equation was utilized in this process.FindingsThe findings indicate that MSEs are more likely to find the same documents which are common in their underlying search engines.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper offers a rigorous quantitative method for comparative evaluation of MSEs.Practical implicationsFurthermore, MSEs which have a successful recall ratio are identified, which is a finding of great practical relevance to library and information practitioners helping users exploit the Internet to best effect.Originality/valueThis paper provides clear descriptive evidence for the underlying retrieval patterns of important search tools which are commonly used by internet users today.
The sand cone model: illustrating multi‐focused strategies
Authors: Takala Josu , Leskinen Juha , Sivusuo Henry , Hirvelä Jarkko , Kekäle Tauno 
Published: July 2006

PurposeResearchers are keenly searching methods of analyzing, developing and implementing multi‐focused strategies. This is a challenging task because they are quite difficult to structure and, therefore, to assimilate. This study aims to present a new method that can be used further to assist decision‐makers in analyzing, evaluating and structuring strategies.Design/methodology/approachIn this constructive case study, an illustrative sand cone model of the different levels and their relative importance ratings is developed using the AHP method. In total, 21 experts in strategies and tactics were involved in the three‐stage model development process.FindingsWith the help of this visualization model, implementation of a multi‐focused strategy in the case study organization was found to have a better fit for strategic decision making.Originality/valueThis is a unique research paper.
International joint venture (IJV) directors' contribution to board effectiveness
Authors: Petrovic Jelena , Kakabadse Andrew , Kakabadse Nada K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the governance of international joint ventures (IJVs).Design/methodology/approachThrough focusing on IJV boards and top teams, examination of the current debate regarding IJV directors' contribution to board performance and effectiveness is undertaken and, in so doing, directions for future research are identified.FindingsThe literature review reveals that little consideration has been given by researchers to the work of the IJV board and the role and contribution of IJV board directors to board effectiveness. Further, it is concluded that current understanding of IJV board functioning and the ways in which directors of IJV boards contribute to board effectiveness remains incomplete.Originality/valueApart from highlighting the need for further study into the role and contribution of IJV board directors to board effectiveness, the paper suggests ways in which IJV director contribution and performance could be explored further, and offers current practical implications.
The value of the manager in the value chain
Authors: Glaser Stan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIt is argued that the management of the diverse commercial imperatives of the participants in the value chain is partly achieved by negotiation. Seeks to describe the mechanism by which negotiation achieves satisfactory outcomes, capturing ome of the strategic financial impacts by the cash conversion coefficient and its derivative, the velocity of money.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of the ways in which negotiation contributes to the mutual benefit of partners in the value chain.FindingsIt is demonstrated, using the metric of money, that both parties can be better off, and shows the “value” they bring to the partnership.Originality/valueA demonstration of why market‐based, negotiated outcomes leave both parties to a transaction better off. Inter alia introduces the concept of the velocity of money in an industrial context.
Finding one's voice: the poetry of reflective practice
Authors: Joy Hiley Tricia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal links between managers developing their reflective practice and the emergence of poetic expression in their writing.Design/methodology/approachThe author runs the Master's year of a university program that helps business leaders', managers, professionals and consultants develop their abilities for leading and managing major change projects using action research. She reflects back over the 12 years of the program and recognizes a link between the development of reflective practice and the emergence of poetry and, increasingly, poetic expression.FindingsAt the same time as participants' actions are involving them in dynamically complex issues, working beyond events and into the forces that shape change, it is possible to reflect on what they are learning and how they might express it. As they slow down their thinking, become more reflective and inquire into the assumptions on which their actions are based, and then attempt to articulate this, they begin to experience the re‐sounding of their own voices. For many, poetry emerges – in the margins – at the edge of what can be said in words.Practical implicationsA major implication for universities and researchers is the realization that a shift from the non‐participating “researcher” to the participating “I” is much more than grammatical. Each constitutes a different socially constructed world, uses a different language and is borne on a different voice.Originality/valueThere is everyday, practical value in realizing that reflective practice and poetic expression are linked, and that expressing our “selves” in texts that are vital breathes life into our words and our actions in the world.
Designing the strategic planning process: does psychological type matter?
Authors: Jennings David , Disney John J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the empirical literature concerning the design of the strategic planning process and its relationship to environmental, organizational, strategic and psychological factors. The paper aims to focus on psychological type and its relationship to planning preferences.Design/methodology/approachA study of 187 managers' profiling their psychological type (using a short version of the MBTI, Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and their preferences towards configuring the strategic planning process. A review of the literature finds inconsistent conclusions. The results of a study of the relationship between psychological type and planning preferences are reported.FindingsThe study finds some inconsistent evidence for the importance of psychological type but greater support for the conclusion that the characteristics of strategic situations, rather than a manager's psychological type, determine configuration of the strategic planning process.Research limitations/implicationsThe existing bias towards examining the environmental, organizational and strategic context of organizations appears to be the more appropriate path for developing explanations of strategic planning design.Practical implicationsFor managers involved in the practice of planning the literature review a basis is provided for reviewing their own planning process. Educators and trainers using the MBTI in planning simulations should be aware of the lack of its reliability in predicting preferences concerning planning.Originality/valueThe article reviews contextual studies that have implications for the design of the strategic planning process and develops understanding of a comparatively neglected contextual factor, psychological type.
