P.G. Harris, M.A. Whitmore, B. Fairweather and B.D. Dunn
Electronic materials, particularly tin‐lead coated component leads, may degrade and acquire a poor solderability as a result of long‐term storage or prolonged periods at elevated…
Abstract
Electronic materials, particularly tin‐lead coated component leads, may degrade and acquire a poor solderability as a result of long‐term storage or prolonged periods at elevated temperatures (during burn‐in). This paper presents the results of studies on the surface chemistry and microstructure of such coatings together with a technique for stripping degraded coatings and replacing them with pristine finishes having excellent solderability.
N Ben Fairweather and S Rogerson
This paper looks at citizen‐facing e‐government. It considers how the non‐discretionary nature of the citizen’s relationshipwith government makes citizen‐facing e‐government…
Abstract
This paper looks at citizen‐facing e‐government. It considers how the non‐discretionary nature of the citizen’s relationship with government makes citizen‐facing e‐government different from business‐consumer e‐commerce. Combined with the moral basis of the state, the paper argues that there is an obligation for the state to set an example, which should affect the design of citizen‐facing e‐government, with design‐for‐all being an appropriate philosophy. Other consequences should include a preference for open standards and a wariness of unintentional endorsement of commercial products. E‐government should also offer a good level of data protection and security, and has a role in educating citizens in matters of computer security. Advantages and disadvantages that may come from e‐government adoption are considered, including a number of ways in which cost savings and increases in convenience may be achieved. There are brief discussions of questions of distribution of the benefits of e‐government adoption and of the relationship of e‐government to e‐democracy.
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N Ben Fairweather and Simon Rogerson
Global cultural homogenisation has significant consequences for our responsibility for others in distant parts of the globe. ICT gives a powerful impetus to this cultural…
Abstract
Global cultural homogenisation has significant consequences for our responsibility for others in distant parts of the globe. ICT gives a powerful impetus to this cultural homogenisation. There are a number of distinct elements that contribute to this.
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The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of tensions between old and new in the emerging global society driven by information and communication technology (ICT);…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of tensions between old and new in the emerging global society driven by information and communication technology (ICT); and to argue that creation of a theory of this society would contribute in the easing of these tensions.
Design/methodology/approach
The methods used in this paper are mostly analytical, descriptive, and qualitative. An analysis of the creation and development of ICT from a mathematical discipline of computer science to a universal tool and a driving force of the emerging global society, a development which is paralleled by the commercialization of ICT, is followed by two case studies illustrating the tensions between old and new and the role ICT plays in them. One case is centered on the challenges of traditional models of education by new, ICT‐friendly approaches, like the Multiple Intelligences Theory; the other addresses tensions between old and new that in many societies presently take the form of tensions between local/national and global.
Findings
A claim is formed that the existing tensions between old and new are closely linked to the tensions between the two most common forms of society, inclusive (egalitarian) and exclusive (elitist).
Originality/value
The paper will help understand some of the reactions to the process of globalization. It can serve as a tool for assessment and prediction regarding this process. Lastly, the paper contains a justification of merit in the creation of a “grass root” theory of an ICT‐driven global society built on a universally accepted ethical foundation.
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Anita Reed, James E. Hunton and Carolyn Strand Norman
Telework is becoming a viable and appealing work option in the accounting profession (Hunton, 2005). Many accounting firms have implemented telework arrangements to provide…
Abstract
Telework is becoming a viable and appealing work option in the accounting profession (Hunton, 2005). Many accounting firms have implemented telework arrangements to provide flexibility and support for employees who seek an acceptable balance between career and family. This form of work also supports business sustainability in the event of acts of terrorism or natural disasters. Increased reliance on various forms of telework gives rise to questions of appropriate ethical treatment of affected workers. The objectives of the present study are to examine the ethical implications of telework and identify policies for telework that might help organizations implement this type of work arrangement for their employees in an ethically informed manner. Our analysis draws upon a framework proposed by Yuthas and Dillard (1999) that combines postmodern ethics with stakeholder theory. Although this framework was developed to study the ethical design of information technology systems, we maintain that this structure is equally useful to study the ethical issues inherent with telework. Legislators, regulators, unions, and employers can use the telework policy considerations presented herein as guidelines as they deliberate, design, and implement ethical telework strategies.
This paper aims to examine information and communication science, knowledge and power in relation to a TV “docu‐fiction”. In particular, it will look at the decision‐making…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine information and communication science, knowledge and power in relation to a TV “docu‐fiction”. In particular, it will look at the decision‐making processes of individuals and groups.
Design/methodology/approach
Core information behaviour such as selection and evaluation are examined.
Findings
Some concepts from the fields of information or communication studies are critically examined, e.g. “gatekeeper” or “classification” and re‐analysed in a TV and multi‐channel broadcasting environment.
