The purpose of this paper is to explore the need to create greater accessibility in libraries through the lens of sustainability.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the need to create greater accessibility in libraries through the lens of sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploration of various types of theories including disability theory and sustainability as applied to business structure.
Findings
Using a two tiered approach, that of disability theory and sustainability, can create a useful framework for addressing issues of sustainable accessibility.
Originality/value
Accessibility is a major concern in libraries and creating a sustainable approach rather than utilizing a one size fits all angle will create better library buildings, spaces, and services. This paper focuses on discussing these issues in a way that allows for readers to come away with ideas about how to start shifting attitudes and programs toward a greater degree of sustainable accessibility.
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Philip H. Mirvis and Christopher G. Worley
This chapter introduces the volume’s theme by considering how the forces of globalization and complexity are leading organizations to reshape and redesign themselves, how meeting…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter introduces the volume’s theme by considering how the forces of globalization and complexity are leading organizations to reshape and redesign themselves, how meeting the challenges of sustainable effectiveness and shared value require multiorganization networks and partnerships, and how networks and partnerships develop, function, and can produce both private benefits and public goods.
Design/methodology/approach
We apply findings from social and political evolution frameworks, partnership and collaboration research, and design for sustainability concepts to induce the likely conditions required for sustainable effectiveness from a network perspective.
Findings
Successful partnerships and collaborations in service of sustainable effectiveness will require individual organizations to change their objective function and build new and varied internal and external capabilities.
Originality/value
The chapter sets the stage for the volume’s contributions.
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Barbara de la Harpe and Thembi Mason
The promise of Next Generation Learning Spaces appears to remain unfulfilled. This chapter explores why and how the design of professional learning for academics teaching in such…
Abstract
The promise of Next Generation Learning Spaces appears to remain unfulfilled. This chapter explores why and how the design of professional learning for academics teaching in such spaces can and should be transformed. It takes a fresh look at why old professional development is failing and proposes a new way to engage academics in their own professional learning. Rather than continuing with traditional professional development that is most often, ad hoc, formal and centrally driven, comprising mandated professional development workshops and a website that may only be visited once, the chapter explores the move from ‘old’ professional development to ‘new’ professional learning. It draws on the fields of organisational theory, cognitive theory and behavioural economics.
New professional learning is characterised by a ‘pull’ rather than a ‘push’ philosophy. Academic staff themselves drive their own learning, choosing what, when and how they want to learn to become better teachers. Multiple and various learning opportunities embedded in day to day work are just-in-time, self-directed, performance-driven and evaluated within an organisational system. In this way the institutional setting influences behaviour by ‘nudging’ habits and setting defaults resulting in academics making the ‘right’ decisions and doing the ‘right’ thing. By addressing the compelling issue of how to enhance academic staff teaching capability, this chapter can help university leaders to think beyond the professional development approaches of yesterday. Aligning with this new direction will result in enhanced learning and teaching in the future.
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Chris Berg, Sinclair Davidson and Jason Potts
The purpose of this paper is to explore the long-run economic structure and economic policy consequences of wide-spread blockchain adoption.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the long-run economic structure and economic policy consequences of wide-spread blockchain adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach uses institutional, organisational and evolutionary economic theory to predict consequences of blockchain innovation for economic structure (dehierarchicalisation) and then to further predict the effect of that structural change on the demand for economic policy.
Findings
The paper makes two key predictions. First, that blockchain adoption will cause both market disintermediation and organisational dehierarchicalisation. And second, that these structural changes will unwind some of the rationale for economic policy developed through the twentieth century that sought to control the effects of market power and organisational hierarchy.
Research limitations/implications
The core implication that the theoretical prediction made in this paper is that wide-spread blockchain technology adoption could reduce the need for counter-veiling economic policy, and therefore limiting the role of government.
Originality/value
The paper takes a standard prediction made about blockchain adoption, namely disintermediation (or growth of markets), and extends it to point out that the same effect will occur to organisations. It then notes that much of the rationale for economic policy, and especially industry and regulatory policy through the twentieth century was justified in order to control economic power created by hierarchical organisations. The surprising implication, then, is that blockchain adoption weakens the rationale for such economic policy. This reveals the long-run relationship between digital technological innovation and the regulatory state.
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Tracks the evolution of Internet interconnection and charging arrangements, drawing comparisons with telecommunication carriers’ arrangements. Focuses on how pricing arrangements…
Abstract
Tracks the evolution of Internet interconnection and charging arrangements, drawing comparisons with telecommunication carriers’ arrangements. Focuses on how pricing arrangements could change ISP relationship’s nature from peer‐ to hierarchy‐based systems. Spotlights Internet basics and differences between telecoms and Internet pricing systems. Concludes that because of ISP, free riders and non‐explicit service subsidies, days are numbered.
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This article analyses the existing retail and distribution legal framework in which Internet companies operate, focusing on data breaches and other issues of relevance to these…
Abstract
Purpose
This article analyses the existing retail and distribution legal framework in which Internet companies operate, focusing on data breaches and other issues of relevance to these companies. In order to identify who should be responsible for the largest share of improving people's quality of life, this study takes into account the perspectives of both consumers and businesses (or service provider). The author states that where there is a high probability of a security or privacy breach and the customer suffers moderate to severe damage, the burden of proof may shift to the corporation. However, the customer's obligation is conditioned by factors such as the customer's risk tolerance, the customer's losses and the efficiency of the security investment.
Design/methodology/approach
The author suggests that the decentralized nature of blockchain, information sharing, immutability and smart contracting capabilities have the potential to disrupt established business models and social norms. Challenges related to trust, customs oversight and payments are discussed, as well as the process of creating the framework for electronic commerce. As part of this research, the author has taken into consideration the increasing popularity of Internet shopping.
Findings
The author demonstrates that due to the worldwide reach of the internet and the fast advancement of computer technology, the economies of the globe have grown increasingly linked. Even though e-commerce has been growing rapidly in recent years due to innovations in both technology and international retail and distribution forms, it still confronts a number of challenges.
Research limitations/implications
In e-commerce that makes use of blockchain technology, there are significant costs associated with transferring data formats, a lack of consensus and limited emissivity in the flow of law and information. Reduced costs and associated negative externalities would be tremendously beneficial for both private enterprise and forward-thinking public policy.
Practical implications
This paper examines the potential liability concerns that may arise in the context of electronic transactions should a breach of security or privacy occur, as the author shows from a practical standpoint. Computers, mobile devices, tablets, sensors, smart meters and even autos are just some of the many channels via which data may be sent. It is conceivable for data flows in e-commerce, cloud and the Internet of Things to follow a regular pattern. This may endanger the confidentiality or security of the data. These have evolved into a significant barrier that web stores must overcome.
Originality/value
The author argues that resolving disputes related to the processing of electronic transactions is crucial to the growth of e-commerce businesses since customer happiness is directly correlated with business success.