Exploration of internal service systems using lean principles
Authors: Maleyeff John 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to attempt to provide insight into the management of an internal service system derived from a perspective of Lean management. These internal service systems would exist within professional service units of development, engineering, information technology, human resources, and consumer affairs.Design/methodology/approachA meta‐analysis of approximately 60 internal service systems was performed. The objectives of the meta‐analysis were: identification of structural similarities; categorization of wasteful activities; tabulation of typical problems; and synthesis and exploration.FindingsInternal service systems have numerous common structural characteristics, including the importance of information, process flows across functions, many hand‐offs of information, hidden costs and benefits, and no explicit motivation for urgency. The wasteful activities can be classified into seven groups: delays, reviews, mistakes, duplication, movement, processing inefficiencies, and resource inefficiencies. The most common problems included a lack of standard procedures, long service times, communication breakdowns, and poor personnel management.Research limitations/implicationsCritical insights valuable to a manager of an internal service system are: it is likely that the main service provided is information; it is likely that cross‐functional coordination is required; and it is likely that people play a critical role in the system's performance. These insights can form the basis of cross‐function cooperative improvement efforts.Originality/valueThe paper presents the first known large‐scale assessment of problems and opportunities in applying Lean principles to internal service systems.
Opportunism and unilateral commitment: the moderating effect of relational capital
Authors: Delerue‐Vidot Hélène 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper focuses on the decision by firms to commit and to invest unilaterally. It is concerned with the intriguing question as to whether unilateral commitments are mechanisms that help a firm manage risks in alliance relationships in a proactive manner.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses are tested with survey data on 344 alliance relationships of European biotechnology small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).FindingsIn this paper it is shown that unilateral commitments have a positive effect on perceived opportunistic behavior. However, the evidence suggests that, by creating a basis for exchange, relational capital moderates the relationship between unilateral commitments and the perception of opportunistic behavior.Research limitations/implicationsThis research adopts a static perspective. It is known that alliances evolve, and develop. Consequently, future research could extend and modify this study along this dimension and analyze the evolution of unilateral commitments through longitudinal research.Practical implicationsFrom a managerial point‐of‐view, this paper shows that motivation for commitments is different and their effects on risk perception can be contradictory according to the level of relational capital in the inter‐organizational relationship.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few empirical studies that explored the concept of unilateral commitments and provided empirical evidence to highlight the significance of some managerial practices such as building trust.
Impact of color on marketing
Authors: Singh Satyendra 
Published: July 2006

PurposeColor is ubiquitous and is a source of information. People make up their minds within 90 seconds of their initial interactions with either people or products. About 62‐90 percent of the assessment is based on colors alone. So, prudent use of colors can contribute not only to differentiating products from competitors, but also to influencing moods and feelings – positively or negatively – and therefore, to attitude towards certain products. Given that our moods and feelings are unstable and that colors play roles in forming attitude, it is important that managers understand the importance of colors in marketing. The study is designed to contribute to the debate.Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews the literature relating to color psychology in the context of marketing, highlights inconsistencies and controversies surrounding the color psychology, and, examines the impact of colors on marketing.FindingsFindings of the study are that managers can use colors to increase or decrease appetite, enhance mood, calm down customers, and, reduce perception of waiting time, among others.Research limitations/implicationsThe direction for future research and limitations of the study are presented.Originality/valueReviews the literature relating to color psychology in the context of marketing.
Facilitating talent selection decisions in the music industry
Authors: Seifert Matthias , Hadida Allegre L. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article seeks to provide a theoretical framework for facilitating talent management decisions in the music industry.Design/methodology/approachStrategic decision‐making theory and the resource‐based view of strategy are used to identify the talent‐selection process as a core capability in the entertainment industry. Their original combination leads to the introduction of a framework aimed at facilitating the selection and development of core competencies and capabilities in music companies, and thus at increasing their likelihood of creating and sustaining a competitive advantage based on their artist selection processes.FindingsThe integration of both theories in the music sector leads to the need for the organisation's ability to “improvise” and develop “skilled decision makers”. The industry is identified as an atypical high velocity environment, in which incremental approaches may not be sufficient to adopt by managers, because artist investments usually represent long‐term commitments for the firm. Three different existing types of talent valuation techniques are identified, which can be facilitated by complementing resource‐based and decision‐making perspectives.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not discuss differences in the types of music organisations such as publishers, record companies, labels etc. Moreover, it focuses on popular music in general only. Empirical testing of the proposed findings is needed to further validate the capability framework.Practical implicationsThe framework provides a managerial guideline for implementing decision models in the music industry and increasing the success rate of artist selection.Originality/valueThe paper uses the specific context of the music industry to introduce a methodology of how organisational decision processes may eventually lead to a sustainable competitive advantage. It provides a starting point for linking resource‐based and strategic decision‐making theory, since it indicates how decision models should be developed from a core capability perspective.