bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital libraries, virtual museums: same difference?
Authors: Barton Jane 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper provides an overview of activities in the field of virtual museums and considers a number of issues for which there are parallels in the field of digital libraries.Design/methodology/approachUsing a range of illustrative examples, we attempt to determine what defines a virtual museum on the one hand and a digital library disguised as a virtual museum on the other; when it makes sense for virtual museums to work in partnership with digital libraries, or draw on digital library research and development; and how the power of the digital environment might be harnessed to further the traditional values of the museum community.FindingsFinds that virtual museums and digital libraries have much in common and the boundaries between them are increasingly blurred. The provision of object‐level metadata, needed to realise the wider potential of the digital environment to enhance and extend the traditional museum experience, gives rise to a number of issues which are shared by libraries and for which shared approaches would be beneficial. In particular, collaboration between the museum and library communities is essential if solutions to the problems of cross‐domain searching are to be found and its potential to facilitate new knowledge creation fully exploited. However, any collaborative approach must take into account the differences, as well as the similarities, between the two communities, as these differences are fundamental and defining.Originality/valueThe paper will be of interest to museum, library and other information professionals, and particularly those developing distributed and/or cross‐domain digital collections.
A comparative analysis of strategic human resource management (SHRM) issues in an organisational context
Authors: Jain Priti 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper analyses the opinions of the Botswana National Library Service's (BNLS) Headquarters (HQ) staff and staff of the Botswana public libraries on strategic human resource management issues, which were tested by six hypotheses.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis was carried out by statistical means. The t‐test was the method used for comparing the two groups' mean scores. Analyses were repeated using the Chi‐squared test.FindingsThe study identified a number of issues where staff had differences of opinion: changing employees' expectations about work, transformational leadership, job satisfaction, performance feedback and delegation of responsibility. The paper briefly discusses the issues where the status of the library influenced staff opinions.Research limitations/implicationsIt is to be noted that the data collected from HQ has to be used with caution because the number of respondents there was smaller than the respondents from public libraries.Practical implicationsThe author throws light on human resource management techniques in the everyday library environment. This paper may help policy makers to identify ways in which they can motivate their employees; it may help policy planners to identify their staff's different requirements.Originality/valueThis paper provides a useful and insightful application of a general human resource management tool to the specific organizational context of public libraries.
Use of LIS journals in developing countries – a comparative study of Malaysia and Pakistan
Authors: Afaq Novera , Mahmood Khalid 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe paper analyses the use of library and information science (LIS) journals (electronic and paper) in two developing countries, i.e. Malaysia and Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the results of a survey distributed to a population consisting of two sets of LIS journal users. The targeted group includes two sets of graduate students from Departments of Library and Information Science, each in an academic institution from one of the two countries.FindingsLIS journals have as their objective the provision of guidance in the education and learning process of LIS students and the provision of leadership in the practice of librarianship. The profession needs to have a heightened awareness of LIS journals and requires fast and easy access to this body of literature. For developing countries this objective can only be met through help of developed nations who can provide improved means to access LIS journals more efficiently and more effectively in both paper and electronic format.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study did not take in a large population of LIS journal users, but they do provide ground for further research in this area.Practical implicationsThe results of the survey questionnaire provide a better understanding about the usefulness of LIS journals as an educational tool and their contribution towards development of librarianship in both countries.Originality/valueThere is comparatively little written on the use of LIS journals in developing countries. This paper helps fill that gap. The choice of a comparison between two contrasting developing countries' use of the literature is particularly useful, because the contrast throws into sharper relief the appropriate actions that should be taken to meet user needs.
Promoting excellence in food hygiene
Authors: Worsfold Denise 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline some of the benefits and limitations of the new Welsh Hygiene Award Scheme.Design/methodology/approachThe benefits and limitations of the scheme are considered in relation to consumers and the industry.FindingsThe Welsh Hygiene Award Scheme appears to be popular with award winners, some of the local authorities and most of the public who are aware of it. It is too early to determine whether the initiative has resulted in an overall improvement in the hygiene standards of businesses. Unfortunately, the initiative does not inform the public of actual standards in food premises. This lack of transparency mainly relates to a lack of information for businesses and the public, limited publicity for the scheme in the media and the evident need to educate the public.Originality/valueIt adds to the limited literature on the evaluation of similar initiatives. Given that the FSA is considering the option of launching a national food hygiene award scheme, there is a need to carefully evaluate this and other schemes before finalising options.
