bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weaving the digital library web
Authors: Fox Robert 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis column seeks to recommend five basic principles that should be used when a library web site is designed or refactored.Design/methodology/approachExplores the options available when creating or redesigning a library web siteFindingsThis column is simply exploratory, and examines issues surrounding the initial design or re‐design of a library web site.Practical implicationsThe design of a library web site should take into account these five principles as they are outlined in this column, and those principles include: simplicity, user centered design, findability, web standards and accessibility.Originality/valueThis column suggests five principles that will assist librarians and library technology workers in designing better web sites which follow usability principles, web standards and accessibility guidelines. This will hopefully improve the quality of library web based resources and services.
Value orientations as predictors of cultural and business impact
Authors: Fish Alan , Bhanugopan Ramudu , Cogin Julie 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis research was undertaken to further understand a “values” based taxonomy designed to assess the “cultural and business suitability” of managers for appointment to cross‐border business and management roles. In particular, this paper aims to explore the extrapolative and interrelated nature of a two‐dimensional bipolar taxonomy of value orientations; as well as the nature and strength of the relationship between the model's predictors.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 262 cross‐border managers working for a large transnational American owned logistics firm responded to this study. The group completed a questionnaire based on a two‐dimensional taxonomy of value orientations. The dimensions tested were first a manager's values viz., their potential “National Identity”. Secondly, a manager's values vis., their potential “Cross‐Border Business Focus”. Factor analysis and canonical correlations were employed to identify key factor constructs and then to evaluate the measurement fit between the constructs; also to examine any significant relationship between the identified constructs.FindingsResults support both the extrapolative and interrelated nature of the taxonomy with significant results (p<0.05) confirming the strength of the relationships between the identified constructs as potential predictors of “cultural and business impact” and hence “individual suitability” for cross‐border assignments.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the research is limited to one large US‐owned transnational logistics firm, the diversity of respondents with respect to cultural background; age, gender and amount of experience has not impacted results. Results suggest that awareness of both a manager's “National Identity” and “Cross‐Border Business Focus”, may provide useful additional information vis., a manager's cultural and business impact and hence assist in the selection of managers for cross‐border assignments.Originality/valueResults appear to provide useful insights into the potential “cultural and business suitability” of managers; as well as the early identification of managers, for important cross‐border business and management assignments.
Perceived barriers to organizational creativity
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M. , El‐Masry Ahmed 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe overall purpose of this research is to further the understanding of how future marketing managers in Egypt and the UK perceive creativity barriers. The paper also examines the construct validity of the barriers to creativity scale in an Arab non‐Western context.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 125 respondents was used to achieve the research purpose. Respondents completed a 17‐item instrument designed to assess barriers to creativity in business organizations.FindingsDiscriminant analysis results showed that Egyptians differ from British with respect to their attitudes towards organizational creativity barriers.t‐test procedure confirmed also that gender and age have significant effects on the attitudes towards creativity barriers.Originality/valueThis study has provided some insights into the factors associated with organizational creativity barriers in Egypt and the UK. The more is known of how future managers perceive creativity barriers, the more quickly and efficiently creativity can be stimulated.
Are managerial gender stereotypes universal?
Authors: de Pillis Emmeline , Kernochan Richard , Meilich Ofer , Prosser Elise , Whiting Victoria 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the extent to which the stereotype of “manager” aligns with the stereotype of “male” in the Continental United States (CUS) and Hawai’i.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 176 male and 187 female business undergraduates in Hawai’i and the CUS were asked to describe either a manager, a male manager, or a female manager using the 92‐item Schein Descriptive Index.FindingsMen and women in Hawai’i, and women in the CUS, did not report a strong “think manager  =   think male” bias, but male participants in the CUS did: These men described hypothetical female managers as comparatively obedient, submissive, timid, reserved, fearful, uncertain, passive, and interested in their own appearance. They rated male managers as relatively more firm, independent, persistent, self‐reliant, and having a high need for achievement.Research limitations/implicationsThe relative lack of a “think manager  =   think male” bias in Hawai’i is remarkable, since this bias is observed worldwide. Further investigation would confirm or clarify these findings.Practical implicationsStereotypical views persist among some of our future business leaders, but are not universal. Educators and businesspeople should be aware of the strong “think manager  =   think male” bias still extant among male business students in the CUS.Originality/valueAlthough the persistence of the “think manager  =   think male” stereotype is troubling, this stereotype is not universal. While past cross‐cultural investigations treat the US’ culture as homogeneous, we find significant regional differences with regard to managerial gender stereotypes.
