bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning, community give library and information associations a bright future
Authors: Lachance Janice R. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the new set of skills needed by information associations to face the change in the global community they are to represent.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the strategies of the Special Library Association whose benefits and services are aimed at three key areas: learning, networking and advocacy.FindingsThe paper finds that for library and information associations to create a healthy future they must devise flexible and forward‐looking strategies that connect the individual member with goals of the organization.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful perspective on the future path of library and information associations in the global community.
IFLA: looking to the future
Authors: Johan Lor Peter 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to describe the current status of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and outline the challenges it faces in the current environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is descriptive, based on published literature, internal sources and participant observation.FindingsIFLA, an international non‐governmental organisation founded in 1927, has a history of steady growth, which repeatedly necessitated structural adjustments and innovations. The pace of change accelerated in the 1970s, when IFLA reached out to the developing countries to become a truly international organisation. As IFLA entered the new millennium the rapid changes taking place in the environment of libraries gave rise to much rethinking of its structures, procedures and practices, including its membership, aims and values, governance and structure, core programmes, annual conference and advocacy. A re‐conceptualisation of IFLA based on three pillars – society, profession, and members – is proving useful in rethinking IFLA's future.Originality/valueAn up‐to‐date account of IFLA, of potential value to IFLA members and institutions considering membership.
National library associations as reflected in their codes of ethics
Authors: Koehler Wallace 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThere are numerous professional associations for librarians and libraries. A small proportion of these have promulgated codes of ethics. These codes of ethics vary along several dimensions. Often the code reflects the social, political, or professional mandate of its organization. This paper aims to address ethics codes and their functions in professional associations that have individuals as members.Design/methodology/approachIt is suggested that for these organizations there are several different types of ethics codes. This paper addresses the four most common types. The oldest code (American Library Association), one of the newest (Association des Bibliothécaires Français), and two of a more average age (Canadian Library Association and Colegio de Bibliotecarios de Chile) are compared and considered in detail.FindingsThe paper finds that, while most library and information professionals share similar values, as reflected in their codes of ethics, the application of those codes varies widely.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on codes of ethics for libraries and librarians.
Modeling of paint flow rate flux for elliptical paint sprays by using experimental paint thickness distributions
Authors: Sahir Arikan M.A. , Balkan Tuna 
Published: June 2006

PurposeAims to experimental determination of paint flow rate flux for elliptical paint sprays. Paint flow rate flux distribution is necessary for computer simulation of the spray painting process.Design/methodology/approachDifferent painting strokes at different spray distances and painting velocities are made on flat surfaces by using paint sprays with elliptical spray areas. Then, thickness measurements are made across the strokes after the paint dries out completely. Thickness distributions are used for determination of the paint flow rate flux distribution by making use of the developed formulation and algorithm.FindingsFinds that it is possible to determine the paint flow rate flux for elliptical paint sprays by making use of the painting strokes made on flat surfaces at different spray distances and painting velocities.Practical implicationsComputer simulation of the spray painting process for elliptical paint sprays is made possible. Simulation software for circular paint sprays has been developed previously by the authors.Originality/valuePaint flow rate flux distribution is necessary for computer simulation of the spray painting process. Such simulation software has been developed previously by the authors.
The decentralisation of social assistance in The Netherlands
Authors: van Berkel Rik 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to make a preliminary assessment of the impacts of the decentralisation of Dutch social assistance.Design/methodology/approachEven though decentralisation is often promoted as a new governance instrument, balancing centralised and decentralised aspects has been a feature of Social Assistance systems for a long time. This article describes how processes of decentralisation in Dutch Social Assistance in the context of activating the Dutch welfare state are determined by two core objectives: on the one hand, to give local authorities more autonomy in designing and delivering activation services; on the other hand, to ensure that national social policy objectives are implemented at the local level. Specific attention is paid to the most recent decentralisation development which made municipalities financially responsible for social assistance expenditure. Building on the results of some preliminary evaluation and effect studies, this article assesses the impact of decentralisation.FindingsThe findings show that decentralising financial responsibility has had a clear impact on local policies: preventing social assistance dependency and promoting social assistance exit have become major concerns of many Dutch municipalities.Research limitations/implicationsAs the latest decentralisation reform is recent, research results are preliminary at this stage. Future evaluation research should focus on a broader set of success criteria than the reduction of social assistance expenditure only.Practical implicationsThe article discusses some fundamental issues often neglected by those advocating decentralisation: how do local social policies influence labour‐market developments? To what degree does inter‐municipal variation reflect different local needs? What is the impact of decentralisation on equality and equal treatment? Decentralisation may be necessary in order to make social services more effective and tailor made, but it certainly is not free from risks.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the debate on the risks and opportunities of decentralisation of social assistance on the basis of empirical evidence and practical experiences.
