bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Conversational” information systems
Authors: Ford Nigel 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in educational informatics relating to the provision by information systems of pedagogical support to web‐based learners, and to propose further investigation of the feasibility and potential value of web‐based “conversational” information systems to complement adaptive hypermedia and information retrieval systems.Design/methodology/approachThe potential of Pask's conversation theory is considered as a potentially useful framework for the development of information systems capable of providing pedagogical support for web‐based learners, complementary to that provided by existing computer‐assisted learning and adaptive hypermedia systems. The potential role and application of entailment meshes are reviewed in relation to other forms of knowledge representation including classifications, semantic networks, ontologies and representations based on knowledge space theory.FindingsConcludes that conversation theory could be a useful framework to support the development of web‐based “conversational” information that would complement aspects of computer‐assisted learning, adaptive hypermedia and information retrieval systems. The entailment mesh knowledge representation associated with conversation theory provides the potential for providing particularly rich pedagogical support by virtue of its properties of cyclicity, consistency and connectivity, designed to support deep and enduring levels of understanding.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough based on a considerable body of theoretical and empirical work relating to conversation theory, the paper remains speculative in that the gap is still great between, on the one hand, what has so far been achieved and, on the other, the practical realisation of its potential to enhance web‐based learning. Much work remains to be done in terms of exploring the extent to which procedures developed and benefits found in relatively small‐scale experimental contexts can effectively be scaled to yield enhanced support for “real world” learning‐related information behaviour.Originality/valueThe ideas of Pask, discussed in this paper, are capable of guiding the structuring of information according to parameters designed to facilitate deep and enduring understanding via interactive “conversational” engagement between the conceptual structures of information source authors and learners. If one can scale Pask's work to “real world” learning‐related information behaviour, one can increase the range of web‐based information systems and services capable of providing pedagogical support to web‐based learners.
The public library as a meeting‐place in a multicultural and digital context
Authors: Audunson Ragnar 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop an improved conceptual framework for researching and discussing the public library's role as a meeting‐place in a multicultural and digital society.Design/methodology/approachThe development of today's Western societies from societies dominated by one cultural canon, and where the role of the public library is to give the public access to that canon, into societies where a multitude of cultural expressions and values are tolerated and appraised, is summarized. This development is linked to the digital revolution, which opens up for increased communication but might increase a development where people live in segregated cultural niches without being exposed to other values and interests. The general challenge of creating meeting‐places with a potential of promoting that degree of cross‐cultural communication which a community presupposes is presented. Theory and research on meeting‐places and arenas for community communication are presented.FindingsThe concepts of high‐intensive versus low‐intensive meeting‐places are developed. High‐intensive meeting‐places are those arenas where people invest their primary engagement, whereas low‐intensive meeting‐places are arenas where one is exposed to the values and interests of others. The role of low‐intensive meeting‐places in promoting tolerance and community is discussed, and the public library's potential as a low‐intensive meeting‐place is analyzed.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical research based on the concept of high‐intensive and low intensive meeting‐places should be undertaken.Practical implicationsThe concept of low‐intensive meeting‐places has practical consequences for public librarianship. Some of these are specified in the paper.Originality/valueThe paper develops a new concept that might prove fruitful for research as well as for practical librarianship.
Library subject guides: a content management case study at the Open University, UK
Authors: Wales Tim 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo share the experiences and challenges faced by the Open University Library (OUL) in developing a content management (CM) system for its subject guides.Design/methodology/approachA summary of multi‐format subject guide production at the OUL is provided to justify the decision to develop a new system for their production using a commercial CM system. A detailed consideration of the design and implementation stages is given before a critical review of the project outcome.FindingsHighlights the complex design and implementation aspects to the project, in part due to the nature of subject guide content itself, and examines the reasons for the CM system delivered not being adopted. Emphasises the importance of CM to future OU applications.Practical implicationsOf interest not only to other academic libraries but to any organisation seeking to organise and publish original material for different audiences in a variety of formats from a single data source.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to document a systematic approach to library subject guide production using a CM system and the associated information management challenges and realities of multi‐format publishing in an academic publishing context.