Transferring appropriate manufacturing technologies for developing countries
Authors: Claire Erensal Yasemin , Esra Albayrak Yıldız 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis work attempts briefly to identify factors affecting the success of technology transfer in order to reduce the potential of incompatibilities in respect to micro‐ and macro‐ergonomics and to optimize the decision process of managers in DCs.Design/methodology/approachAnalytic hierarchy process (AHP) was selected as appropriate technique. The decision model developed in this research is specified in the context of micro‐ and macro‐ergonomics view of technology transfer in DCs.FindingsBased on the AHP, it is possible to determine the global priority weights of different technology alternatives and examine the critical factors and benefits that affect the appropriateness of technology transfer based on micro‐ and macro‐ergonomics considerations. In its general form, the model provides a useful conceptual framework for evaluating alternative technologies in respect to ergonomics and suggests the ergonomics choices which must be made.Originality/valueAs noted above, this study is unique in its provides a holistic analysis of the risk factors that are expected to contribute to the inappropriateness of technology transfer, also provides a useful conceptual framework for evaluating alternative technologies and identifying incompatibility problems in respect to human factors, and can be extended to suggesting action for improving the decision process of managers.
Stochastic analysis and design of CONWIP controlled production systems
Authors: Al‐Tahat Mohammad D. , Rawabdeh Ibrahim A. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present a model of a multi‐phase multi‐product manufacturing system considering a CONstant work‐in‐process (CONWIP) control mechanism and using continuous‐time Markov chain modelling approach.Design/methodology/approachThe model includes defining a state space then constructing the rate matrix, which contains the transition rates, followed by formulating the transition matrix. The time‐dependent probabilities that a product is in a particular state at a certain time are characterized. Performance measures related to the statistics on the waiting time and average number of work‐in‐process in the production system have been determined. Consequently, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the computations of different model aspects.FindingsThe analyses explain a foundation needed for analyzing the steady state behavior of manufacturing systems. Results have shown how production data can be easily modified for what‐if analyses by the use of Excel add‐in tool.Practical implicationsThe multi‐level model outlines a framework that provides a practical tool for production engineers seeking to enhance the performance of their production system by selecting the best order release mechanism.Originality/valueA novel aspect of the work reported in this paper is the application of Chapman‐Kolmogrov mathematics and CONWIP ordering theory, which is developed for evaluating and managing CONWIP controlled production systems.
Explaining the adoption of transactional B2C mobile commerce
Authors: Khalifa Mohamed , Ning Shen Kathy 
Published: February 2008

PurposeGiven the proliferation of mobile devices, m‐commerce is expected to experience a substantial growth. However, most m‐commerce applications except for a few have failed to meet expectations. In this study, the authors aim to examine specific factors pertaining to the individual adoption of B2C transactional mobile commerce.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive framework integrating well established theories of technology adoption – i.e. the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) – is developed. More specifically, perceived usefulness is re‐conceptualized to enhance the specificity of these theories to mobile commerce. The resulting model is empirically tested with mobile device users who have not adopted mobile commerce yet.FindingsThe empirical results provide strong support for the integrative approach, shedding light on the significance and relative importance of specific technological characteristics. The theoretical and empirical implications of these results are discussed.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the need to develop the innovation diffusion theory and TAM further by including the effects of social influence and individual characteristic variables. Furthermore, the paper also shows the usefulness of accounting for the specificity of the IT artifact in general and m‐commerce applications in particular. In this study, the specificity of the IT artifact is accounted for by decomposing perceived usefulness into specific considerations that are relevant to m‐commerce adoption. Such an approach presents a major advantage. Indeed, the significance and magnitude of the formative measures show which characteristics of m‐commerce are adoption drivers.