Empowerment, waste and new consumption communities
Authors: Bekin Caroline , Carrigan Marylyn , Szmigin Isabelle 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the diverse and complementary resistance and waste‐reduction practices adopted by UK‐based New Consumption Communities, and whether such behaviours empower them to achieve their environmental and social goals.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology can be broadly classified as critical ethnography, which acknowledges the researcher's own subjectivity, how the informants are treated and represented, and the study's wider context. A participant‐observer role is employed and six distinct New Consumption Communities are explored.FindingsIt is suggested that through their resistance and empowerment, as well as a reconnection to production, the communities are able to implement alternatives to the wasteful practices of mainstream consumption behaviour, and achieve (partial) autonomy from the hegemonic forces of the market.Originality/valueThis paper's original perspective on waste is not limited to a small group of consumers, and thus should interest marketers and policy makers engaged in the advancement of sustainability and green marketing.
The compatibility of performance appraisal systems with TQM principles – evidence from current practice
Authors: Soltani Ebrahim , van der Meer Robert , Williams Terry M. , Lai Pei‐chun 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to address the question whether or not quality‐driven organisations have, in practice, tended to adjust their performance appraisal systems to integrate total quality management (TQM) requirements.Design/methodology/approachTo do so, the findings of an initial literature survey suggested the combined use of quantitative and qualitative methods for empirical research. The quantitative element consists of a postal questionnaire survey of 64 UK‐based, quality‐driven organisations on the topic of performance appraisal in the context of TQM. Key informants from ten of these organisations were subsequently interviewed in order to gather detailed information on the reasons behind their initial responses.FindingsThe results indicated that only a minority of the respondents were satisfied with their TQM programmes. But this comparative lack of success did not lead them to eliminate performance appraisal altogether, as advocated by Deming and others because of the role of systems‐level causes of performance variation.Research limitations/implicationsOne important question concerns the notion (expounded in much of the quality literature) that a vast proportion of the variance in individual performance is caused by systems‐level features. There is, however, little hard evidence for this view.Practical implicationsBy acquiring the relevant knowledge and understanding of contextually‐appropriate performance appraisal and management, practitioners would be able to translate and mediate TQM requirements into performance appraisal criteria to maintain the integrity of organisational change initiatives aimed at long‐term business excellence.Originality/valueThe research provides a starting‐point for both TQM scholars and managers, and it can serve as a road‐map and a challenge to quality‐driven organisations.
Towards holistic chromatic intelligent monitoring of complex systems
Authors: Deakin A.G. , Rallis I. , Zhang J. , Spencer J.W. , Jones G.R. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo introduce chromatic methods and their application to monitoring complex systems.Design/methodology/approachComplexity is introduced and the need for holistic monitoring is suggested. The chromatic methodologies are introduced and their broad‐ranging applicability is illustrated with reference to a number of diverse applications.FindingsThe generic chromatic monitoring technology has much to offer as a way of visualising, understanding, monitoring and controlling complex processes and system behaviour.Practical implicationsThe technology is leading to new ways of characterising and evaluating aspects of system behaviour, in a holistic and non‐intrusive manner, that are difficult to measure – e.g. walking behaviour of the elderly, tiredness of drivers.Originality/valueDraws out the generic basis of the chromatic methodology and how it may be applied to a wide range of complex systems and situations to predict when and where human intervention is required.
Image processing algorithms underpinning iris and facial recognition systems
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo study the mathematical image coding approaches used in two types of biometric systems, and the physical nature of those biometrics.Design/methodology/approachGives details of algorithms used to encode data from images in established and new automatic iris recognition systems. Then examines face recognition techniques based on geometry, texture and three‐dimensional data.FindingsMost commercial iris recognition systems are based on the algorithms developed by one man, John Daugman. Whilst iris systems can be used to check a person's identity against a large database of enrolled people, face recognition systems are currently only capable of use in one‐to‐one recognition mode, or in identification mode against a very small database. The iris is very distinctive and stable over time, but the face is much more variable and therefore difficult to identify with accuracy.Originality/valueProvides the general scientific reader with some insight into the specialised field of biometric recognition.
