Nils Troselius and Anneli Sundqvist
The purpose of the paper is to study the development and implementation of metadata schemes in Swedish governmental agencies, in order to gain a better understanding of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to study the development and implementation of metadata schemes in Swedish governmental agencies, in order to gain a better understanding of recordkeeping practices in contemporary organisations and of the use of metadata and practical implementation of metadata schemes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on two case studies. The data have been collected through qualitative interviews, e‐mail correspondence and analysis of documentary sources, and analysed with help of the records continuum model and the conceptual framework presented in the international standard for metadata, ISO/TS 23081.
Findings
The results from this study show that the agencies had similar reasons to develop metadata schemes, namely to established a unitary and consistent description of records, to enhance retrieval and exchange of information, and to provide external users access to records in compliance with the 24/7‐agency vision. The agencies have, however, chosen different approaches to metadata and based their schemes on different models. This has affected the possibility of capturing contextual relations and transactionality, and thus of guaranteeing the evidential properties of records. The agencies are to various extents covering the different aspects of recordkeeping. None of the agencies are, however, acting in all dimensions of the records continuum model.
Originality/value
The paper shows how the records continuum model can be used as an analytical tool in the study of recordkeeping practices. It further contributes with empirical findings to a field where still little research is done. The paper can also be of value to practitioners seeking to develop and implement metadata schemes for records.
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Keywords
This study aims to explore and identify the information-seeking process and practices of those searching for the forcefully disappeared in Colombia. It answers the questions; how…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore and identify the information-seeking process and practices of those searching for the forcefully disappeared in Colombia. It answers the questions; how do families in Colombia seek information about a disappearance, how is this seeking process mediated and how are information barriers dealt with?
Design/methodology/approach
Based on document analysis and interviews with families and NGO representatives, this bottom-up study explores the trajectory of the families' information-seeking process to highlight the most salient information practices.
Findings
A general trajectory of a search for information is laid out. The overwhelming barriers to information forces families to carry the burden of becoming information providers. NGOs provide situated learning on how to document a disappearance and deal with the state. This knowledge is passed on to families creating communities of practices. The information produced here becomes the main source of knowledge about this crime.
Originality/value
It makes a new contribution to the field of information practices by introducing the context of enforced disappearances using the example of Colombia, identifying a significant information-seeking process.
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Elisabet Höög, Rickard Garvare, Anneli Ivarsson, Lars Weinehall and Monica Elisabeth Nyström
The purpose of this paper is to investigate program management teams' views on issues and challenges in managing a large, multi-sectoral child health promotion program in Sweden…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate program management teams' views on issues and challenges in managing a large, multi-sectoral child health promotion program in Sweden.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 17 participants representing two autonomous program management teams, one strategic and one operational, were interviewed. Analysis of interview data was complemented with reviews of program documents.
Findings
Program management teams identified important issues concerning the program's formal structure, goals, role distribution, and change and dissemination processes, but lacked a shared mental model of the situation. Inter and intra group communication, long- and short-term strategic planning were further areas in need of improvement. While issues and challenges might seem to be agreed upon by the program's change agents, closer inspection reveals variation in key characteristics as well as in perspectives on solutions.
Originality/value
Health promotion programs are challenging. Researchers trying to understand program success have focused on particular interventions, contextual factors and program recipients. Less research has focused on the internal processes of teams tasked with wide-ranging change mandates and the effects such processes can have on program outcomes. This study contributes to a deeper understanding on internal processes and mental models of change agent teams.