Investigating the epistemological stances implicit in ISAD approaches
Authors: Waller Vivienne , Johnston Robert B. , Milton Simon K. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the differences in epistemological underpinnings of conventional information systems analysis and design (ISAD) approaches (such as structured system and analysis design methodologies) and a recently developed situated ISAD approach.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical investigation involved constructing a simulated field situation to allow a conventionally trained IS analyst to analyse the same case as had been previously analysed by applying the situated ISAD methodology.FindingsWhile the conventional approach focuses on articulated knowledge and observes the system under study with a detached stance, the situated approach includes tacit knowledge and recognises the importance of the environment. The situated analyst is immersed in the system, attempting to take the subject position of an actor in the system, while also maintaining some analytical distance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research method and framework presented is a novel way to compare the epistemological underpinnings of other systems analysis and design methodologies. Validity issues are explicitly addressed in the paper; although it is based on a single case, the fact that it is a real‐world problem gives it high external validity.Practical implicationsThe investigation is based on an actual system design case and shows that, in analysis and design, the different epistemological underpinnings affect what is identified as a problem and hence the type of solution proposed.Originality/valueThere has been little previous work comparing epistemological commitments of alternative ISAD methodologies as they are played out in actual application. This paper makes a significant contribution to the theoretical foundations of IS.
Instant messaging: observations from two small e‐commerce businesses
Authors: Zhang Suling , Fjermestad Jerry 
Published: February 2008

PurposePlatform‐independent low‐cost instant messaging (IM) may allow small businesses with limited financial and technical resources to communicate and collaborate internally and externally. Little research has been done investigating IM in the small business context. This study seeks to address this research gap and to investigate how small businesses respond to and actively exploit the opportunities brought by IM.Design/methodology/approachTwo comparative case studies were conducted with two US small businesses. The research sites were selected based on the companies' IM usage pattern. Multiple data collecting methods were used including observation, interview, and IM transcripts. Open coding and qualitative data analysis were employed to get rich descriptive findings about IM usage.FindingsIM was found beneficial to small businesses in several ways. The IM usage management is more a managerial issue than a technical one and a set of organizational and managerial factors were identified critical to the achievements of these benefits.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a research gap and investigates the under‐researched IM management issue. The study shows that creative and constructive usage of IM could bring a variety of organizational benefits to small businesses. The findings of this study provide guidance to IM researchers and small business practitioners as to how small businesses can manage IM to exploit its benefits. The comparative study method employed by this study also identifies situations where the utility of IM usage could be limited.
Data rate estimation algorithm for IEEE 802.11e HCCA scheduler
Authors: Hsieh Jing‐Rong , Lee Tsern‐Huei 
Published: February 2008

PurposeAs the real‐time applications used in today's wireless network grow, some schemes are required to provide better quality of services. From the evaluation of referenced scheduling scheme provided in IEEE 802.11e standard document, we know that it does not perform well on traffic which is not strictly constant‐bit‐rate (CBR). Therefore, it is necessary to design a more flexible scheme to dynamically adjust the estimation of transmission opportunity allocated to QoS‐enhanced stations with different characteristics of applications. This paper aims to present a data rate estimation algorithm for the scheduler of the IEEE 802.11e hybrid coordination function controlled channel access.Design/methodology/approachThe performance of the algorithm is evaluated through Network Simulator ‐2.FindingsWith the proposed algorithm, the QoS access point can provide guaranteed parameters such as delay and throughput for both the real‐time variable‐bit‐rate and CBR traffics.Originality/valveThe paper presents a data rate estimation algorithm for IEEE 802‐11e HCCA scheduler.
Energy‐proportional routing for lifetime extension of clustering‐based wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chen Chao‐Lieh , Lee Kuan‐Rong , Kuo Yau‐Hwang 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an energy‐proportional routing (EPR) algorithm, which effectively extends the lifetimes of sensor networks.Design/methodology/approachThe algorithm makes no specific assumption on network topology and hence is suitable for improving sensor networks with clustering. To optimally utilize energy, light‐load units – nodes or clusters that conserve energy are ideal candidates as intermediate units for forwarding data from others. To balance the load, first, the proposed algorithm predicts energy consumption of each node in each round. Then the algorithm controls the energy consumption of each unit as close as possible to the threshold representing the energy utilization mean value among clusters. Finally the algorithm checks satisfaction of the energy constraints in terms of distances and predicted data amounts. The proposed algorithm performs routing by determining whether a cluster head or a node should either undertake forwarding tasks or transmit data to intermediate hops. In this way, energy dissipation is evenly distributed to all units and the lifetime of the whole wireless sensor network is ultimately extended.FindingsThe algorithm applies hierarchically to different levels of network topology. In addition to experiments, the mathematical proofs of lifetime extension by the proposed routing algorithm are given in accordance with three widely accepted criteria – total energy dissipation, the number of live nodes in each round and the throughput (data amount per round).Originality/valueA new routing algorithm is proposed.