Development, acceptability and nutritional evaluation of an indigenous food blend fermented with probiotic organisms
Authors: Sindhu Sangeeta C. , Khetarpaul Neelam 
Published: April 2005

PurposeProbiotic fermented foods are fast being recognized as health foods. Most of such developed foods are based on dairy products and much less work is available on cereals/legumes which constitute the staple diet in developing nations. In the present study an attempt has been made to develop a barley‐based probiotic fermented food mixture and report its acceptability and nutritional profile.Design/methodology/approachIndigenously developed BCGT food mixture containing barley flour, milk coprecipitate, sprouted green gram paste and tomato pulp (2:1:1:1, w/w) was autoclaved (1.5kg/cm2, 15min., 121○C), cooled and fermented with 2 per cent liquid culture (containing 106 cells/ml broth). Two types of fermentations were carried out i.e. single culture fermentation [ L. casei, L. plantarum (37○C, 24hr.)] and sequential culture fermentation [S. boulardii (25○C, 24hr.)+L. casei (37○C, 24hr.); S. boulardii (25○C, 24hr.)+L. plantarum (37○C, 24hr.)]. The lyophilized and rehydrated food mixtures were subjected to organoleptic and nutritional evaluation. The data were statistically analysed for analysis of variance in a completely randomized design according to standard methods.FindingsAll the fermented and lyophilized food mixtures were found to be organoleptically acceptable to human palate and maintained adequate cell viability. The pH of the fermented products varied from 4.13 to 4.55. They had good nutrient profile with crude protein content ranging from 20.87 to 21.81 per cent.Practical implicationsSince the developed product had good acceptability after one month storage at room temperature, it can be considered for commercialization after establishing its health/therapeutic implications.Originality/valueTill date dairy foods have preferentially been used as the carrier medium for probiotics. This paper explores the possibility of using staple foods as the carrier medium. The consumption of such food mixtures may be useful in controlling pathogens/antibiotics induced diarrhoea as well as in hypercholesterolemia. To authenticate such claims, the results of trials carried out on mice in our lab shall be reported in future communications.
Children’s consumption of snacks at school in Mauritius
Authors: Oogarah‐Pratap B. , Heerah‐Booluck B.J. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe snacking habits of children can be a cause for concern. Little research has been undertaken on the snacking habits of Mauritian schoolchildren. This study was conducted to identify the popular snacks upper primary schoolchildren (8‐12 year old) buy at school. It also aimed at determining the factors that influenced children’s purchase of snacks.Design/methodology/approachTwelve primary schools were selected using stratified random sampling. Thirty children from each school were involved. Data collection methods included an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and observation of schoolchildren’s snacking habits during lunch‐time. Canteen sellers were also interviewed to gather information about the most popular snacks and their cost.FindingsFindings revealed that most of the popular snacks were high in sugar, fat, energy or salt. Snacking habit of schoolchildren was significantly associated with age and gender (p<0.05). Children’s snacking habit seemed to be largely influenced by the cost of snacks, their taste and availability, and the amount of pocket money.Originality/valuePrevious studies on snacking habits have focused on lower primary schoolchildren (5‐7 year old) and adolescents, while this study has focused on the upper primary schoolchildren (8‐12 year old). The findings provide a sound basis for health and education authorities to develop a national policy on the sale of nutritious foods in primary school canteens.
Breast cancer, estrogen, soy genistein, and other dietary factors
Authors: Demmig‐Adams Barbara , McCauley Lindsay 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this literature review is to examine underlying mechanisms through which soy may affect breast cancer risk.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is to summarize the emerging mechanisms of how isoflavones, such as genistein, interact with processes leading to breast cancer.FindingsThe key finding of this analysis is that these mechanisms include a multitude of contrasting effects of genistein on estrogenic and non‐estrogenic signaling pathways controlling cell growth. Furthermore, several of these mechanisms are also regulated by additional dietary factors, such as omega‐3 fatty acids (found e.g. in fish) and various other phytochemicals (factors found generally in plant‐based foods). The available mechanistic information supports (i) a potent effect of dietary factors on cell growth and (ii) a synergistic effect of different dietary components, such as soy, fish, and plant‐based foods.Practical implicationsIn conclusion, the practical implication of this analysis is the conclusion that the mechanistic information available at this time does not support a recommendation for an isolated increase in soy to decrease breast cancer risk.Originality/valueThis article should be of value for health care providers, nutritionists, and consumers.