Peculiarities of the digital divide in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Mutula Stephen M. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeSeeks to argue that the peculiarities of sub‐Saharan Africa, in terms of its socio‐cultural diversity, low economic development, linguistic factors, HIV/AIDS pandemic, gender discrimination, low ICT awareness and so on, demand a new model of addressing the digital divide.Design/methodology/approachPaper largely based on literature survey and an assessment of the existing models of addressing global digital divide.FindingsSub‐Saharan Africa has certain peculiarities in high levels of poverty, high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, repressive regimes, civil wars, diversity of cultural and linguistic factors, gender discrimination, etc. that require new models for bridging the digital divide and that recognise the uniqueness of the sub‐continent.Research limitations/implicationsMore research is needed to determine new models of bridging the digital divide that can help sub‐Saharan Africa to leapfrog into the information age.Practical implicationsMore attention is needed to alleviate poverty and meet people's basic needs for livelihood if attempts to integrate ICT into their lives are to be effective.Originality/valueSub‐Saharan Africa has largely relied on models of the developed countries to bridge the digital divide without paying close attention to how various technologies can effectively be integrated in the lives of the people to alleviate poverty and consequently stimulate ICT uptake. This paper provides some solutions.
Factors affecting the full use of library and information management systems by library personnel
Authors: Skretas Georgios 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo provide a general list of factors that affects and determines the full use of library information management systems (LIMS) by library staff.Design/methodology/approachThe factors, which were identified mainly during participation in the implementation of automation projects in Greece, are listed and briefly analysed in categories relevant to the system aspect and to the library aspect.FindingsA balanced coverage of all factors should guide towards a full use of an LIMS. Certainly, in cases where detailed documentation and so on are needed, this approach is not enough, but as a starting‐point it might be useful.Originality/valueThe list of factors could be used as a checklist by anyone wishing to investigate or control the reasons for the full use, or not, of an LIMS in a specific library as well as the existing conditions prior to installing an LIMS.
Serials Solutions and LinkFinderPlus at the University of Wales Swansea
Authors: Brown Andrew , Smyth Neil 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo provide practical information on two electronic journal‐related products implemented in Library and Information Services at University of Wales Swansea.Design/methodology/approachAn overview is provided of the evaluation of electronic journal management products undertaken and subsequent implementation.FindingsSerials Solutions was evaluated as the best product to assist in the management of electronic journals at Swansea University with LinkFinderPlus, an OpenURL resolver, being used to connect to the full‐text journal articles from the library catalogue, citations, abstracts or other journal articles.Practical implicationsProvides assistance to institutions in exploring a number of technical issues relating to electronic journal management systems and a process for evaluating and selecting a system.Originality/valueBoth systems are still relatively new technology and many institutions will be considering the purchase of both types of system.
Migration of data from one library management system to another:a case study in India
Authors: Matoria Ram Kumar , Upadhyay P.K. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo share the experiences gained during the migration of library data from one library management system (LibSys™) to another (e‐Granthalaya™).Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the step‐by‐step approach taken to migrate the existing library data to the new software. The paper also discusses the peculiarities of the source software from which data were converted and the practical approach adopted in solving the problems faced during the conversion.FindingsDuring the process of the conversion of the library data from one software to another many lessons have been learned. These lessons and experiences will be useful for us in the future to import/export the data from other software such as MINISIS, CDS/ISIS, TECHLIB PLUS, etc. being used in Indian libraries. Moreover, the switch over from one software to another is also useful for the libraries as the existing data are refined and cleaned during the conversion process.Originality/valueThe authors share the lessons learned during the conversion process and hope that these will be useful to others in migration of data.
Assembly in aerospace features at IEE seminar
Authors: Rooks Brian 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo review presentations on assembly and joining given at a seminar, “The changing face of robotics: inside and outside the factory”, organised by the UK Institution of Electrical Engineers.Design/methodology/approachDetails are given of three presentations. The first is by Dr Phil Webb of the University of Nottingham, who described a project to develop a flexible robotic cell capable of riveting and assembling aero‐structure components, in which a new method of “simulation‐based control” evolved. In the second, Pearl Agjakwa of Nottingham University and Craig Johnson of Rolls Royce talked about shape metal deposition, a process by which layers of weld are deposited by robot to form complex aerospace components with minimal tooling and short lead times. The final presentation was by Dr Wolfgang Kölbl of Meta Vision Systems on laser vision robot guidance. Applications in automotive and a new cross vision sensor were described, the latter being applicable to hole location such as for drilling and riveting.FindingsRobotics inside the factory is extending into new areas of assembly and fastening and is now finding applications in the aerospace industry and not just in automotive.Originality/valueProvides a review of some new assembly‐related process developments in robotics.