How technology‐based university research drives innovation in Europe and China
Authors: Harryson Sigvald , Kliknaite Sandra , von Zedtwitz Max 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess how technology‐based university research drives innovation in Europe and China.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on extensive theoretical research and literature reviews, and presents a framework based on theories on networking, knowledge creation and innovation. It then introduces three European cases to illustrate practical applications of the framework, and also links the findings to three Chinese cases to make comparative observations as well as recommendations related to Triple Helix concepts and their implications in the China context. It addresses the issue of how learning from universities can enhance company flexibility and performance in innovation, and outlines three different models of collaboration.FindingsThe framework and empirical research suggests that weak ties are useful for inspiration in exploration, but that strong industry‐university (I‐U) ties are required to support exploitation. This finding applies both to Europe and China in the industries covered.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new theoretical rationale for I‐U learning alliances as a natural way out from the managerial problem of trying to perform both exploration and exploitation within the same company boundaries. Through the theoretical framework, the academic science domain becomes a logical partner to handle the full phase of exploration and support the process of exploitation. The presented European cases of Bang & Olufsen, Combibloc and Porsche offer new insights into how to perform this act in practice, while the three China‐related cases allow us to cross analyse empirical findings and draw initial conclusions with policy implications for China.
Forms of knowledge and operation pattern of virtual GUI platform
Authors: Chen Jin , Guo Aifang , Mo Yan 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the operation pattern of the virtual university‐industry‐government (GUI) platform from the perspective of knowledge.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a theoretical framework, the case of the China Zhejiang Online Technology Market (ZJOTM) is analyzed, which has been viewed as a model of the national virtual GUI platform. The operation pattern and effect of ZJOTM are discussed. The material and data are collected mainly from ZJOTM web site.FindingsAccording to the types of knowledge interaction between university and industry, this paper recognizes the context needed for knowledge interaction between industry and university as “virtual ba”, “physical ba” and “practice ba”. The virtual GUI platform just provides a virtual ba for knowledge interaction between industry and university. However, only “virtual ba” is not sufficient, “physical ba” and “practice ba” are also needed. Therefore, the operation of virtual GUI should utilize the complementary action of physical ba and practice ba. Moreover, it is better to deploy the ba flexibly according to the knowledge and sector characteristic.Originality/valueThe paper specifies the innovation knowledge rich in industry and university and the knowledge interaction context needed, that provides a favourable framework to study the operation pattern of the virtual GUI platform. The findings also have important implications for government policy makers, university and industry practice for designing and implementing knowledge‐base innovation strategies.
Vasopressin in catecholamine‐refractory shock in children
Authors: Meyer S. , Gortner L. , McGuire W. , Baghai A. , Gottschling S. 
Published: February 2008

SummarySevere septic and cardiogenic shock is associated with a high mortality in neonates, children and adolescents. Common therapies include the administration of fluids and the use of conventional inotropes. However, in severe forms of shock, cardio‐circulatory failure may be secondary to profound vasoparalysis and unresponsive to conventional therapies. We reviewed the literature on the use of arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) and terlipressin (TP) as a rescue therapy in neonates, children and adolescents with catecholamine‐refractory shock or cardio‐circulatory arrest. We identified 17 reports (11 case series, 6 case reports) on a total of 109 patients. Only two studies were prospective. The age of treated patients ranged from extremely low birth weight infants of 23 weeks' gestation to a 19‐year‐old adolescent. The most common indication for either drug was catecholamine‐refractory septic shock (nine reports). Commonly reported responses following AVP/TP administration were a rapid increase in systemic arterial blood pressure, an increase in urine output, and a decrease in serum lactate. In most reports, AVP and TP had a significant impact on the required dose of inotropes which could be reduced. Despite the use of AVP/TP, mortality was high (52/109). In view of the limited number of paediatric patients treated with AVP/TP, no definite recommendations on their use in children with severe forms of cardio‐circulatory failure can be issued. There is a need for larger prospective trials assessing the efficacy and safety profiles of these drugs in a defined setting. Until more data are available, and taking into consideration the detrimental impact catecholamine‐refractory shock has on children, the use of AVP/TP as a rescue therapy should be considered on an individual basis.