Breast cancer, Asian diet, and soy genistein – a matter of all or nothing?
Authors: McCauley Lindsay , Demmig‐Adams Barbara 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between soy consumption and breast cancer risk since soy isoflavones, such as genistein, are currently discussed as possible breast cancer‐fighting agents in the Asian diet.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is to summarize and evaluate the available literature on the effect of soy, and the Asian diet, on breast cancer risk.FindingsA key finding of the current analysis is that the effect of genistein depends strongly on dosage and developmental stage during which exposure occurs. The overall conclusion and value of this comprehensive analysis is that the available evidence does not support a recommendation for increased soy consumption as a breast cancer‐preventing agent against the background of a Western diet. Instead, additional general components of the Asian diet, such as fish and plant‐based food, may be involved in lowering breast cancer risk.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation to drawing final conclusions at this time is that further research is clearly needed to better understand the overall effect of soy and other dietary factors.Practical implicationsThe practical implication for health care providers, nutritionists, and consumers is therefore a recommendation to avoid isoflavone supplements and enhanced soy consumption alone at this time without an increased intake of the other Asian diet components.Originality/valueThis review arrives at new conclusions about the connection between soy and breast cancer that are summarized under findings and should be valuable for health care providers, nutritionists, and consumers
Integration and the hidden curriculum in business education
Authors: Ottewill Roger , McKenzie George , Leah Jean 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe principal aim of this paper is to present the case for securing greater affinity between the formal curriculum and the hidden curriculum with respect to integration in business education.Design/methodology/approachConsideration is given to the concept of the hidden curriculum, as manifested in the compartmentalised nature of academia and the need for this to be offset by business educators. A number of principles for configuring the hidden curriculum in ways that support the goal of integration are suggested.FindingsSome of the literature on the hidden curriculum emphasises the need for consistency in the learning culture so that students' understanding of what their course is seeking to achieve is underpinned by the structures and processes that play an important part in shaping their learning experience.Practical implicationsIf integration is the goal of business education then attention should be given to creating a learning environment in which its virtues are clearly demonstrated and the vices of compartmentalisation are eschewed.Originality/valueThe paper complements the very limited literature on the hidden curriculum in higher education, in general, and business education, in particular.
A cross‐national comparison of knowledge management practices
Authors: Dana Leo‐Paul , Korot Len , Tovstiga George 
Published: April 2005

PurposeA distinguishing feature of the successful “post‐Network Age” enterprise is its intrinsic entrepreneurial character that manifests itself in key organizational knowledge practices relating to organizational culture, processes, content and infrastructure. The purpose of this article is to explore organizational knowledge‐based practices.Design/methodology/approachThe article reports on the outcome of field research in which entrepreneurial firms in four geographic regions were analyzed with the help of a diagnostic research tool specifically developed for profiling organizational knowledge‐based practices. The diagnostic tool was applied in firms located in Silicon Valley in the USA, Singapore, The Netherlands and Israel.FindingsKey practices that were found to be common to leading‐edge firms in all regions included: a propensity for experimentation; collective sharing of knowledge, and collective decision making. The paper describes the research in terms of a cross‐cultural comparison of the four regions, derives key determinants of competitiveness, profiles regional characteristics which enhance innovation and entrepreneurship and closes with a discussion on the implications of the research outcomes for entrepreneurial firms seeking to build a global presence.Originality/valueThe research provides evidence that innovative, entrepreneurial firms – no matter where they are located – tend to exhibit organizational knowledge practices, cultural beliefs, values and behavioral norms that are more akin than dissimilar, regardless of national context.