Hose production machines bring savings for US manufacturer
Authors: Rooks Brian 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe paper describes the operation of two hose maufacturing machines.Design/methodology/approachThe systems use servo drives (Rexroth) and ultrasonic cutting heads.FindingsSystem reduces costs and gives greater flexibility with an expected payback time of 2‐3 years.Originality/valueA useful source of information for those involved in special purpose machinery manufacturing.
Using piezoelectric technology to improve servo gripper performance in mini‐ and microassembly
Authors: Karjalainen Ilpo , Sandelin Teemu , Heikkilä Riku , Tuokko Reijo 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to research the possibilities of using piezoelectric technology to improve accuracy and other characteristics of parallel servo grippers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents in detail two different kinds of developed two‐fingered servo grippers based on piezoelectric technology with parallel moving mechanics. The first gripper is based on standing wave ultrasonic motors. The other gripper is a traditional gripper, the characteristics of which have been improved with integrated piezoelectric stack actuators. Both servo grippers have been tested and the test results and experiences are introduced in the paper.FindingsIt is possible to improve the accuracy and characteristics of a parallel servo gripper with piezoelectric technology.Research limitations/implicationsIn the future it is necessary to concentrate on the mechanical design of gripper bodies and the fingers. Grasping force feedback signal should be even more linear and noiseless.Practical implicationsPiezoelectric stack actuator's limited displacement is a problem in many practical applications when elastic or rough surface parts are handled. When integrated piezoelectric stacks are used with servo grippers, it is very important to focus on gripper's mechanical design and especially on the mechanical rigidity for getting the best possible results.Originality/valueFurther developed versions of these servo grippers can be used in high accuracy industry applications instead of traditional servo gripper technologies.
A selective disassembly methodology for end‐of‐life products
Authors: Kara S. , Pornprasitpol P. , Kaebernick H. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to develop a selective disassembly methodology for generating an optimum disassembly sequence for end‐of‐life (EOL) products.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a selective disassembly methodology for EOL products. In order to achieve this, Nevins and Whitney's methodology for assembly was modified. In addition, a Java‐based software was developed to speed up the generation of all possible disassembly sequences.FindingsFinds that the methodology developed by Nevins and Whitney for assembly is applicable to disassembly process. In addition, the winnowing process for disassembly is much easier than for assembly because of the selective disassembly approach, which automatically provides a significant constraint on possible sequences.Research limitations/implicationsProvides an easy to use and visual disassembly sequence generation tool for end‐of‐life products.Practical implicationsDisassembly is one of the significant cost drivers in achieving close loop manufacturing. Application of the methodology proposed in this paper will significantly reduce the disassembly time by providing a disassembly sequence for the selected components with reuse potential.Originality/valueProvides a graphical representation of disassembly sequences at different stages of the process, which allows the user to visualize the disassembly process.
Use of artificial neural networks for determining optimum thread forming speeds for thread forming fasteners
Authors: Chumakov Roman E. , Nauk Kandidat 
Published: May 2005

PurposeDevelops a neural network based system for optimum assembly speeds using thread‐forming fasteners.Design/methodology/approachUses a three layer neural network to optimise thread forming speeds based on thread diameter and pitch and the total number of thread coils.FindingsThe method demonstrates savings in energy and reduction in torque values of 20‐30 per cent.Research limitations/implicationsProvides a method that works even when less experimental data are available.Practical implicationsThe method should provide a higher quality and reliability and allow thread‐forming fasteners to be used in new application areas.Originality/valueProvides an efficient and less labour intensive method for insertion speed optimisation.