A robust automatic face recognition system for real‐time personal identification
Authors: Li Qin , Hong Cheung King , You Jane , Tong Raymond , Mak Arthur 
Published: June 2006

PurposeAims to develop an efficient and robust system for real‐time personal identification by automatic face recognition.Design/methodology/approachA wavelet‐based image hierarchy and a guided coarse‐to‐fine search scheme are introduced to improve the computation efficiency in the face detection task. In addition, a Gabor‐based low feature dimensional pattern is proposed to deal with the face recognition problem.FindingsThe proposal of a wavelet‐based image hierarchy and a guided coarse‐to‐fine search scheme is effective to improve the computation efficiency in the face detection task. The introduction of a low feature dimensional pattern is powerful to cope with the transformed appearance‐based face recognition problem. In addition, the use of aggregated Gabor filter responses to represent face images provides a better solution to face feature extraction.Research limitations/implicationsProvides guidance in the design of automatic face recognition system for real‐time personal identification.Practical implicationsBiometrics recognition has been emerging as a new and effective identification technology that attains certain level of maturity. Among many body characteristics that have been used, face is one of the most commonly used characteristics and has drawn considerably large attentions. An automated system to confirm an individual's identity employing features of face is very attractive in many specialized fields.Originality/valueIntroduces a wavelet‐based image hierarchy and a guided coarse‐to‐fine search scheme to improve the computation efficiency in the face detection task. Introduces a Gabor‐based low feature dimensional pattern to deal with the face recognition problem.
Review of iris recognition: cameras, systems, and their applications
Authors: Eliza Du Yingzi 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo overview the iris cameras, iris recognition systems, and their applications.Design/methodology/approachIntroduced and examined commercially available or lab prototype iris cameras and systems to compare their functionalities and applications.FindingsEach kind of camera has its advantage and disadvantage. From the application view, each iris recognition system has its unique values.Originality/valueThis paper offers latest updates and essential information on iris recognition cameras and systems. It can benefit busy engineers, researchers, and managers who are interested in biometrics, security, and new technologies.
Corporate and academic responses to gender diversity
Authors: Levin Leslie A. , Mattis Mary 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo show how companies that address gender diversity issues as business issues, not just as human resources issues, will reap rewards both inside and outside the company. Also, to show how business schools can make a significant contribution toward the understanding of diversity as a business issue.Design/methodology/approachFirst, women's corporate managerial roles are examined: the economic and social reasons to focus on gender diversity and the costs of companies’ failure to address diversity issues, specifically, turnover and retention. Next, women's roles as consumers are studied. Finally, women's roles as business students are looked at, specifically, the negative stereotypes reinforced in business school and carried into the workplace. The study concludes with examples of programs developed by Avon Products and Deloitte and Touche, LLP, to address diversity issues.FindingsProvides statistics on women's workforce participation, costs of corporate turnover, women's earned college and graduate degrees. Identifies the key barriers to female career advancement; discusses the role of female consumers and business owners; provides company examples and case studies that illustrate the successful integration of women into academic and corporate life.Research limitations/implicationsOnly Stanford and Harvard Business school cases are looked at, although the latter is the largest producer of case studies used in business schools. One of the two longer corporate examples discusses diversity strategies in Avon Mexico which may limit its relevance to other US companies.Practical implicationsGood source for bibliography on corporate and academic diversity. Particularly useful for corporate human resources professionals and women about to enter business school or start their first corporate job. Also useful for researchers/academics writing business school case studies.Originality/valuePresents a strong case for the retention and development of corporate women as well as the need for business school cases to model behavior and modify negative attitudes toward women in business.