Practical implications
Positive conclusions show the possible impact of expanding information culture, competence and selection skills, whereby attention is paid to the ethical consequences of information mise en scène.
Originality/value
The obvious, popular and close example of the RTBF “docu‐fiction” can be a model to re‐think and reflect many information programmes and narratives.
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Reza Etemad-Sajadi and Gil Gomes Dos Santos
The objective of this paper is to focus on seniors’ acceptance of the usage of connected healthcare technologies in their homes. The authors integrated into technology acceptance…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to focus on seniors’ acceptance of the usage of connected healthcare technologies in their homes. The authors integrated into technology acceptance model (TAM) several latent variables such as social presence, trust and degree of intrusiveness perceived with the use of connected health technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors distributed the survey by post to 605 seniors. The authors targeted elderly people using connected health technologies (assistive alarm, telecare, sensors, etc.) at home and/or receiving healthcare at home. The authors received 213 questionnaires back. As The authors had several latent variables, the authors used partial least squares (PLS), a variance-based structural equation modeling method.
Findings
The results show that the level of trust in these technologies impacts significantly the perception of usefulness and the degree of intrusiveness. In parallel, the degree of usefulness of these technologies impacts positively elderly people’s intention to accept their usage. Finally, one can claim that the perception of the social presence with the use of these technologies impacts positively the degree of perceived usefulness, trust and intrusiveness.
Research limitations/implications
The sample covers a population benefiting from similar connected health technologies. It was difficult to distinguish and interpret the added value of each technology separately. As more and more elderly people use or are least familiarizing themselves with a range of connected technologies it would be interesting to identify which sets of connected technologies contribute the most to a positive feeling of social presence.
Social implications
These results are particularly relevant to stakeholders in the health industry in their quest to improve their products/services. A better understanding of the relation that the elderly have with connected health technologies is an essential prerequisite to supporting the development of new solutions capable of meeting the specific needs of our seniors.
Originality/value
The authors want to apply the TAM to connected health technologies designed for elderly people and the authors also want to extend it by integrating the social presence, trust and degree of intrusiveness variables to our research model.
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Morven G. McEachern and Joyce Willock
Research into organic production is internationally widespread but has rarely focused on producer's motivations for adopting organic farming techniques and whether organic…
Abstract
Research into organic production is internationally widespread but has rarely focused on producer's motivations for adopting organic farming techniques and whether organic consumers share their values. As conventional agricultural prices remain depressed, questions arise surrounding producer's motivations towards organic production. For example, are motivations based on economic rather than ethical decisions? Additionally, what motivations underpin consumer's organic purchases and are those values shared between producers and consumers? Using postal questionnaires, the attitudes and motivations of both producers and consumers towards organic livestock production, are explored. Future recommendations are made to the industry with regard to the UK market for organically produced meat.
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Caroline Ruiner and Matthias Klumpp
Digitalization is changing organizations with positive and negative impacts such as increased autonomy on the one hand and increased surveillance and control on the other hand…
Abstract
Purpose
Digitalization is changing organizations with positive and negative impacts such as increased autonomy on the one hand and increased surveillance and control on the other hand. In this context, new modes of control occur: in addition to managerial control, new modes of control are multi-directed, stemming from colleagues, customers and underlying algorithms. This paper investigates the interrelation of autonomy and new modes of control in digital work contexts from the workers’ perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data are based on a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with 25 and a quantitative questionnaire with 127 workers from urban food logistics organizations in Germany.
Findings
The results show that new modes of control are relevant for work engagement in digital work contexts: managerial and algorithm control are perceived as support. Peer and customer control are perceived as coercion.
Originality/value
Besides investigating the interrelation of autonomy and control and differentiating new modes of control, our study also makes important contributions to the perception of control as support and coercion.
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The purpose of this paper is to look at current practices and associated consumption patterns in information technology (IT), looking at how impacts of IT, for good and ill, will…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to look at current practices and associated consumption patterns in information technology (IT), looking at how impacts of IT, for good and ill, will be evaluated by green theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes an interdisciplinary approach drawing together literatures from a variety of fields, including green theory, information systems, green economics, computing, energy studies, cultural studies, waste management, and transport research.
Findings
Feedback effects that cause early replacement of software and hardware form a complex, environmentally harmful, vicious circle that can appropriately be called “the upgrade treadmill”. Considering wider impacts of IT suggests that imperatives to renovate, rather than replace, hardware are stronger than narrower considerations of “green IT” would suggest, and there is a responsibility on those involved in the academic disciplines associated with training future IT professionals to try to work against the “upgrade treadmill”.
Originality/value
This paper is novel in exposing green IT to green theory. In doing so, it seeks to move consideration of green IT onto a more rounded basis.