An investigation into joining of austenitic‐stainless steels (AISI 304) with friction welding
Authors: Sahin Mumin 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to determine if friction welding is suitable for welding austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304)Design/methodology/approachUses an experimental continuous drive friction welding set‐up. Determined the strength, hardness and microstructure of the joined parts.FindingsFinds that the joint strengths are 96 per cent of those of the base metals with no significant hardening.Practical implicationsFriction welding is an appropriate joining method for austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304).Originality/valueAids in understanding appropriate uses of friction welding for joining stainless steel.
Concurrent design and manufacturing process of automotive composite components
Authors: Sapuan S.M. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo present the findings of the research on the use of concurrent engineering in the development of polymeric based composite automotive clutch pedal. It covers the use of various IT such as expert system, FEA, CAD, mould flow and rapid prototyping in order to carry out various activities such as material selection, total design, design analysis and mould flow analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe work started with the conceptual design of an automotive composite clutch pedal. Various design guides related to composite materials were followed. The final concept of the composite clutch pedal is developed using Pro/Engineer solid modelling package. Design analysis was carried out using LUSAS to study the optimum pedal lever cross section and the optimum rib patterns in pedal lever. Mould flow analysis was investigated to predict the behaviour of materials inside the injection moulding machine and the results are compared with experimental values. Rapid prototyping models were developed based on two techniques namely 3D printer and stereolithography and they are compared in terms of quality, time and cost.FindingsIn this study, the integrated IT tools enable the designer to design and manufacture automotive an composite clutch pedal at higher quality and faster time compared to a metal counterpart. By adopting composite design guides, weight saving from implementing composite materials in the clutch pedal is achievable. It is found that an expert system for material selection enables designer to select the suitable composite material for the clutch pedal by considering various parameters such as strength, modulus, density, manufacturing and economic constraints. Rapid prototyping models enable the designer to communicate effectively their design to other parties early in the design process. Mould flow analysis is carried out to predict the behaviour of material inside the mould and to design the optimum moulding parameters such as fill time, fill temperature and gate location.Originality/valueIn this study, the originality lies in the integration of various IT tools in the development of composite clutch pedal. The designer is exposed to various design and manufacturing issues from the implementation of such approach early in the design process.
From rhetoric towards a model of practical knowledge management systems
Authors: Xu Jun , Quaddus Mohammed 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of knowledge management systems (KMSs) in Australia.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative field study was undertaken, in which six Australian organizations of various sizes, all in various stages of KMS adoption and diffusion, were studied via face‐to‐face interviews with key personnel in the organizations.FindingsA comprehensive combined model of adoption and diffusion of KMS was developed and is presented in detail.Practical limitations/implicationsThis paper explains how the combined model can be used for practical applications in companies that are embarking on KMS adoption and diffusion.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the KMS literature by taking a qualitative research approach to develop a comprehensive model.
Adoption and diffusion of knowledge management systems: an Australian survey
Authors: Xu Jun , Quaddus Mohammed 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of knowledge management systems (KMSs) in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed methodology approach. The research was carried out in three stages: field study, pilot survey, and national survey (top 1,500 companies). This paper reports the findings of the third phase of the study – the national survey. The data of the national survey was analyzed through structural equation modeling (LISREL).FindingsThe results indicate that individual factors and task complexity are the significant factors that influence the perceived usefulness of KMSs which, in turn, significantly influence the intention to adopt a KMS and its diffusion process. Some unexpected results were also found.Originality/valueThere is a scarcity of studies on the empirical perspectives of KMSs in the literature, especially in the area of adoption and diffusion. This research addresses this gap by studying the adoption and diffusion of KMSs in Australian organizations.
Export intermediation and the internet: an activity‐unbundling approach
Authors: Houman Andersen Poul 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo construct a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of the digitalisation of transactions on the organisation of export intermediation.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual/research paper with a number of illustrative examples – primarily from SMEs.FindingsIn the paper, a range of internet‐enabled forms of export intermediation are derived, offsetting the conventional trade‐off between resource commitment and marketing control.Practical implicationsThe paper holds a number of relevant insights for export managers seeking to integrate the possibilities of the digital revolution in the organisation of their export marketing activities. These include reshuffling of export marketing tasks among the actors in the marketing channel and new forms of activity specialisation among actors.Originality/valueUsing the theoretical framework of Alderson in combination with transaction cost theorizing. The paper provides a novel theoretical approach for understanding the evolution of marketing institutions in the export marketing field.