Entrepreneurship education: towards a discipline‐based framework
Authors: Johnson Debra , Craig Justin B.L. , Hildebrand Ryan 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory research was to investigate whether: entrepreneurship in the higher education context can be distinguished by disciplined‐based needs; and curricula can be developed around these needs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors reviewed the literature related to the development of professions in order to establish a sound theoretical base to distinguish disciplines that require stringent criteria, and which potentially would challenge the introduction of a more flexible curriculum that includes contemporary concepts such as entrepreneurship. The research then focused on two other groups of disciplines which lead to entrepreneurial opportunities with distinct needs in (principally) people management and intellectual property law. This discussion was couched in the occupational motivation literature. Semi‐structured interviews (n=31) were conducted with individuals randomly selected from three groups associated with an American Land Grant Research University. Additional survey data were collected from 58 respondents.FindingsThe research found support for the categorization of disciplines into the framework of profession‐, industry‐, or invention‐based entrepreneurial ventures.Originality/valueAlthough this is an exploratory investigation, the framework sets out clear pathways through the entrepreneurial processes and has crucial implications for a variety of stakeholders. For example: curriculum designers will be better able to understand and address the demands and vagaries of multiple disciplines; critical assumptions (that often plague those involved with technology transfer) will be able to be addressed prior to or in the early stage of the commercialization process because inventors will be better informed and prepared; equity stakeholder negotiations (particularly those that involve government‐operated institutions) will be more realistic as both parties, over time, become increasingly “market‐savvy”; and students (tomorrow's entrepreneurs) will be better able to plan for an entrepreneurially‐focused career.
Cultural obstacles in growing entrepreneurship: a study in Singapore
Authors: Cheng Patrick Low Kim 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the cultural obstacles or what discourages the setting‐up of businesses among Singaporeans.Design/methodology/approachFocus group method.FindingsFour obstacles: being over‐compliant, too left‐brained, over‐pampered, and afraid of failing, are identified. They are assessed as stemming from two key trends: chiefly, a safe, orderly and affluent society and Singapore Government's father‐leadership style. Several recommendations are then made.Research limitations/implicationsLimitation: time and costs constraints – otherwise more focus group sessions could have been held. Future research, if a budget permits, can employ separate recorders to take notes, freeing the researcher to facilitate the discussions, extracting more information.Practical implicationsThe paper implies the need for several cultural changes: Singaporeans can be more entrepreneurial by taking a paradigm shift, adopting the “backpack mentality”; embracing globalised thinking and networking; and tapping the melting‐pot edge.Originality/valueThe article provides a continuing perspective on entrepreneurship in Singapore.
Use of electrical energy in university buildings: a Hong Kong case study
Authors: Wong W.P. , Fellows R.F. , Liu A.M.M. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the issue of electrical energy consumption through case studies of a small sample of buildings on a university campus in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachData were used to produce deterministic time‐series models and so aid analysis of the climatic effects on energy consumption. Semi‐structured interviews were employed to supplement the data. Both technical factors impacting on energy consumption and behavioural considerations are addressed.FindingsConclusions demonstrate the impact of functions housed in the buildings, their intensity of occupation, and that the increased consumption to combat high temperatures and relative humidity during the summer can be mitigated by improved control systems and increased awareness of users to induce less energy consuming behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the empirical study are due to the rather short run of data which were available for the case study buildings and the particular functions of the buildings studied. More detailed data of energy consumption is desirable. Complimentary studies should concern different building functional types and other locations, involving varying climatic conditions.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate the value of time series models of, and the impacts of the main variables on energy consumption and so, should inform design decisions regarding life cycle costing of buildings and foster energy conservation.Originality/valueThis paper has provided empirical modelling of energy uses in the case study buildings and thereby demonstrated the impacts on energy uses of certain major variables to inform design for energy conservation.
The role of existing buildings in the sustainability agenda
Authors: Wood Brian 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo investigate the contribution that existing buildings make to sustainability and thereby to develop a research agenda.Design/methodology/approachReviews literature related to existing buildings in the urban context, positing that there is more “value” in buildings than their “bricks and mortar” and investigates contributory factors.FindingsNo building is an island. Buildings relate one to another and to the infrastructure, which links and serves them and their users. There are, for instance, cultural, heritage and physical links to be built upon and added to by new buildings and improvements to existing buildings. The concept of “embodied energy” is relevant.Research limitations/implicationsMuch of the building stock of the twenty‐second century already exists. To make a serious impact on improving sustainability, existing building stock should be more fully considered, so that fewer resources may be consumed by building new. Further research is needed to develop and test an evaluation model that will make a fuller assessment of the “investment” in existing buildings.Originality/valueThe paper prompts a re‐evaluation of existing buildings and their contribution to sustainability.