Fitting in organizational values
Authors: Huang Min‐Ping , Cheng Bor‐Shiuan , Chou Li‐Fong 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe current leadership literature has paid little attention to understanding the intervening mechanism by which leaders influence followers. In order to partially bridge this gap, the article aims to present a value‐fit charismatic leadership theory which focusses on the key intervening mechanism – person‐organization values fit.Design/methodology/approachThe model was tested empirically on 180 participants, including 51 managers and 129 employees from 37 large‐scale companies in Taiwan.FindingsBased on the block regression analysis, the results showed that CEO charismatic leadership has both direct and indirect effects on employees’ extra effort to work, satisfaction with the CEO, as well as organizational commitment, which are mediated by employees’ perceived person‐organization values fit. The findings also provided evidence that the relationship between charismatic leadership and person‐organization values fit is significant. Furthermore, the analysis also showed the significant effects of person‐organization values fit on employee outcomes.Originality/valueThe study shows how CEO charismatic leadership can, through the mediating effect of person‐organization values fit, have profound influence on employee outcomes.
Self‐management of work groups through corporate values: from theory to practice
Authors: Sodenkamp Daniel , Schmidt Klaus‐Helmut , Kleinbeck Uwe 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe recently introduced collective effort model (CEM) enlightens from a theoretical point of view different facets of the relationship between individual and group performance. From a more practical point of view, the Productivity Measurement and Enhancement System (ProMES) can be seen as an ideal counterpart to the CEM. ProMES is a technique enabling work groups to improve their performance. The article aims to show how CEM and ProMES can be put together.Design/methodology/approachA ProMES implementation in an industrial setting is described. Moreover, ProMES effects are analyzed by assistance of the knowledge from the CEM.FindingsIt was found that the overall positive productivity effects of ProMES can be increased if a pay‐for‐performance‐system is added on. That is, feedback reports can easily serve for the implementation of a group compensation system. Therefore, the overall effectiveness score has to be taken into account.Originality/valueThe paper is a useful source of information for organizations looking to better their organizational performance through the implementation of CEM and ProMES.
Employee empowerment in the Greek context
Authors: Dimitriades Zoe S. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to examine the validity and reliability of Spreitzer's and Menon's instruments in a culturally diverse environment. To test whether individualized measures of Hofstede's cultural dimensions are related to employee empowerment in the Greek context.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate the multidimensional nature of the empowerment construct and the discriminant validity and reliability of its basic dimensions principal component analysis with varimax rotation is conducted. Furthermore, correlation analysis is employed to examine the relationship between empowerment, power distance and uncertainty avoidance and to compare current with existing findings. The analysis is based on valid responses from 154 Greek employed students to self‐administered surveys.FindingsOverall, the results of the present study are congruent with the literature in the area, confirming the usefulness of a view of empowerment characterized by the dimensions of perceived control (or impact), perceived competence, and goal internalization (or meaning). Furthermore, the level of psychological empowerment in this investigation compares quite favorably with reported findings from Canada, the USA and Australia. Finally, whereas uncertainty avoidance is significantly positively associated with overall empowerment and all of its sub‐scales, contrary to expectations, power distance is unrelated to feelings of empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the results, in line with existing findings, seem to confirm the cross‐national validity and reliability of the Spreitzer and Menon instruments, they also tentatively indicate the potential relativity of the empowerment concept in non‐American settings – especially in terms of its important determinants. Future research should aim to refine the discriminant validity of Spreitzer's sub‐scale of self‐determination. Replication of current findings using probability sampling to address issues of potential within‐country cultural variability also warrants further consideration.Originality/valueThe study establishes the validity and reliability of two of the most popular instruments in the empowerment literature in the Greek context. In addition, the paper highlights links between work‐related cultural values and perceived empowerment among Greek employees – a pertinent but inadequately researched issue in Greece.
The importance of national culture in operations management research
Authors: Pagell Mark , Katz Jeffrey P. , Sheu Chwen 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test the validity of national culture as an explanatory construct for international operations management decision‐making.Design/methodology/approachNational culture is multi‐dimensional thereby allowing for much finer grained comparisons than are possible when examining differences based purely on geography or the level of industrialization. This proposition is examined from the theoretical standpoint then empirically investigated using an existing database.FindingsThis article finds that national culture significantly explains international operations management behaviors among similar manufacturing plants in the same industry located in different cultures.Originality/valueThis study represents a first attempt at using national culture to explain differences of operations decision‐making.